CYBERSECURITY
Stop Ransomware U.S. government launches one-stop ransomware resource website
300% increase from the previous year, DHS says. There have already been multiple notable ransomware attacks in 2021 and despite making up roughly 75% of all ransomware cases, attacks on small businesses often go unnoticed. “Along with our partners in and outside of government, and through our Ransomware and Digital Extortion Task Force, the Department is working to bring all our tools to bear against these threats. But we cannot do it alone. It is critical for business leaders across industries to recognize the threat, prioritize efforts to harden their systems, and work with law enforcement by reporting these attacks promptly,” says Attorney General Garland. StopRansomware.gov is the first
central hub consolidating ransomware resources from all federal government agencies. Prior to the launch, individuThe U.S. government has announced new resources and initiatives to protect
als and organizations had to visit a
American businesses and communities from ransomware attacks.
variety of websites to find guidance,
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of
latest alerts, updates, and resources,
Justice (DOJ), together with federal partners, have launched a new website to combat
increasing the likelihood of missing
the threat of ransomware.
important information. StopRansomware.gov reduces the fragmentation of resources, which is especially detrimen-
The website, StopRansomware.gov
Ransomware is a long-standing
tal for those who have become victims
establishes a one-stop hub for ransom-
problem and a growing national se-
of an attack, by integrating federal
ware resources for individuals, businesses,
curity threat. Tackling this challenge
ransomware resources into a single
and other organizations. The new site is a
requires collaboration across every
platform that includes clear guidance
collaborative effort across the federal gov-
level of government, the private sec-
on how to report attacks, and the latest
ernment and the first joint website created
tor, and communities. Roughly $350
ransomware-related alerts and threats
to help private and public organizations
million in ransom was paid to mali-
from all participating agencies, accord-
mitigate their ransomware risk, DHS says.
cious cyber actors in 2020, a more than
ing to DHS.
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September 2021 | The Journal of Healthcare Contracting
