Section 6.51 Ransomware

Question 1

Ransomware

Answer 1

Type of malicious software that is designed to block access to a computer system or its data by encrypting it until a ransom is paid to the attacker

Question 2

2021 Ransowmware attack

Colonial Pipeline CO.

Answer 2

Major US Fuel company that was forced to shut down thier pipeline. The company was unable to use thier pipeline for 5 days.

The attackers demanded and recieved ransom of up to $4.4m in Bitcoin to provide the key for the attack

Question 3

How can we protect ourselves and our organizations against ransomware?

Answer 3

■ Always conduct regular backups

■ Install software updates regularly

■ Provide security awareness training to your users

■ Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Question 4

What should you do if you find yourself or your organization as the victim of a ransomware attack?

Answer 4

■ Never pay the ransom: Doesn’t actually guarantee that you will ever get your data back

■ Disconnect it from the network

■ Notify the authorities

■ Restore your data and systems from known good backups