Saturday, June 05, 2021

A computer crime

Now that the computer is an integral part of our economy, criminals have figured out ways to use the computer to make them wealthy.

A currently popular way of doing so is ransomware, which is a form of malicious software that encrypts an organization’s data, rendering it unusable until money is paid to cybercriminals. 

Last month Colonial Pipeline, which provides much of the gas and oil used on the East Coast, was a victim; it paid millions of dollars to free its data. This month it was a meat processor, JBS; it had to shut down nine beef plants; ransomware disrupted poultry and pork production. Last year, a spate of ransomware attacks on hospitals caused widespread concern.

We've got a problem.

1 comment:

Jim Fitzgerald said...

You are right. Cybercrime is more widespread than appreciated. It's like a BIG,BAD family secret. It's not limited to criminals that want money.The motive might be to gain political and/or business advantage, support a personal agenda, even a score, seek a thrill,, hone hacking and secuirty skills, or gain bragging rights.

It comes in many forms: defacing websites, theft of email lists, dissruptive and harrassing commmunications, theft of files and content, hacking system software to disrupt processing, increase operating costs, and frustrate people. Perhaps even make it more difficult for a business to make money or a nonprofit to achieve its mission. Large corporations and governments are not the only targets; small nonprofitns and individuals are relatively easy prey.

Pirates once reaked havoc across vast wet spaces. Perhaps someday, technology, ethics, policies, stiffer laws and respect for others will rule cyberspace.

PS. Do you happen to know the 3 all-time favorite Peak articles?