A marketing person's laptop was compromised, giving hackers access to Pepsi's marketing files. They infected files uploaded to an FTP site, embedding malware in a million surveys. Business process compromise at its finest. #Cybersecurity #DataBreach #Hacking #InfoSec #BusinessSecurity
A history of ransomware reveals how cybercriminals evolved from mailing infected floppy disks to running sophisticated billion-dollar criminal enterprises. Join us and Dr. Mike Saylor, my co-author on "Learning Ransomware Response and Recovery," as we trace the complete evolution of ransomware from its humble beginnings to the threat it is…
Once you've got something on the line, what do you do? Understand what you've gained access to. Is it bait, a stepping stone, or something valuable that needs immediate attention? #Reconnaissance #CyberSecurity #DataAnalysis #RiskAssessment
Malware doesn't stay put. Its goal? Spread and persist. Once inside, it searches everything, infecting other machines. Antivirus is often a step behind, giving attackers time to adapt. #Malware #CyberSecurity #DataProtection #VirusRemoval
When your data is encrypted and you're forced to negotiate with cybercriminals, ensure you have robust backups. Always demand proof of life before any payment. Recovery is a choice. #DataEncryption #CyberSecurity #Ransomware #BackupStrategy
Cybercriminals rent servers on the darknet to launch attacks. They pre-configure malware, call home, negotiate encryption keys. It's a race against the clock. #CyberSecurity #Ransomware #Darknet #Malware
Is stolen credentials the most common way hackers get into environments? Experts agree: Yes. Secure your accounts to avoid becoming a victim. #CyberSecurity #DataBreach #PasswordSecurity #Ransomware
AI is revolutionizing email. Tailored messages, perfect tone, high open rates. Is this the future of connection or just sophisticated spam? The line blurs. #EmailMarketing #AIRevolution #DigitalMarketing #TechTrends
Double extortion isn't just one attack. Spray-and-pray meets recon-and-exploit. When attackers find a valuable target, they exfiltrate data... and ransomware happens. #Ransomware #DataBreach #CyberSecurity #DataExtortion
Ransomware's final step? Delivering the ransom note. Today's sophisticated hackers plant text files in every encrypted folder, from your desktop to My Documents. Learn how they bypass file extensions to find your data. #Ransomware #CyberSecurity #DataEncryption #Malware
Ransomware attacks aim to encrypt your data, holding it hostage. Exfiltration may come first. Understand the steps to protect yourself from these threats. Learn how to recover effectively. #Ransomware #Cybersecurity #DataEncryption #DataRecovery
Some ransomware skips negotiation, using hard-coded encryption. The FBI can sometimes use decryption keys from past victims of the same strain to help new victims recover their data. #Ransomware #CyberSecurity #FBI #DataRecovery #Encryption
How do ransomware attacks start? Sometimes, criminals buy stolen credentials from initial access brokers—bypassing the need for phishing emails. Understanding IABs is key to defense. #Ransomware #Cybersecurity #InfoSec #DataBreach
Advanced ransomware groups now exfiltrate data for double extortion. If you refuse to pay, they'll expose your sensitive information to regulators, insurance carriers, or even your board. Recovery is a choice. #Ransomware #Cybersecurity #DataBreach #DataProtection
Initial access brokers collect, buy, and resell credentials. They validate millions to increase value. It's a full-time job for bad actors in the cybercrime world. Ransomware recovery is a choice. #InitialAccess #Cybercrime #Ransomware #CredentialTheft
Ransomware attackers target regulated institutions with real penalties for data breaches. Healthcare, finance, and education are prime targets. Double extortion and regulator notification are now common tactics. #Ransomware #Cybersecurity #DataBreach #CyberAttack
Hackers aren't just after ransoms anymore. They exfiltrate your data as a Plan B. Don't pay? Your files get leaked. A second extortion attempt you can't ignore. #DataSecurity #Ransomware #Cybersecurity #DataBreach
Law enforcement combats ransomware by sharing decryption keys. If the FBI helped company A with ransomware strain A, they might use that key to help you. #Ransomware #Cybersecurity #DataRecovery #FBI
Bad actors now offer ransomware as a service. Pay them $30k, and they'll launch a campaign, handle the tech, and deposit money—complete with customer service. Cybercrime made easy? #Ransomware #Cybersecurity #DarkNet #Cybercrime #DataBreach
Initial access brokers collect, buy, and resell credentials. They validate them to increase value before selling. Malware spreads, searches for documents, and reports back to command and control servers on the dark net. #InitialAccess #CyberSecurity #Malware #DataBreach #DarkNet
Phishing explained: Like fishing, but for your data. Hackers cast a wide net—they only need one person to click. Even 2 out of 100 is too many. Stay vigilant! #Phishing #CyberSecurity #DataProtection #OnlineSafety
AI is making email phishing more effective. Before AI, success rates dropped. Now, they're climbing back up, with 20-25% of emails delivered and another 20-25% interacted with. #EmailPhishing #AISecurity #CyberSecurity #DataBreach
AI is making email phishing more effective. Before AI, success rates dropped, but now they're climbing again. Expect 20-25% of people to click on malicious emails. #AIPishing #CyberSecurity #EmailScams #DataBreach
Understanding how ransomware works is critical for anyone responsible for protecting their organization's data. In this episode of The Backup Wrap-up, we examine the five core objectives that drive nearly every ransomware attack - from initial access through the final ransom note delivery. I'm joined by my co-author Dr. Mike…