3/15/16, This Week in News - Ransomware

Today we introduce a new segment to inform you further: the weekly news. This segment will pull several articles to one convenient location for our readers. The goal is to keep you informed about the most recent threats to help you watch out for them and improve your security awareness in your business.

In keeping with the previous weeks’ topic of Ransomware, Astria Business Solutions wished to provide you with some recent news articles on the subject of this increasingly common form of malware.
 
1. Ottowa Citizen, “Ottowa Hospital Hit with Ransomware”

This article was particularly interesting as it came not long on the heels of a Ransomware attack on another hospital last month, although there are notable differences in both cases. It appears that this hospital was successful in stopping the attack from spreading, likely by disconnecting the infected systems. Only 4 of their 9,800 computers were infected, which left them with options on how to proceed. The Ottowa Hospital also had proper backups in place, and was able to recover data that otherwise may have been lost without paying a ransom. This is a good example of how to effectively handle Ransomware.

2. We Live Security, “New Mac ransomware appears: KeRanger,spread via Transmission app”

Contrary to common belief, Apple’s computers, phones, and tablet devices continue to prove to have flaws in their security, just like most other operating systems. Last week a new form of Ransomware popped up, this one targeting Mac OS X users running a BitTorrent app known as Transmission. ESET’s article has a lot of useful info for people who may have been infected, or those who simply wish to know more about how this particular form of Ransomware behaves.

3. Info World, “4 Reasons Not to Pay Up in a RansomwareAttack”

This article offers some food for thought on the risks of paying the demands of a Ransomware attack. As we discussed last week, it is definitely not advised to do so, if only for the reason that you may not even have your data unlocked. But this article offers further insight, warning that paying the ransom can actually make you a target for further attacks from cyber criminals.


That’s all for this week, check back next Tuesday for further news from across the web, all here at Astria Horizon. If you want more information on how Astria Business Solutions can assist you in your Information Security goals, visit our website at AstriaBiz.com