The recent cyber attack on the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi has raised concerns about the growing threat of cyber attacks on industries beyond the financial and power sectors.
AIIMS, one of India’s premier medical institutions, was targeted by hackers on December 2nd. The attack disrupted the hospital’s operations and put the personal information of thousands of patients at risk.
AIIMS officials are currently scanning 50 servers and 5,000 computers to assess the extent of the damage and to determine the source of the attack. The hospital has reportedly strengthened its cybersecurity measures and is working with law enforcement agencies to investigate the incident.
Experts say that the attack on AIIMS is just the latest example of hackers using increasingly sophisticated techniques to target industries that are increasingly reliant on technology, such as healthcare, transportation, and education. These attacks can have serious consequences, including the loss of sensitive data, the disruption of critical infrastructure, and even the loss of lives.
One of the reasons for this shift in hackers’ focus is the growing use of technology in these industries. As they become more reliant on technology, they become more vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
To protect against these threats, experts say that it is crucial for businesses and organizations to invest in robust cybersecurity measures. This includes training employees on how to identify and prevent cyber attacks, implementing strong password policies, and regularly updating software and security systems.
Additionally, it is important for governments and international organizations to work together to address the global threat of cyber attacks. This can include sharing information about known threats, coordinating efforts to prevent and respond to attacks, and supporting research and development into new security technologies.
Overall, the cyber attack on AIIMS serves as a wake-up call for organizations to prioritize cybersecurity and take steps to protect themselves from these increasingly sophisticated threats.
- Read also: Ransomware as a service: Enabler of Pervasive Attacks
How ransomware gets on your computer
Ransomware is a type of malware that can infect a computer and encrypt its data, making it inaccessible to the user unless a ransom is paid to the hackers. There are several ways that ransomware can get onto your computer, including the following:
- Email attachments: Hackers often send ransomware as attachments in spam emails, disguised as something legitimate, such as an invoice or a receipt. If the attachment is opened, the ransomware is downloaded and installed on the computer.
- Malicious websites: Visiting a website that has been compromised by hackers can also lead to the download and installation of ransomware on your computer. These websites often disguise themselves as legitimate, such as a fake login page for a popular website.
- Drive-by downloads: In some cases, ransomware can be downloaded and installed on your computer without you even realizing it. This can happen if you visit a website that has been infected with malware that exploits vulnerabilities in your web browser or operating system.
- Removable media: Ransomware can also be spread through removable media, such as USB drives or DVDs. If you insert contaminated removable media into your computer, the ransomware can be automatically installed.
How to protect against ransomware
To protect against ransomware, there are several steps that you can take, including the following:
- Be cautious when opening email attachments or visiting websites: Ransomware can be delivered through spam emails or malicious websites. Be wary of opening attachments from unknown senders, and avoid visiting websites that you are not familiar with or that look suspicious.
- Keep your operating system and web browser up to date: Regularly installing the latest security updates and patches can help protect against vulnerabilities that ransomware can exploit.
- Use a reputable antivirus program: Antivirus software can help detect and block ransomware before it can infect your computer.
- Regularly back up your important data: If your computer is infected with ransomware, having a recent backup of your data can help you restore it without having to pay the ransom.
- Be aware of the warning signs of ransomware:Ransomware can sometimes display a message or a pop-up window demanding a ransom. If you see this, do not pay the ransom and immediately disconnect your computer from the internet to prevent the ransomware from spreading.
By following these steps, you can help protect your computer against ransomware and other types of malware.
