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Locky Ransomware Devastates Healthcare Industry

Posted: August 18, 2016 to Cybersecurity.

Tags: Ransomware, Malware, HIPAA, Data Breach

On numerous occasions we have warned about the threat of the Locky strain of ransomware, particularly in the healthcare industry. Now researchers at say FireEye that so far this month there have been some massive email campaigns spreading the malware. It would appear that based on the findings, the healthcare industry is once again the main target, but it seems that some of the techniques have changed. The hackers responsible are beginning to use DOCM formatted attachments. Additionally, each one has unique code with instructions to download Locky from a C&C server. This isn’t surprising considering 69% of attacks in quarter two of this year involving a malicious document ended up in a Locky infection. That’s an increase over the 24% in quarter one. FireEye’s interest may have to do with them being a company that specializes in large scale breaches, like those committed by hackers working on behalf of nation-states. These sort of large scale hacks are on the decline, and the hackers behind them are now turning to things like ransomware as a low risk, high reward means of making up for lost revenue. Consequently, companies like Firefly are beginning to realize that most business don’t have to worry so much about advanced persistent threats as they do about ransomware. The best way to prepare for a ransomware attack is to develop robust backup and data recovery policies with those backups being stored offline, especially in the health and finance industries. Secondly, businesses and organizations need to train their employees to be able to recognize social engineering attacks and phishing emails. It’s also a good idea for everyone to be running the latest version of their operating system and that their anti-malware software is up to date. Finally, every organization should have their email gateways scan and block any malicious code it comes across. In order to better protect yourself from being taken advantage of by ransomware, download the free Ransom Protection Checklist. If you find that you might be at risk, schedule a free 10 minute Ransomware Safety Review.

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About the Author

Craig Petronella, CEO and Founder of Petronella Technology Group
CEO, Founder & AI Architect, Petronella Technology Group

Craig Petronella founded Petronella Technology Group in 2002 and has spent more than 30 years working at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI, compliance, and digital forensics. He holds the CMMC Registered Practitioner credential (RP-1372) issued by the Cyber AB, is an NC Licensed Digital Forensics Examiner (License #604180-DFE), and completed MIT Professional Education programs in AI, Blockchain, and Cybersecurity. Craig also holds CompTIA Security+, CCNA, and Hyperledger certifications.

He is an Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author of 15+ books on cybersecurity and compliance, host of the Encrypted Ambition podcast (95+ episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon), and a cybersecurity keynote speaker with 200+ engagements at conferences, law firms, and corporate boardrooms. Craig serves as Contributing Editor for Cybersecurity at NC Triangle Attorney at Law Magazine and is a guest lecturer at NCCU School of Law. He has served as a digital forensics expert witness in federal and state court cases involving cybercrime, cryptocurrency fraud, SIM-swap attacks, and data breaches.

Under his leadership, Petronella Technology Group has served 2,500+ clients, maintained a zero-breach record among compliant clients, earned a BBB A+ rating every year since 2003, and been featured as a cybersecurity authority on CBS, ABC, NBC, FOX, and WRAL. The company leverages SOC 2 Type II certified platforms and specializes in AI implementation, managed cybersecurity, CMMC/HIPAA/SOC 2 compliance, and digital forensics for businesses across the United States.

CMMC-RP NC Licensed DFE MIT Certified CompTIA Security+ Expert Witness 15+ Books
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