Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malicious software, or malware, that prevents you from accessing your computer files, systems, or networks and demands y'all pay a bribe for their return. Ransomware attacks can crusade costly disruptions to operations and the loss of critical information and information.

You can unknowingly download ransomware onto a computer by opening an email attachment, clicking an ad, following a link, or even visiting a website that's embedded with malware.

Once the code is loaded on a computer, it will lock access to the computer itself or data and files stored there. More menacing versions can encrypt files and folders on local drives, attached drives, and even networked computers.

Most of the time, you don't know your computer has been infected. You unremarkably find it when you tin can no longer access your data or y'all see estimator messages letting you lot know well-nigh the attack and demanding ransom payments.

Tips for Avoiding Ransomware

The all-time mode to avoid being exposed to ransomware—or whatever type of malware—is to be a cautious and conscientious computer user. Malware distributors accept gotten increasingly savvy, and you demand to be careful about what yous download and click on.

Other tips:

  • Keep operating systems, software, and applications electric current and upward to date.
  • Make sure anti-virus and anti-malware solutions are prepare to automatically update and run regular scans.
  • Back up data regularly and double-check that those backups were completed.
  • Secure your backups. Make certain they are not connected to the computers and networks they are bankroll upwards.
  • Create a continuity plan in case your business or organization is the victim of a ransomware assail.

Your computer screen freezes with a pop-up message—supposedly from the FBI or another federal agency—saying that because you violated some sort of federal law your computer will remain locked until you pay a fine. Or you get a pop-up message telling you that your personal files have been encrypted and you have to pay to get the key needed decrypt them.

How to Respond and Study

The FBI does not support paying a ransom in response to a ransomware assail. Paying a ransom doesn't guarantee you or your system will get whatever data dorsum. It also encourages perpetrators to target more victims and offers an incentive for others to go involved in this type of illegal activity.

If you are a victim of ransomware:

  • Contact your local FBI field office to request assistance, or submit a tip online.
  • File a report with the FBI'due south Internet Criminal offence Complaint Heart (IC3).

Resources

  • 03.fifteen.2022

    FBI Tampa Asking Businesses to Eternalize Defenses Against Ransomware

    The FBI Tampa Cyber Crime Task Force is reminding public and private sector businesses to take the necessary steps to minimize ransomware risks.

  • 03.10.2022

    Quondam Canadian Government Employee Extradited to the United States to Face Charges for Dozens of Ransomware Attacks Resulting in the Payment of Tens of Millions of Dollars in Ransoms

    Sebastien Vachon-Desjardins was extradited from Canada to the U.S. on an indictment that charges him with conspiracy to commit computer fraud in connection with his alleged participation in a sophisticated form of ransomware known as NetWalker.

  • 03.09.2022

    Sodinokibi/REvil Ransomware Defendant Extradited to The states and Arraigned in Texas

    Yaroslav Vasinskyi, a Ukrainian national, made his initial appearance and was arraigned on charges of conducting ransomware attacks against multiple victims.

  • 03.03.2022

    FBI Memphis Field Part Reminds Tennesseans About the Risk of Ransomware

    The FBI Memphis Field Office is seeing a meaning increase in the number of ransomware attacks, which is a type of malicious software or malware.

  • 12.21.2021

    FBI Seattle Warns About Ransomware

    LT Chu, a senior supervisory intelligence analyst for the FBI'due south Seattle Field Part, discusses ransomware, malicious software that blocks access to a computer organisation or files until a "ransom" or monetary amount is paid.

  • 12.01.2021

    Former Employee of Technology Company Charged with Stealing Confidential Information and Extorting Visitor for Bribe While Posing every bit Bearding Attacker

    Nickolas Sharp was arrested for secretly stealing gigabytes of confidential files from a New York-based engineering science visitor where he was employed.

  • ten.28.2021

    Russian National Extradited to United States to Face Charges for Alleged Role in Cybercriminal Organisation

    Vladimir Dunaev, a Russian national, had his initial advent in federal court for his alleged role in a transnational, cybercriminal organization.

  • 10.22.2021

    #BECYBERSMART—Cybersecurity Awareness Month & Ransomware + Video Link

    During Cybersecurity Awareness Month, observed each October, the FBI and its partner agencies remind you to do your part and #BeCyberSmart all year long.

  • 06.07.2021

    Deputy Director Speaks at Printing Briefing on Colonial Pipeline Ransomware Set on

    FBI Deputy Director Paul Yard. Abbate delivered remarks during a press conference in Washington, D.C., with Department of Justice officials announcing the seizure of ransom proceeds from the group DarkSide following the Colonial Pipeline network compromise.

  • 06.07.2021

    Department of Justice Seizes $2.3 Million in Cryptocurrency Paid to the Ransomware Extortionists DarkSide

    The Department of Justice seized funds allegedly representing the proceeds of a ransom payment to individuals in a grouping known as DarkSide, which targeted Colonial Pipeline and resulted in disquisitional infrastructure being taken out of operation.