Ransomware is a serious threat to many organizations, especially in the healthcare sector. Recently, the Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) in Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania, was targeted by BlackCat Ransomware, a Russian criminal gang. The cyber criminals threatened to leak intimate photos of a patient taken during a scan if their demands were not met. This reveals the desperation and willingness of criminals to do anything to make money.
Another similar incident occurred recently with the Medusa Ransomware gang, who targeted Minneapolis Public Schools. They demanded a ransom of $1 million and threatened to leak screenshots of handwritten notes related to two students facing allegations of Se$u@l Assault. These examples demonstrate the malicious intent of ransomware gangs and the need for law enforcement to take serious action against them.
Victims of ransomware attacks should take proactive steps to secure their networks and, if necessary, consider recovery measures without paying the criminals. Prompt payments not only increase crime but also do not guarantee a decryption key. To ensure maximum security, the Biden government has implemented strict laws such as slapping sanctions against criminals and monitoring digital currency payments in the crypto world.
In conclusion, the threat of ransomware is very real, especially for healthcare organizations. Victims must take preventive steps to secure their networks and consider recovery measures without paying the criminals. Meanwhile, the Biden government is taking steps to curb such incidents on national infrastructure by implementing sanctions and monitoring digital currency payments.