Ransomware” is malicious software that enables attackers to hold computer data or a computer network hostage until a ransom is paid. Ransomware often encrypts all the files on a system, making them unusable until the attacker supplies an encryption key. An FBI Alert issued last week stated that ransomware infections are at an “all-time high.” FBI Public Service Announcement, “Ransomware Victims Urged to Report Infections to Federal Law Enforcement,” Sept. 15, 2016, available at www.ic3.gov/media/2016/160915.aspx.
According to the FBI Alert, just one recent strain of ransomware infected about 100,000 computers per day.Commenting on the Alert, security expert Brian Krebs said “[w]hat we can expect is not only more targeted and destructive attacks, but also ransom demands that vary based on the attacker’s estimation of the value of the data being held hostage and/or the ability of the victim to pay some approximation of what it might be worth.” Krebs on Security, “Ransomware Getting More Targeted, Expensive,” Sept. 16, 2016, available at krebsonsecurity.com.
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