Cybersecurity

CISA Leader Puts Health Sector Project on the Level of Election Security Initiative

A senior adviser brought in to boost the pandemic-driven effort says new materials are coming and stresses the importance of organizations acting on the agency’s advisories as part of their risk calculus.

Cybersecurity

Foreign Hackers Cripple Texas County’s Email System, Raising Election Security Concerns

The malware attack, which sent fake email replies to voters and businesses, spotlights an overlooked vulnerability in counties that don’t follow best practices for computer security.

Cybersecurity

Cybercriminals Strike Schools Amid Pandemic

At least 16 school districts have been victimized in a rash of ransomware attacks since the end of July.

Cybersecurity

Justice Department Charges 5 Chinese Nationals with Hacking More than 100 Companies

Two Malaysian businessmen also were arrested in Malaysia and face extradition in related charges.

Cybersecurity

CISA, FBI Warn Iran-based Threat Actor May Be Planning Ransomware Attacks 

The attacker is targeting virtual private networks and cloud computing vulnerabilities, and has been present in victim networks for several months.

Ideas

Subj: This Email Could Wreak Havoc on the 2020 Election

Beware of COVID-related phishing threats that target local voting.

Cybersecurity

Ransomware Attacks Demanding Larger Payouts from Local Governments

The average ransom demanded of a local government in a cyberattack grew from $30,000 to $380,000, according to one cybersecurity firm.

Ideas

Ransomware Criminals Are Targeting U.S. Universities

The schools are attractive targets because of weak cybersecurity measures and medical research data.

Cybersecurity

Hospital Hackers Seize Upon Coronavirus Pandemic

“We have become easy targets,” a hospital deputy administrator said.

Cybersecurity

Key Defense Supplier Hit by Ransomware

The hackers also allegedly stole sensitive documents from Visser Precision, which makes parts for Lockheed, Boeing, and SpaceX.

Cybersecurity

CISA Shares Details About Ransomware that Shut Down Pipeline Operator

One cybersecurity firm links the incident to a December attack on the Coast Guard.

Cybersecurity

With Cybercriminals on the Attack, States Help Cities Punch Back

As cybercriminals increase their attacks against local governments, some states are helping cities and counties better protect themselves.

Cybersecurity

Like Voldemort, Ransomware Is Too Scary to Be Named

Wary of alarming investors, companies victimized by ransomware attacks often tell the SEC that “malware” or a “security incident” disrupted their operations.

Cybersecurity

Survey: Ransomware Will Continue to Threaten Public Sector Organizations in 2020

About one-third of the state and federal IT officials who responded said they faced a ransomware attack in the last three years. 

Cybersecurity

What Cities Can Learn From Atlanta’s Cyberattack

Atlanta’s chief information officer explains why it’s better to spend millions recovering city computer systems from a cyberattack than to pay ransom.

Cybersecurity

Ohio Establishes ‘Cyber Reserve’ to Combat Ransomware

The civilian unit of the National Guard will be on call to assist local governments that come under cyberattack.

Cybersecurity

Texas Chief Information Officer Shares Lessons Learned from Ransomware Attack

The 23 municipalities hit in a July ransomware attack put themselves at risk by failing “to follow good cyber hygiene,” the state’s CIO said.