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11.3.2020

Stop, Think, Click: Alert Issued for Ransomware Cyber Threat

The FBI, HHS, and the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued an advisory on October 28 that highlighted increased ransomware activity targeting the healthcare and public health sectors. Ransomware is a type of computer virus (i.e. malware) that can disable systems, disrupt operations, and severely impact University and Health System services. In late September, Ransomware was reported to have disrupted operations at 250 Universal Health Services hospitals in the United States for more than a week.  

One way that ransomware is introduced to a university or health system is through phishing email. Phishing emails often entice recipients to click on a link embedded within the message or open an attachment. Before opening an email, “Stop, Think, Click.” Don’t click to open the attachment or link unless you know it is really from a trusted source. 

Receive a suspicious email? Do this:

If you receive a suspicious email, you can forward it to mccsecurity@hscmail.mcc.virginia.edu and request a review. A Health IT Security analyst will respond to let you know whether the email is legitimate or not.

Here's what to look for:

Once you click on a link or open an email attachment, you could introduce malware or ransomware to your computer.  Once the ransomware gets a foothold on your computer, it attempts to spread to other nearby computers on our network. That single “click” could result in a “Superspreader Ransomware event”!   You are an important part of our ransomware defenses – Do your part to protect patient data and our systems!

For additional information on reporting suspicious emails, please visit the following Health System or University websites:

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