Security News > 2020 > July > FBI Warns of NetWalker Ransomware Targeting Businesses
The Federal Bureau of Investigation this week released an alert to warn businesses of ongoing cyberattacks involving the NetWalker ransomware.
"As of June 2020, the FBI has received notifications of NetWalker ransomware attacks on U.S. and foreign government organizations, education entities, private companies, and health agencies by unidentified cyber actors," the FBI's alert reads.
"Following a successful intrusion, NetWalker encrypts all connected Windows-based devices and data, rendering critical files, databases, and applications inaccessible to users. When executed, Netwalker deploys an embedded configuration that includes a ransom note, ransom note file names, and various configuration options," the FBI says.
Ransomware victims are encouraged to refrain from paying the ransom, as it does not guarantee that data will be recovered, but instead encourages adversaries to target additional organizations and other cybercriminals to engage in ransomware distribution.
"Cybercriminals are not going to get out of the ransomware business anytime soon, it's simply too cheap and successful a tactic for them to abandon. Organizations can greatly reduce the threats posed by ransomware by doing a few simple things. Make sure you are managing and identifying assets, patching, training, automating where possible, and using intelligence to get ahead of the assaults."