Two Strategies to Consider for Reducing Ransomware Attacks

Right mates, important topic on the table today – cybersecurity and ransomware attacks particularly. Now, it’s broadly agreed among us boffins that prohibiting ransom payments could likely deter these underhand activities. But, could we action that straight off the bat? There are a few snags, it’s not a walk in the park. Allow me to throw a couple of thoughts into the mix for your consideration.

Firstly, let’s think about sanctions. I propose we expand the list to put a damper on every group of these digital bandits out there who threaten poor victims with unsolicited exposure and data leaks. It should, in theory, make them think twice, lessen their exploits and remove the temptation for victims to cough up the dough. Importantly, it’d torpedo their high-and-mighty claims of reputation and the free ride they’re getting from all the publicity their leaks gather.

Let’s go hypothetical for a second here. Got two shady groups called LockBit and BlackCat. Without all the hoopla surrounding their names, would they have garnered the notoriety they have? We’ve got to nip their efforts to promote their brand in the bud.

Let’s imagine another group – not cuddly characters by any stretch of the imagination – let’s call them “Your Trustworthy Criminals”. Now, if their brand “identity” is on our sanctions list, they can’t sign their ransom notes anymore. Besides, if victims are prevented from paying by these sanctions and have no reason to trust any ransom notes from unknown sources, where does this leave our band of rogues? They could attempt to exploit individuals directly, but that’s unlikely to give them the big payday they’re after.

My second idea delves into criminal charges. Think about this – let’s add charges of reckless indifference or attempted murder to anyone dipping their toes into plots to attack a hospital or other humanitarian facilities. They’re not playing a schoolboy prank after all, these attacks could very well be life threatening. Let’s make the punishment fit the crime with minimum mandatory sentences that don’t run concurrently with any other charges. Anyone involved in attacking a healthcare facility is part of a scheme that is indifferent to human life and should face justice as such.

These tech troublemakers aren’t all residing in Uncle Sam’s territory; many may never step foot in the U.S. But, for those who are stateside or in any place where there’s an extradition agreement, they should seriously consider if they fancy facing trial for potentially endangering hundreds of lives.

So, what do you chaps reckon? Any of these thoughts strike a chord with you? If they do, be so kind as to pass them on – any chance of these getting heard is better than me mumbling the ideas in my own little corner.

by Parker Bytes