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Ransomware Attacks: Hackers Endanger Critical US Infrastructure
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Even before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, U.S. officials warned about cyberattacks originating in Russia against critical American infrastructure. Now, U.S. security agencies are increasingly cracking down on the networks used by cybercriminals, including for ransomware attacks. Dino Jahic has the story, narrated by Anna Rice.
Ransomware attacks have become a major security threat worldwide, as hackers target critical infrastructure such oil pipelines and water cleaning facilities.
In these attacks, hackers embed malicious programs on the victims' computer systems and then demand large sums of money to unlock data and not make it public.
Such attacks can cripple a utility or business and inflict heavy financial losses.
Brett Callow, Emsisoft Threat Analyst:
“Ransomware attacks have fundamentally changed in the last couple of years. It used to be the case that they simply encrypted their target's data. They still do that, but they now also steal a copy of that target's information, and they use the threats of releasing that information online as additional leverage to extort payments.”
In 2018, an average ransom demand amounted to about $5,000. Today, it’s hundreds of thousands of dollars, with some reaching multimillion dollar sums. Payments are usually made in cryptocurrencies, making them harder to track.
Brett Callow, Emsisoft Threat Analyst:
“Paying ransomware is a very bad thing. It incentivizes more attacks and ensures the ransomware continues to be a problem. If nobody paid ransoms, there would be no ransomware attacks. It's as simple as that.”
Experts say that hackers are well-organized and function as businesses – with departments and support staff. And they carefully choose their targets.
Boyden Rohner, US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency:
“They're not just indiscriminate about who they are going after. They're really creating a full profile of an organization that they think is vulnerable and likely to pay and then targeting them.”
U.S. officials say attackers are often based in Eastern Europe. In some cases, they operate like ordinary criminal groups – while others are supported by governments.
Boyden Rohner, US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency:
“We do see Russia as a place where a lot of these attacks originate.”
Last year, President Joe Biden repeatedly urged Russian leader Vladimir Putin to stop cybercrime originating in his country. By the end of 2021, the number of large-scale attacks declined, and some analysts believe U.S. diplomatic pressure was the reason. But others say criminals became more cautious as U.S. security agencies stepped up efforts to combat ransomware, including seizing extorted money, sanctions, arrests and indictments.
Despite this, the cybersecurity company Emsisoft says at least 2,323 U.S. entities were targeted in 2021 – including local governments, schools and hospitals. Stolen data, including social security numbers, usually end up in the dark web – part of the internet known for illegal activities. These crimes hurt individuals, not just institutions, with identity theft a major problem.
Brett Callow, Emsisoft Threat Analyst:
“The worst consequences are the potential effects on individuals. And people who may not be able to get medical attention when they need it, if their hospital was being hacked, for example.”
Experts recommend keeping copies of important data on devices not connected to the internet – and safely out of the reach of cybercriminals.
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Ransomware attacks have become a major security threat worldwide, as hackers target critical infrastructure such oil pipelines and water cleaning facilities.
In these attacks, hackers embed malicious programs on the victims' computer systems and then demand large sums of money to unlock data and not make it public.
Such attacks can cripple a utility or business and inflict heavy financial losses.
Brett Callow, Emsisoft Threat Analyst:
“Ransomware attacks have fundamentally changed in the last couple of years. It used to be the case that they simply encrypted their target's data. They still do that, but they now also steal a copy of that target's information, and they use the threats of releasing that information online as additional leverage to extort payments.”
In 2018, an average ransom demand amounted to about $5,000. Today, it’s hundreds of thousands of dollars, with some reaching multimillion dollar sums. Payments are usually made in cryptocurrencies, making them harder to track.
Brett Callow, Emsisoft Threat Analyst:
“Paying ransomware is a very bad thing. It incentivizes more attacks and ensures the ransomware continues to be a problem. If nobody paid ransoms, there would be no ransomware attacks. It's as simple as that.”
Experts say that hackers are well-organized and function as businesses – with departments and support staff. And they carefully choose their targets.
Boyden Rohner, US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency:
“They're not just indiscriminate about who they are going after. They're really creating a full profile of an organization that they think is vulnerable and likely to pay and then targeting them.”
U.S. officials say attackers are often based in Eastern Europe. In some cases, they operate like ordinary criminal groups – while others are supported by governments.
Boyden Rohner, US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency:
“We do see Russia as a place where a lot of these attacks originate.”
Last year, President Joe Biden repeatedly urged Russian leader Vladimir Putin to stop cybercrime originating in his country. By the end of 2021, the number of large-scale attacks declined, and some analysts believe U.S. diplomatic pressure was the reason. But others say criminals became more cautious as U.S. security agencies stepped up efforts to combat ransomware, including seizing extorted money, sanctions, arrests and indictments.
Despite this, the cybersecurity company Emsisoft says at least 2,323 U.S. entities were targeted in 2021 – including local governments, schools and hospitals. Stolen data, including social security numbers, usually end up in the dark web – part of the internet known for illegal activities. These crimes hurt individuals, not just institutions, with identity theft a major problem.
Brett Callow, Emsisoft Threat Analyst:
“The worst consequences are the potential effects on individuals. And people who may not be able to get medical attention when they need it, if their hospital was being hacked, for example.”
Experts recommend keeping copies of important data on devices not connected to the internet – and safely out of the reach of cybercriminals.
Voice of America (VOA) is the largest U.S. international broadcaster, providing news and information in more than 40 languages to an estimated weekly audience of 236.8 million people. VOA produces content for digital, television, and radio platforms. It is easily accessed via your mobile phone and on social media. It is also distributed by satellite, cable, FM and MW, and is carried on a network of approximately 3,000 affiliate stations.
Since its creation in 1942, Voice of America has been committed to providing comprehensive coverage of the news and telling audiences the truth. Through World War II, the Cold War, the fight against global terrorism, and the struggle for freedom around the globe today, VOA exemplifies the principles of a free press.
Connect with VOA News:
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