What is a ransomware attack and how did it happen to Colonial Pipeline?

Ransomware Attack

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Ransomware locks out the owner of a computer or network and holds it hostage until the victim pays a fee. Ransomware gangs have also threatened to leak sensitive information to force victims to meet their demands.

The Colonial Pipeline attack comes amid rising concerns over the cybersecurity vulnerabilities in America’s critical infrastructure, and after the Biden administration last month launched an effort to beef up cybersecurity in the nation’s power grid, calling for industry leaders to install technologies that could thwart attacks on electrical supply.

It also follows a string of ransomware attacks and other high-profile and deeply damaging cyber breaches, including the SolarWinds related supply chain breach and the Microsoft Exchange Server hack — both tied to nation state actors.

While the latest incident is believed to be tied to a criminal group, it underscores the cybersecurity risk to critical infrastructure and threatens to impact gas prices ahead of the summer travel season.

How BW Cyber Services Can Help

While these criminals (and others) are all focused myopically to extort and monetize unauthorized access to your data, there are some relatively simple procedures you can take to help security your environment and lower your risk of a successful attack. BW Cyber Services can help you develop a comprehensive cyber compliance security program to prevent and respond to future attacks which affect your operations. In this effort, we will review cyber insurance to insure you have adequate coverage as well as enhance resiliency processes to minimize interruptions to operations if a ransomware event occurs.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact BW Cyber Services at info@bwcyberservices.com.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]