As if encrypting files and holding them hostage is not enough, cybercriminals who create and spread crypto-ransomware are now resorting to causing blue screen of death (BSOD) and putting their ransom notes at system startup—as in, even before the operating system loads. Imagine turning on your computer and instead of the usual Windows icon loading, you get a flashing red and white screen with a skull-and-crossbones instead.
This week, a hospital in western Kentucky was the latest organization to fall victim to a “ransomware” attack — a class of malware that encrypts all the files on a computer, only releasing them when a ransom is paid to the hacker holding the encryption key.
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It’s generally accepted that hackers are smart and sneaky, but we got another big reminder last weekend when several major sites were used to serve malicious ads.
Source: Hackers use websites you visit daily to attack you – here’s how to protect yourself
The healthcare Wall of Shame for 2015 displays over 230 data breaches. Learn why stemming the tide of healthcare’s security problem is complicated.
Source: Why healthcare is a prime target for hackers, and how to treat the problem – TechRepublic
Cellebrite, a company which could suck the data off cellphones in under two minutes several years back, is reportedly the firm helping the FBI crack the San Bernardino shooter’s iPhone.
Source: FBI reportedly to use Cellebrite to crack encrypted San Bernardino iPhone
Wearing their trademark hood and mask and speaking with a computerised voice the group tells listeners: “Our freedom is once again under attack”
Source: Anonymous declares new war on ISIS after Belgium terror attacks
Yet another hospital got infected with a ransomware computer virus. Methodist Hospital in Kentucky was forced to operate “in an internal state of emergency” on Friday.
Source: U.S. hospitals are getting hit by hackers
A malware researcher has found a few tricks to stop one of the latest types of ransomware, called Locky, from infecting a computer without using any security programs.
Source: This bag of tricks may help stop a Locky ransomware infection
It’s harder to break into a bank’s network, but the spoils yield higher rewards for successful cybercriminals.
Source: Hackers find it more lucrative to target banks, not customers | ZDNet
