Adrian Johnson
TLDR:
- Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther is calling for a national strategy to combat cyber and ransomware attacks in the US.
- Cyber security company Emsisoft is tracking criminal gangs responsible for attacks and urging a ban on ransom payments.
Columbus Mayor Andrew Ginther is pushing for the implementation of a national cybersecurity plan to address the surge in cyber and ransomware attacks targeting cities in the United States. According to Ginther, Columbus is one of the 50 cities that have been hit by ransomware attacks this year, following 95 attacks last year. These statistics were sourced from New Zealand-based cyber security company Emsisoft, which tracks the activities of criminal gangs involved in these attacks.
Emsisoft’s cyber analyst Luke Connolly revealed that criminal gangs operate randomly, throwing various threats to see what sticks. Connolly identified 260,000 stolen files from Columbus on the dark web within minutes, emphasizing that it’s crucial not to download stolen data due to ethical and legal reasons. He is presently monitoring 155 criminal gangs based in countries like Russia, Iran, China, North Korea, and Belarus, noting that they operate like companies with managers and development departments.
Connolly pointed out that the gangs recruit affiliates in regions where attacks occur to carry out the hacks, sharing revenue with successful affiliates. Emsisoft has tracked ransomware attacks in various locations, including Columbus, with an increase in the average ransom amount from $5,000 in 2018 to $1.5 million last year. The company recommends investments in technical cyber protection and employee education to combat these attacks effectively.
One of the key recommendations from Emsisoft is for ransomware victims to stop meeting demands, as this provides financial incentives for attackers. Connolly highlighted that jurisdictions banning ransom payments have seen a decrease in attacks. The ransomware attack group Rhysida claimed responsibility for the attack on Columbus, with the FBI listing 120 victims on the dark web.
Mayor Ginther issued an “update” urging citizens and employees to sign up for free credit monitoring funded by the city. As the push for a national cybersecurity plan continues, the focus remains on preventing ransomware attacks and ensuring the security of cities and organizations against cyber threats.
