Ransomware

The U.S. has struck a rare blow against an international ransomware gang, charging one alleged member of a hacker ring that has shut down health care facilities, colleges and utilities companies, NBC News reports.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has issued a warning that cyber criminals are unleashing a major ransomware attack targeting health care systems.

Federal agencies say cybercriminals are unleashing a major ransomware assault against the U.S. healthcare system.

One January morning two years ago, hackers seized control of the Bedford Police Department’s electronic records. They were holding them hostage, and time was ticking; the longer the town waited to pay up, the higher the ransom demand would climb.

Cities and towns are vulnerable to ranswomare attacks that seize control of valuable files and holds them hostage until they pay up.

Many ransomware attacks begin with something as simple as an email that looks like it’s from someone you trust.