Tips On Avoiding Ransom Demands This Holiday Season

As we near the end of the year, it's important to bear in mind the holiday season often comes with an increase in cyber risks. A recent report sheds light on a ransomware attack launched last Christmas.

On December 25, 2021, a Crown corporation in Saskatchewan received a ransom demand after its systems were breached, according to an investigation report by the Office of the Saskatchewan Information and Privacy Commissioner. The breach took place in November 2021, compromising the personal information of approximately 40,000 people, but wasn't detected until the ransom demand.

While the Crown corporation promptly reported the breach and notified affected individuals, the Commissioner found some shortcomings in the organization's cybersecurity strategy. The Commissioner also provided some comments and recommendations that are helpful for all organizations as they brace for increased cybersecurity attacks this holiday season.