Cleveland: One of the Ransomware capitals?
Cleveland businesses: The target is on you.
Cleveland was named one of the top Ransomware targets in the United States. Two other Ohio cities also made the list of Top 10 US Cities for Ransomware Detection study conducted by Malwarebytes.
So why is ransomware so prevelant in Ohio? Marcin Kleczynski, Malwarbytes CEO, has a theory that “computer users in the Rust Belt states may not be as readily exposed to security education and techniques” not to mention, “those states have been hit hard by job losses.” According to Kleczynski, people without jobs are more likely to give in to financial scams.
Our CISO Gary Sheehan agrees. Sheehan says: “Cleveland had been hit hard over the past few years with an economic decline, and a shrinking technology workforce. With an aging and shrinking population in an economically challenged area, the rate of infections could be higher because people are more apt to try to find “free” offers over the internet and are more susceptible to phishing emails with promises of getting rich. Ransomware distribution is still primarily through spam email campaigns and exploit kits which target the uneducated, technology challenged and the elderly.”
The fact is, security risks are a reality today. Many of your everyday activities, whether it be at home or at work could open you up to vulnerabilities. It starts with education, but a layered approach to security is always the best defense. Here’s some simple steps you and your employees can take to better protect you for tomorrow:
“Ransomware distribution is still primarily through spam email campaigns and exploit kits which target the uneducated, technology challenged and the elderly.” – Gary Sheehan
- First and foremost, educate yourself and your employees
- Back up your data on a regular basis
- Keep your protection software up to date
- Use a reputable security suite
And ASMGi recommends becoming proactive vs reactive to Ransomware threats along with conducting assessments to better understand your risk level.