On ransomware, F-Secure, and f-ing good computer security.
Dear reader,
Parts of the country have seen a significant spike in power outages this summer. Severe weather and heat stress the U.S. power grid, and many believe outages could increase in the years ahead. For some smart and practical tips to stay connected, take a look at the Wall Street Journal article in the first news icon below - "Prep Your Technology for Power Outages."
Ransomware - the evolution of extortion
In 2014, before the term was broadly understood, I called ransomware "the evolution of extortion." Soon after, I predicted its growth would outpace all other crimes domestically and worldwide. By 2016, according to Interpol, the prediction came true.
At about the same time in 2016, the CyberAdvisor noted two other ransomware-related trends unfolding:
Attacks were increasingly targeting individuals and professional offices, not just traditional institutional targets.
Ransom payments were trending higher as attacks became more sophisticated and engineered for optimal success (sometimes including blackmail for payment demand leverage.)
The media hasn't reported much about the small, individual victims. Headlines, for now, focus on the numbers, like the amount of ransom paid. However, damages are as much or more of a threat to consumers as institutions.
✓ Eventually, the press will pick up on the individual, human-element to ransomware.
In the meantime, as we enter Q4 of 2020, volume and ransoms are exploding to the upside.
Ransomware still everywhere
One driver of growth is the IoT - Internet of Things. More everyday objects and appliances have internet connections, expanding the attack surface for the perpetrator.
"Worries about a lack of security for these (IoT) technologies persist because many weren’t built to allow the same patching and maintenance rigor as other systems connected to the internet. That leaves an opening for hackers."
Wall Street Journal, Sep 30th.
✓ Doorbells, cameras, Alexa - any internet-connected device is a gateway for risk and cyber-related loss.
A 2019 studydetermined 89% of Amazon Fire TV channels and 69% of Roku channels keep tabs on user viewing habits.
Another IoT research paperdiscovered that 72 out of 81 IoT devices examined share data with third parties unconnected to the original manufacturer.
The data these devices share is far from basic. In many cases, it includes sensitive information, like location data and usage habits.
For an update on ransomware facts through the first half of 2020, see the news links in the tiles below.
Protecting from ransomware
Protecting personal computers and laptops from the barrage of threats they face every day is no simple task. Traditional, retail anti-virus products struggle to keep up with the increase in attack volume, novel strain varieties, software updates, and the innovative criminal mind.
✓ At TDS, we distinctly use enterprise-grade cybersecurity to protect individuals and personal technology.
Solutions are built for mission-critical security, but affordable and straightforward to use on the technology we use every day.
Remote monitoring & management
Real-time protection 24/7
Automatic software updates
AI and machine-learning enhanced
Visible and verifiable
F-Secure PSB for Macs and Windows
TDS is an open platform, meaning we can always find best-in-class for the client without limitations due to vendor commitments or contracts. In a world of great change and increasing innovation, we think staying 'open' is a smart strategy for our clients.
For computer security (also called device protection and end-point security), we find F-Secure's PSB, Protection Service for Business, has long been a standout performer.
You can trace the exceptional performance to F-Secure's history and esteemed position in the IT security industry since 1988. The firm dominates the field with consistent performance over the years, and since 2014 we have not found a better alternative. When we do, we will tell you.
"F-ing good security"
In late July, the IT Pro Editor's Choice for Endpoint Security gave F-Secure's PSB performance a perfect 5-stars calling it "F-ing good security."
The service is typically only available to businesses and large organizations. TDS makes it accessible, affordable, and easy to use for the rest of us.
✓ For protecting Windows and Macs from ransomware and other device risks, there is no better solution than F-Secure PSB.
"Before a blackout hits your area, here are the phone settings you’ll want to enable and the gear that will keep you connected in case of a power outage."TheWSJ, Sep. 20, 2020.
Ransomware Payments Increase 60% as Email Phishing Rises
"Ransomware attacks are growing in sophistication, scope, effectiveness, and cost." KnowBeFour, Aug.5th, 2020
Ransomware up 700% in 2020
"There's been a huge increase in the number of ransomware attacks over the course of 2020, with a seven-fold rise in campaigns compared with just last year alone." ZDNet, Sep. 9, 2020
Ransomware now dominating all insurance claims
"Just-released data from cyber insurer Coalition shows massive increases in both the frequency of ransomware attacks and the ransom demand with Maze and Ryuk leading the way." Stu Sjouwerman, KnowBe4, Sep. 11, 2020
Ransomware cartels joining forces
"Ransomware operators are dangerous enough on their own, but multiple groups are now teaming up to wreak even more havoc." The Bleeping Computer, Sep. 21, 2020
Microsoft: Some ransomware attacks take less than 45 minutes
"Microsoft said it blocked over 13 billion malicious and suspicious mails in 2019, and out of these, more than 1 billion contained URLs that have been set up for the explicit purpose of launching an attack." ZDNet, Sep. 29, 2020
IBM: Ransomware exploded in June.
"IBM says ransomware incidents "exploded" in June 2020, which saw twice as many ransomware attacks as the month prior." ITPro, Sep. 30, 2020
For past CyberAdvisor Letters:
To view Blog posts:
Total Digital Security, 301 Clematis Street, Suite 3000, West Palm Beach, FL 33401, United States, 877-643-6391