From the National Cyber Awareness System:
NCCIC has observed an increase in ransomware attacks across the world. Ransomware is a type of malicious software, or malware, designed to deny access to a computer system or data until a ransom is paid. Ransomware typically spreads through phishing emails or by unknowingly visiting an infected website.
Ransomware can be devastating to an individual or an organization. Anyone with important data stored on their computer or network is at risk, including government or law enforcement agencies and healthcare systems or other critical infrastructure entities. Throughout different ransomware events, NCCIC’s best practices and guidance remain the same:
- create system back-ups
- be wary of opening emails and attachments from unknown or unverified senders
- ensure that systems are updated with the latest patches
NCCIC encourages users and administrators to review its Ransomware page and the U.S. Government Interagency Joint Guidance for further information.