The FBI recently released an
article discussing the spate of ransomware attacks on a variety
of different entities, including hospitals. In the article, the FBI
warned that ransomware attacks and the cybercriminals carrying them
out are growing increasingly sophisticated. The FBI opposes
paying a ransom when hit by a ransomware attack, saying that doing
do incentivizes more ransomware attacks, can inadvertently fund
other illegal activity, and does not always result in the
restoration of access. The FBI recommends that entities focus
on prevention efforts like employee training, patching operating
systems and software, and restricting access to files, directories,
and/or networks. The FBI also recommends that entities focus
on "business continuity efforts" in case of a ransomware
attack, like backing up files securely, so systems can be
restored. The full listing of the FBI's recommendations
is provided below:
