HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Ransomware attacks are becoming more and more frequent as our lives are increasingly lived online.
When it comes to cyberattacks, the FBI is usually who handles these cases. FBI Special Agent Marc Southerland said the reason for this is that the people who launch cyber attacks are often located outside of the country.
These kinds of crimes can be easy to commit as bad actors know that people are willing to pay to get their systems back, but the FBI encourages victims NOT to pay the ransom.
"There has to be a computer involved, a computer has to be victimized," said Southerland. "And because of the acceleration of technology, I think in our society, I think it's very rare to find any business or person running without some sort of computer, and relying on that, that that computer in order to do their business."
It's difficult to catch an attack before it occurs, and oftentimes, once you notice it, it's too late. Southerland said prevention is key to protecting yourself against these kinds of attacks.
"I think when it comes to people and businesses it's almost one of the same, ultimately it's the, the term we use in the FBI is practice good cyber hygiene," said Southerland.
According to Southerland, a strong password is a must for both people and businesses. He also says it's smart to have two-factor authentication set up, along with a strong firewall and antivirus software put into place.
If you've already been attacked by a ransomware attack, Southerland says to report it to their Internet Crime Complaint Center. Ultimately, reporting these attacks helps the FBI to fight against them in the future, according to Southerland.