The latest example of a modern-day ransomware attack demonstrates how data encryption and ransom can no longer be the assume extent of an attack. Two weeks ago, outsourcing service provider ExecuPharm released a notice of data breach to their consumers. In it, ExecuPharm noted experiencing a ransomware attack in March of this year where “employees […]
Can COVID-19 Related Data Breach Worries Stop Your Mergers Or Acquisitions?
The WSJ just reported that the new coronavirus has thrown the M&A dealmaking into disarray. They said: “cybersecurity experts say the workplace upheaval caused by the pandemic will complicate mergers and acquisitions when activity picks up. Countless employees are working remotely on networks that might be vulnerable to attack, while others with access to confidential […]
![[Heads Up] Microsoft: Ransomware Gangs That Don’t Threaten To Leak Your Data Steal It Anyway](https://i0.wp.com/www.optricsinsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/human-operated-ransomware-payloads-blog-4.png?fit=600%2C299&ssl=1)
[Heads Up] Microsoft: Ransomware Gangs That Don’t Threaten To Leak Your Data Steal It Anyway
That means you can from now on count a ransomware infection as a data breach with all the consequences that this brings. Moreover, the so-called “human-operated” ransomware gangs have stepped up their attacks amid the pandemic to maximize their ill-gotten profits. In fact, Redmond also reported that they launched more of the file-encrypting malware on […]
German Health Authorities Lose €1.5 Million in COVID-19 Mask Purchase Scam
Reaching an all-new low, an international team of individuals setup an elaborate online scam taking advantage of the current need for healthcare equipment to fight COVID-19. Just when you think scammers can’t get any worse, you hear about a multi-national scam team intent on taking money from healthcare organizations in their time of most critical […]
COVID-19 Emails go From Zero to Half a Million a Day in Just Three Months
According to new data from security researchers at Forcepoint, the interest in coronavirus-themed emails and websites by cybercriminals is cause for concern. As with any globally newsworthy story, the bad guys find ways to piggyback on the public’s interest. And while it doesn’t look like the timing of these malicious campaigns is perfectly aligned with […]
New Potential Phishing Scam Begins with A Phone Call
A recent suspicious phone call was brought to our attention. It looks to be the beginning of a phishing campaign and demonstrates the lengths cybercriminals will go to in order to ensure success. One of our threat analysts reached out to me today and shared an email they received from a customer who wanted to […]
Sitting Ducks: When Employees Work from Home
As the COVID-19 health crisis rages on and millions of workers and students move to working from home (WFH) and online distance education, no one should make the error of thinking that working and learning from the comfortable and familiar surroundings of home somehow makes these employees and students safe. They are not safe. If […]
Beware! The FCC Releases Audio Samples of Coronavirus Phone Scams
Scammers sink to a new low with these phone scams preying on the fears of U.S. citizens offering hopes of better protecting themselves from the Coronavirus. We’ve all received robocalls by now, but a new group of calls centered around the coronavirus has received the attention of the FCC. Covering a wide range of themes, […]
FBI Warns of Stimulus Check Scams
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) issued an alert warning of coronavirus-related phishing attacks, particularly surrounding economic stimulus checks. The news that the US government is likely to send upwards of $1,000 to most Americans has created a golden opportunity for scammers, especially since the delivery method for the cash is still uncertain. “Look […]
Ransomware Attack on Police Department Encrypts Evidence, Sets Criminals Free
Holding data for ransom often has business repercussions beyond just delays and inconvenience. In the case of a police investigation, it’s putting criminals back on the street. Last year, the police department in Stuart, FL was hit with a ransomware attack. The ripple effect of this attack is still being felt as the evidence in […]