Ransomware has become one of the most serious cyber threats plaguing organizations. Today, all of us - from home users to corporations and government organizations - are trying to protect ourselves from encryption viruses. But we are ignoring the beginning of the next wave of ransomware attacks - aimed at encrypting IoT devices. These attacks can be much more dangerous given the omnipresent and extremely diverse nature of the Internet of Things. (Information Management)
One of the rare cases where blending buzzwords makes for an actually more dangerous situation. In this case the danger is not in losing data, but in losing control of devices that are essential for critical infrastructure to operate safely. This is a problem that only gets worse as IoT becomes pervasive, particularly on a personal level (e.g. implantables). Not every individual victim of ransomware is willing to pony up bitcoin; basically everyone will demand power companies and water utilities pay up should they become victims. Installing protections in firmware that detect and prevent abnormal behavior is one way to reduce the likelihood of someone holding a utility for ransom. Ensuring that device operators know when to implement security and safety protocols (awareness and insight) is another.
One of the rare cases where blending buzzwords makes for an actually more dangerous situation. In this case the danger is not in losing data, but in losing control of devices that are essential for critical infrastructure to operate safely. This is a problem that only gets worse as IoT becomes pervasive, particularly on a personal level (e.g. implantables). Not every individual victim of ransomware is willing to pony up bitcoin; basically everyone will demand power companies and water utilities pay up should they become victims. Installing protections in firmware that detect and prevent abnormal behavior is one way to reduce the likelihood of someone holding a utility for ransom. Ensuring that device operators know when to implement security and safety protocols (awareness and insight) is another.
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