Welcome to ISMG's Ransomware Resource Center!

Ransomware has rapidly become one of the world's most prevalent types of cybercrime. The lure for criminals is easy to see: Using highly automated and easily distributed crypto-locking malware to forcibly encrypt systems, attackers can demand bitcoin ransoms in exchange for decryption keys. Use this Ransomware Resource Center for the latest details on emerging ransomware variants, threat intelligence on attackers, plus best practices for detection, response and remediation.

In Ransomware Battle, Bitcoin May Actually Be an Ally

Jeremy Kirk • June 17, 2021

Bitcoin has enabled fast payments to cybercriminals pushing ransomware. How to deal with bitcoin is the subject of a spirited debate, with some arguing to restrict it. But bitcoin doesn't always favor cybercriminals, and it may actually be more of an ally than a foe by revealing webs of criminality.

Cybercrime

How Did FBI Recover Colonial Pipeline's DarkSide Bitcoins?

Latest

Breach Notification

Ransomware Attack Compromises Fertility Patients' Records

Doug Olenick • June 21, 2021

Reproductive Biology Associates, an Atlanta-based clinic operator, and its affiliate, MyEggBank North America, report their systems were hit by a ransomware attack in April but say they regained control of their network and data after contacting the attackers.

Critical Infrastructure Security

Fake DarkSide Ransomware Gang Targets Energy, Food Sectors

Akshaya Asokan • June 20, 2021

Fraudsters falsely claiming to be the now-shuttered DarkSide ransomware gang are targeting organizations in the food and energy sectors by sending hoax emails that attempt to extort ransoms from victims, the security firm Trend Micro reports. None of the victims has detected a data compromise so far.

Business Continuity Management / Disaster Recovery

Senate Approves Chris Inglis as National Cyber Director

Scott Ferguson • June 18, 2021

The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved Chris Inglis as national cyber director. He assumes the role as the country is still reeling from a series of ransomware attacks and the SolarWinds supply chain attack. Meanwhile, confirmation of a new CISA director is on hold.

Breach Notification

Senators Draft a Federal Breach Notification Bill

Scott Ferguson • June 18, 2021

A bipartisan group of senators is circulating a draft of a federal breach notification bill that would require federal agencies, federal contractors and businesses that have oversight over critical infrastructure to report significant cyberthreats to CISA within 24 hours of discovery.

Fraud Management & Cybercrime

ISMG Editors’ Panel: NATO's Cybersecurity Policy and More

Anna Delaney • June 18, 2021

In the latest weekly update, a panel of Information Security Media Group editors discusses key topics, including NATO's new cyber defense policy, the outlook for congressional regulatory action to address the ransomware threat, and cybersecurity comments by U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin.

Critical Infrastructure Security

Ransomware Roundup: Avaddon Exits; Clop Suspects Arrested

Anna Delaney • June 18, 2021

The latest edition of the ISMG Security Report features an analysis of the Avaddon ransomware gang's retirement and the crackdown on the Clop ransomware gang in Ukraine. Also featured: Bitcoin as ally in the ransomware battle; strengthening U.S. cybersecurity defenses.

Cybercrime

Analysis: The Cyber Impact of Biden/Putin Summit Meeting

Scott Ferguson • June 17, 2021

After U.S. President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed cybersecurity issues at their Wednesday summit meeting in Geneva, security experts and analysts began sizing up what the next steps might be following what some are calling a "transformational moment."

Business Continuity Management / Disaster Recovery

DHS Preparing More Cybersecurity Requirements for Pipelines

Scott Ferguson • June 16, 2021

The Department of Homeland Security unit that's responsible for the safety of the nation's interstate pipelines is preparing new cybersecurity requirements for oil and gas companies in the wake of the Colonial Pipeline Co. ransomware attack.

Cybercrime

The Best of Virtual RSA Conference 2021

Information Security Media Group • June 15, 2021

With the RSA Conference virtual this year, ISMG replaced its two live on-site studios with a suite of home studios and produced a diverse group of interviews on timely topics with thought leaders who will be solving cybersecurity's most urgent problems.

Cyberwarfare / Nation-State Attacks

NATO Endorses Cybersecurity Defense Policy

Scott Ferguson • June 15, 2021

The U.S. and its NATO allies endorsed a new cybersecurity defense policy during President Biden's visit this week with member states in Brussels. The policy agreement comes as Biden prepares to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday to discuss cybersecurity and other issues.

Critical Infrastructure Security

UK Plans for Enhanced Cybersecurity Role

Akshaya Asokan • June 13, 2021

The U.K. says it plans to turn the country into a global leader in cybersecurity, in partnership with the U.S, to counter threats ranging from ransomware to critical infrastructure attacks, according to a report by U.K. newspaper the Telegraph.

3rd Party Risk Management

ISMG Editors' Panel: The FBI's Global Cryptophone Sting

Anna Delaney • June 11, 2021

Criminals tricked into using an FBI-run encrypted messaging app, Verizon's 2021 Breach Investigations Report and overcoming the challenges of recruiting cybersecurity professionals are among the latest cybersecurity topics to be featured for analysis by a panel of Information Security Media Group editors.