The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has launched a new website to reduce the risk of ransomware and help organizations enhance network defenses and be more aware and prepared to deal with malicious cyber actors.
StopRansomware.gov includes information about the critical steps that should be taken to respond to and recover from a cyberattack. This includes a comprehensive Ransomware Guide and Cyber Hygiene services that are available at no cost to help organizations with vulnerability scanning, web application scanning, penetration testing, and phishing assessments.These services can help to assess, identify, and reduce exposure to cyber threats like ransomware.
Ransomware cases are on the rise, according to CISA. In 2020 alone there was a 300% increase in the amount of ransoms paid, compared to the previous year. Ransomware incidents have become more destructive and impactful in both nature and scope.
Malicious cyber actors target critical data and can propagate ransomware across entire networks. Cyber criminals also increasingly use tactics, such as deleting system backups that make restoration and recovery more difficult or infeasible for impacted organizations. The economic and reputational impacts of ransomware incidents, throughout the initial disruption and, at times, extended recovery, have also proven challenging for organizations large and small.
CISA is urging all organizations to visit StopRansomware.gov to help mitigate ransomware risks.