CYBER SECURITY A TOP PRIORITY. Protecting the American people and companies against ransomware must be one of our top priorities as a nation. That is why the Departments of Homeland Security and Commerce are working together to help businesses both prevent and respond to ransomware attacks.

KEY INSIGHTS & SUGGESTIONS

1. This latest attack should serve as a clarion call for organizations across the country to shore up their cyber defenses and get ahead of future threats. 
2. The pipeline, which supplies fuel to some 50 million people from the Gulf Coast up through the entire East Coast, was closed last Friday as a precautionary measure after a ransomware attack.
3. In 2020, it estimates $350 million in ransom was paid to attackers – a more than 300 percent increase over the previous year – with an average payment of over $300,000.
4. The good news is that you don’t have to do it alone and there are affordable solutions for every budget. 
5. The Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) is well-positioned to help organizations take preventive measures to increase resilience before an attack occurs.

BOTTOMLINE

However, the federal government cannot combat ransomware alone. These public-private partnerships will continue to protect our businesses, our economy, and our national security.