The Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in Los Angeles, California paid a ransom in bitcoins equivalent to about $17,000 to hackers who infiltrated and disabled its computer network. CEO Allen Strefanek stated that it was in their best interest to pay the ransom because it was the quickest and most effective way to restore and obtain the decryption key, in order to restore normal operations.
This attack is often called ransomware, where hackers encrypt a computer networks data to hold it hostage, providing a digital decryption key to unlock it for a large price. These ransomware attacks are not just targeting large institutions, it can happen to anyone, even individuals. Be sure to not click on suspicious links. What will happen is it will block you from accessing your computer and instead, youll see a message that says, Pay this amount, and then Ill let you get back in.
This ransomware is growing larger and larger due to bitcoins, the online currency that is hard to trace, that is widely preferred for hackers to collect the ransom. It is so easy to buy bitcoin though, and it is a good thing in some instances. You would think we could trace where the money goes, but these bitcoin payments end up going to anonymous digital wallets so you never find out whos behind it. Whilst this could clearly be seen as a massive drawback to bitcoin, a massive positive is anyone can trade in bitcoin thanks to bitcoinrevolution. However, it is clear that the cryptocurrency world could do with some form of regulation. There are dozens of people who are using ransomware today from organized groups to individuals. If you want to stay legal and have some fun with the digital currency, you could visit XCOINS for more information. Ransomware attacks are more commonly launched upon businesses and organizations than individuals so if you’re keen to get into cryptocurrency, you shouldn’t feel as if the risk of this happening is a high one. To get started yourself, learning how to buy bitcoin is an essential first step to make.
Network attacks are increasing year over year. In 2013, the number of attacks each month rose from 100,000 in January to 600,000 in December according to a 2014 report by Symantec, the maker of antivirus software. The number of ransomware attacks are expected to increase even more in 2016.
It is estimated on average, 3% of users with infected machines pay a ransom. Its not clear how many of those users were individuals or companies. Some of those ransomware attacks will go unreported because the victims didnt want it publicized.
Network attacks like the ransomware could delay work operations. It took the Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center 10 days after the attack to be in full operation again. Be sure your network is secured!
As a small information technology business owner ourselves, located in Orange County, California, we make sure all our networks are secured. Be sure to let all employees know about this ransomware attack so no one clicks any suspicious links, especially in their emails, and dont go to any sites that you dont trust.
The good news here is that we can help you protect yourself against this ransom, get your network secured soon before its too late. Call us at 949-235-8743 or fill out a form for your free 2 hour network evaluation. As an IT company based in Laguna Hills, California, our focus is providing the highest quality, value, and cutting edge technology to businesses in Southern California.