Speaking at Chatham House’s cyber conference, the National Cyber Security Centre’s CEO Lindy Cameron has again reinforced her message to the nation’s C-suites that ransomware is “the most immediate danger to UK businesses” today, and that paying criminals serves only to perpetuate the problem.
Several incidents in particular were cited; including one emanating from China that compromised Microsoft Exchange servers, the SolarWinds attack, which saw Russian-backed actors also attack email systems, and the targeting of both Ireland’s health service and Hackney Council.
“Ransomware presents the most immediate danger to UK businesses and most other organisations. The criminals responsible often operate beyond our borders, are increasingly successful in their endeavours, and pose a global challenge we must fight together to ensure no place becomes a safe haven.
We expect ransomware will continue to be an attractive route for criminals as long as organisations remain vulnerable and continue to pay. We have been clear that paying ransoms emboldens these criminal groups – and it also does not guarantee your data will be returned intact, or indeed returned at all”
Lindy Cameron, CEO, NCSC
Source: Sky News
Informed Sauce is hosting an Infinidat-sponsored event in London on 2 December about protecting businesses from cyber crime, and particularly ransomware attacks.
Short talks from the Metropolitan Police, a military-trained cyber threat expert and sponsor Infinidat’s EMEA Field CTO will be followed by a panel-led, room-wide moderated discussion, with plenty of opportunities for you to contribute your thoughts and ask questions.
Visit the event microsite for more details and to sign up.