Stay up-to-date on what is happening with privacy laws, as well as stories about leaks of private information from security breaches in the public and private sector. Ironwall by Incogni has provided emergency services to individuals, businesses, police organizations and courts in the wake of hacking incidents and ransomware attacks.
Last updated: September 6, 2024
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Phishing and Ransomware Attacks
Should State Governments Ban Ransomware Payments?
Given the surge of ransomware attacks and increasing costs of payments to unlock stolen data in 2024, some states have banned public ransomware payments. But experts are divided on whether it's the right move.
One in Every 10 Organizations Worldwide was Hit by Attempted Ransomware Attacks in 2023
A fall in the number of ransomware attacks in 2022 gave the impression that ransomware attacks were being contained or even controlled. This was a false dawn. 2023 was the third worst year on record for ransom attacks and the worst for payments, which reached over $1 billion, according to Chainalysis. 2024 is on track for a record number of attacks, in part due to intensifying geopolitical tensions.
How Ransomware Groups Weaponize Stolen Data
Ransomware gangs are becoming increasingly invasive and bold about how and what they weaponize. Compounding pressure for companies, they're not just stealing data and threatening to leak it - they're actively analyzing it for ways to maximize damage and create new opportunities for extortion. This means that organizations have to not only worry about corporate espionage and loss of trade secrets or illegal activity by employees, but also about these issues in conjunction with cyberattacks.
Rural hospitals may be more vulnerable to ransomware attacks
Ransomware attacks in the health care sector have more than doubled in the past five years. Among providers, hospitals experience the highest rate of operational disturbances including restricted access to servers, disrupted patient care and significant financial losses. A new study led by the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, published in the Journal of Rural Health, finds that while ransomware attacks are more likely to occur in urban areas, the operational disruptions may have more pronounced effects on financially vulnerable rural hospitals and their patients, who are often older, in poorer health and facing pre-existing barriers to care.
McLaren Health Care systems restored after weeks of disruption from ransomware attack
McLaren Health Care said its technology platforms have been fully restored following an Aug. 5 ransomware attack that disrupted operations at all 13 of its hospitals, surgery, infusion and imaging centers, along with its network of 113,000 medical providers throughout Michigan, Indiana and Ohio.
Patelco Credit Union acknowledges personal information of customers, employees exposed in June ransomware attack
Nearly two months after a ransomware attack halted Patelco Credit Union banking services, the company on Tuesday acknowledged for the first time that customers' and employees' personal information was exposed in the security breach. The Dublin-based credit union has 37 branches in the Bay Area and the Sacramento area serving 455,000 customers.
How Phishing Attacks Adapt Quickly to Capitalize on Current Events
In 2023, no fewer than 94 percent of businesses were impacted by phishing attacks, a 40 percent increase compared to the previous year, according to research from Egress.
What's behind the surge in phishing? One popular answer is AI – particularly generative AI, which has made it trivially easier for threat actors to craft content that they can use in phishing campaigns, like malicious emails and, in more sophisticated cases, deepfake videos.
Another lawsuit piles on Columbus over ransomware attack and leak
The City of Columbus is facing yet another class-action lawsuit over its handling of a Rhysida ransomware attack that ended with hundreds of thousands of files — including personal data — leaked on the dark web.
Healthcare Hit by a Fifth of Ransomware Incidents
More than a fifth (21%) of ransomware attacks targeted healthcare in the past 12 months, up from 18% in the previous year. Many of these attacks have made global headlines due to the significant impact on patient care, such as cancelled operations.This according to new research by Barracuda Networks, which analyzed 200 reported ransomware incidents from August 2023 to July 2024.
Threats Against Judges
Threats against Hamilton County judges? The details are scant
Hamilton County judges have been facing an increased number of threats, including death threats, according to the Cincinnati Bar Association.
Colorado man arrested after allegedly making threats against judges and election officials
On Monday, federal authorities announced the arrest of a Colorado man for allegedly lobbing death threats at election officials, judges and federal agents, largely using social media platforms known as hotbeds for right-wing extremism.
Threat Against Judicial Official Leads to Lockdown at Elizabethtown Schools
A serious threat against a local judicial official led to swift action by law enforcement and prompted a temporary lockdown at Elizabethtown Independent Schools on Wednesday, August 28. The incident unfolded shortly before noon when police received information that a suspect, identified as Kelron Decoteau, 37, had made a direct threat. Recognizing the potential danger and its connection to the Elizabethtown Independent Schools, authorities immediately notified the school district.
Man faces 10 years prison for online death threats against judges, FBI, elected officials
An Arizona man pled guilty in federal court Wednesday for posting a slew of online death threats against multiple federal officials – including FBI agents and members of Congress – and planning to make them a reality.
Judge Merchan's Daughter Received Death Threats After Trump Attacks—Boss
The daughter of the judge overseeing Donald Trump's criminal hush money case received death threats and was advised to leave her home by law enforcement, according to her consulting firm boss.
Detroit judge receiving death threats after detaining teen for sleeping in courtroom
The Detroit judge who had a teen girl handcuffed and suggested he could jail her for sleeping in his courtroom and giving him “attitude” says he’s getting death threats.
The Detroit Police Department and 36th District Court are aware of the threats reported by Judge Kenneth King and are taking action.
Privacy Laws
Comparing US State Privacy Law Requirements
The introduction of the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) in 2018 was a turning point for US state privacy laws. Since then, the privacy landscape in the US has rapidly expanded and now plays host to no fewer than 17 comprehensive state privacy laws.
While legislators continue to try and pass a federal privacy law, state legislators remain active creating an influx of new privacy legislation for organizations to contend with.
Cantwell says she’ll cut path for privacy bill despite opposition
Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell said the panel plans to mark up much-delayed federal data privacy legislation before the August congressional recess — and gave the bill a puncher’s chance even though its House companion has faced setbacks.