Federal Ransomware: A Rising Threat

If you haven’t heard of ransomware yet, you will. Ransomware is more than just malicious software – it’s a dangerous cyberthreat that can cost your agency millions of dollars. Even worse, ransomware can disrupt crucial public services that citizens rely on daily.

Ransomware threatens to publish victims’ data or continuously block access to it unless a ransom is paid. Most media coverage of ransomware has focused on state and local agencies. Despite this, recent evidence suggests it might be a growing problem for federal agencies too. Even worse, ransomware can cost agencies at any level their energy, money and time. And with ransomware proving profitable for scores of cybercriminals, it’s an issue that likely isn’t disappearing anytime soon.

In three lessons, we’ll discuss what ransomware is and which three forms agencies usually encounter it in. You’ll also hear about recent survey data that explains what impact ransomware has had on agencies from the top down. Finally, we’ll share three steps that can help your agency prepare for, withstand and survive ransomware no matter its size.