#hackers

Jan 2, 2020
1 min

Windows users, beware: This fake update could lock up your PC, or worse

Updating to Windows 10? Don't fall victim to this spam email attack. With the end of for Windows 7 coming in January, many users are looking to update to Windows 10 to continue getting security updates and support from Microsoft. According to a Tuesday report from security firm Trustwave, attackers are well aware of this and are targeting Microsoft users with fake Windows update emails that will infect computers with ransomware -- an especially sinister type of malware that l

Dec 27, 2019
1 min

Ransomware attack forces Arkansas CEO to fire 300 employees days before Christmas

"The chief executive officer of a telemarketing company in Sherwood, Arkansas has let go 300 employees after the company failed to recover from a ransomware infection months back. In a deeply apologetic letter to employees, The Heritage Company CEO Sandra Franecke said two months ago their servers were attacked by hackers who demanded a ransom to unlock the systems. Despite paying the attackers what they demanded, the company struggled to get back on its feet. The company cou

Dec 23, 2019
1 min

More than 267 million Facebook user IDs, phone numbers and names were in an unsecured database.

"More than 267 million Facebook user phone numbers, names and user IDs were exposed in a database that anyone could access online, adding to a long list of privacy and security mishaps that continue to plague the world's largest social network. Security researcher Bob Diachenko discovered the trove of Facebook user data on Dec. 14. The database, which has been pulled down, wasn't protected by a password or any other safeguard. Access to the database was removed, but by then t

Dec 20, 2019
1 min

Ransomware at Colorado IT Provider Affects 100+ Dental Offices

A Colorado company that specializes in providing IT services to dental offices suffered a ransomware attack that is disrupting operations for more than 100 dentistry practices, KrebsOnSecurity has learned. Multiple sources affected say their IT provider, Englewood, Colo. based Complete Technology Solutions (CTS), was hacked, allowing a potent strain of ransomware known as "Sodinokibi" or "rEvil" to be installed on computers at more than 100 dentistry businesses that rely on t

Dec 16, 2019
1 min

New Orleans declares state of emergency following ransomware attack

"New Orleans declared a state of emergency and shut down its computers after a cyber security event, the latest in a string of city and state governments to be attacked by hackers. Suspicious activity was spotted around 5 a.m. Friday morning. By 8 a.m., there was an uptick in that activity, which included evidence of phishing attempts and ransomware, Kim LaGrue, the city’s head of IT said in a press conference. Once the city confirmed it was under attack, servers and computer

Dec 9, 2019
1 min

FBI Issues ‘Drive-By’ Hacking Warning: This Is How To Secure Your Devices

"There is a gaping hole in our online security—the surge of connected devices we now surround ourselves with. Now the FBI has warned that “hackers can use those innocent devices to do a virtual drive-by of your digital life.” The issue is the smart digital technologies encroaching into all aspects of our lives: “Unsecured devices can allow hackers a path into your router, giving the bad guy access to everything else on your home network that you thought was secure. Are privat

Dec 5, 2019
1 min

The 10 most important cyberattacks of the decade.

“Since 2010, billions of sensitive files, personal information and account details have been leaked thanks to devastating hacks and damaging breaches. As more sensitive personal data has made its way online, the size and impact of breaches has steadily increased throughout the decade. Attacks have hit almost every sector and show no signs of slowing down as more people are forced to entrust the safety of personal information to various websites.” https://www.techrepublic.com/

Dec 3, 2019
1 min

Merck Cyberattack’s $1.3 Billion Question: Was It an Act of War?

"In a world where a keyboard can cause more harm than a gunship, a legal dispute between the drug giant and its insurers could determine who pays for cyber damage. By the time Deb Dellapena arrived for work at Merck & Co.’s 90-acre campus north of Philadelphia, there was a handwritten sign on the door: The computers are down. It was worse than it seemed. Some employees who were already at their desks at Merck offices across the U.S. were greeted by an even more unsettling mes

Nov 25, 2019
1 min

Ransomware infects firm serving more than 100 nursing homes nationwide

"A laptop displays a message June 27, 2017, after being infected by a ransomware as part of a worldwide cyberattack. Virtual Care Provider, a Milwaukee company that provides technology services to more than 100 nursing homes nationwide, has informed its clients that it is the victim of a ransomware attack. Hackers are demanding $14 million to restore the company’s access to its hijacked servers. Virtual Care Provider Inc. informed its clients about the attack in a letter Nov.

Oct 29, 2019
1 min

What Cities Can Learn From Atlanta’s Cyberattack

"In March 2018, #hackers targeted Atlanta’s #computer #networks. Demanding $51,000 in bitcoins, the #cyberattack held the city hostage for nearly a week. Some city services reverted to pen and paper to continue operations. But the city refused to pay: It didn’t want to reward and encourage more ransomware attacks, and there was no guarantee that systems would be restored even if it paid. Ultimately, the financial hit to the city was far higher than the ransom. One city report

Oct 25, 2019
1 min

Texas helps small cities and counties prep for possible cyberattacks

"A dozen Texas counties and small cities have already fallen victim to #hackers. Now they're learning how to improve their defenses. The state is helping local governments become #cyber aware…" For more information. https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/texas-helps-small-cities-and-counties-prep-for-possible-cyber-attacks