What would happen if all your files suddenly disappeared from view?

The FBI issued a security alert regarding Interlock, an aggressive ransomware group.

Do not feel intimidated if this name is unfamiliar.

They only made their debut in September 2024, yet have made quite an impactful statement to North American and European businesses by targeting them with attacks.

Interlock is solely concerned with making money. They follow an established playbook: hack into your system, steal sensitive data that's encrypted so it cannot be accessed, issue a ransom note with only days to pay or all files will be released on the dark web.

Interlock's ransomware groups employ the double-extortion technique with gr...

Malware and ransomware are forms of malicious software that can attack computers or steal information, leading to serious consequences - by 2024 alone over 60 millions new malware strains will appear online.

Understanding the differences between these two threats is essential to survival.

What Is Malware?

Malware refers to any harmful computer software. Malware can pose different threats depending on its form. Here are four of the most prevalent varieties.

Viruses are computer programs that spread from machine to machine.

Worms can multiply on their own without your assistance.

Trojans are programs that aim to fool users into thinking they're trustworthy.

Spyware is a type of software that monitors...

Imagine that all of your critical business files have been locked by scammers who demand ransom in exchange for unlocking them.

Ransomware has become a growing threat for businesses around the globe.

Ransomware, a form of cyber attack, occurs when criminals access your system and encrypt its data, rendering it unusable and demanding payment (often cryptocurrency) for the key necessary to decrypt it.

Your data may never return even after paying ransom, which makes having an effective backup system one of your best protection measures.

Backups are copies that you store separately from your primary network in case something goes wrong, such as ransomware attacks or accidentally deleteing data. They...

Cyber threats will become ever more pervasive by 2025, including attempts at theft of money, computer destruction or data theft. It is vitally important that individuals understand these cyber threats so that they can protect themselves.

What are the most prevalent cyber threats?

Unfortunately, cyber attacks come in all shapes and sizes. While they can be hard to spot, here are a few that you should keep an eye out for.

Phishing attacks

It will always remain relevant; forcing you to reveal personal data by way of fake emails or websites. Be wary when receiving such communications; always check the sender's email address first before clicking any links provided in them.

Ransomware

It also known as ...

Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field. Each year brings with it new technologies, threats and opportunities. Organizations need to be aware of and prepare for cyber threats both now and as we approach 2024 - regardless of size or sector. All businesses should make plans.

Staying ahead of the game when it comes to protecting digital assets is paramount. The cybersecurity landscape is experiencing rapid transformation due to emerging technologies and threats as well as shifting global dynamics.

As we move forward into 2024, let us examine some key cybersecurity predictions you should keep in mind.

1. Artificial Intelligence Will Be a Double-Edged Sword

Artificial intelligence has transformed cy...

Imagine this: your business has fallen victim to ransomware, with critical data locked away by cyber criminals who demand a ransom fee in return.

Are You Unable to Pay the Ransomware Gangs Offer Payment Extensions? Some ransomware gangs provide payment extensions similar to "buy now and pay later" schemes.

Recent research indicates that ransomware groups have become more imaginative with their extortion tactics. One group offers victims multiple choices when selecting ransom demands; these "options" may include:

Paying up to $10,000 may allow you to delay or delete their data before it becomes public.

As victims can usually negotiate the exact amount charged, this process takes on an entirely ne...

Cyber threats remain a serious danger and 2023 has already proven itself a landmark year in terms of data breaches; with an all-time record number of data compromises occurring in the US in only nine months of 2019. Therefore, the actual figures could end up being even greater overall.

In 2021, the last data breach was officially recorded. 1,862 organizations reported data breaches at this point; by September 2023 this figure will have grown over 2,100 times!

In the third quarter of 2023, three major data breaches occurred:

HCA Healthcare/Maximus, The Freecycle Network/IBM Consulting/CareSource Duolingo at Tampa General Hospital.

Cybercriminals have made no secret of their intent to exploit vuln...

Technology is evolving at an incredible speed, creating both challenges and opportunities for both businesses and individuals. However, not all innovations are benign; certain innovations may threaten our digital safety, privacy and security.

This article will describe some of the emerging threats in technology that we should be mindful of by 2024.

Data Poisoning Attacks

Data poisoning refers to the corruption of datasets used for ...

Particular care must be taken with cyber security training if your workforce comprises employees between 16-19.

New research demonstrates that many young people have accepted as normal online behaviors which are concerning. Unfortunately, many of these activities may be illegal.

This type of cybercrime does not involve ransomware or data theft.

One-third of 16-19 year-olds admit to digital piracy - such as downloading illegal movies or hacking an account online to harass someone - at some point during their life.

Most of these behaviors will not directly harm your business; some are so widespread that many young people consider them part of everyday life.

Do not allow your employees to bring any ...