FBI Alert: Expected Rise in Ransomware Against Healthcare Industry

Yesterday evening, the FBI announced a “credible threat” of cyberattacks against the healthcare and public health sector. Often, ransomware enters an organization through phishing emails from external senders and then propagates throughout the network once inside. ITS is taking this threat seriously and is increasing our security monitoring against known indicators of this threat.

You can stay safe by following these tips to detect phishing:

• Be wary of emails with the [EXTERNAL] tag in the subject line
• Do not click on links or open attachments in emails from unknown or unsolicited senders
• Never provide your password or other confidential information to anyone
• Report suspicious messages to ITS using PhishAlarm

ITS is already deploying the latest security patches to tagged computers. Remember to apply the latest security updates on your computers and mobile devices at home.

Read More:

• Officials Warn of Cyberattacks on Hospitals as Virus Cases Spike (New York Times)
• Several hospitals targeted in new wave of ransomware attacks (CNN)
• FBI, DHS, HHS Warn of Imminent, Credible Ransomware Threat Against U.S. Hospitals (Krebs on Security)