Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware in which hackers access files and encrypt them, demanding payment to restore access. Coverage includes ransomware attacks on cities, states, schools and public utilities, as well as legislative efforts to curb the threat and set policy on how to respond.
Every one of these attacks is an outrage, disrupting commerce, threatening the prospects of otherwise healthy organizations and requiring lavish investments to harden systems against hacking.
Four days after a ransomware attack crippled its systems, the California-based Patelco Credit Union remained unable to tell its members when banking operations would return to normal.
Nearly three months after a ransomware attack disrupted phone lines, computer services and Wi-Fi across Solano County's public libraries, systems are still down with no recovery in sight.
The city has cyber protection in its insurance, but is seeking to expand its coverage. Its finance and IT directors made the request to the city’s finance panel last week. The request heads to the City Council Tuesday.
County officials are considering software in the cloud for the 911 central dispatch software service that was affected in the June 12 ransomware attack. Used to reach law enforcement and first responders, that system remains offline.
A ransomware attack that has impacted the Seattle Public Library and its 27 branches continues to be felt nearly a month after its discovery May 25. E-book access has been restored, but computer networks remain down.
After last week's ransomware attack shut down the network for Grand Traverse County and Traverse City operations, staff are continuing to implement "creative workarounds" to get government work done.
City officials have not estimated how long the closure could drag on, but recovery efforts have taken weeks, even months, in other U.S. cities that have fallen victim to similar attacks.
A spokeswoman for Mayor Justin Bibb said the breach has been “contained” but couldn’t say whether the city has agreed to, or will consider, paying the ransom. The city is working with the Ohio National Guard and the FBI to investigate.
Roughly a day after a ransomware attack hit Grand Traverse County systems, essential services were fully operational, city and county officials said. County government phone systems, however, were among those still not working normally.
