With cybersecurity being in the forefront of the industry’s mind, and the nation’s, the U.S. government has launched new resources and initiatives to protect American businesses and communities from ransomware attacks.
“As ransomware attacks continue to rise around the world, businesses and other organizations must prioritize their cybersecurity,” Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a release. “Cyber criminals have targeted critical infrastructure, small businesses, hospitals, police departments, schools, and more. These attacks directly impact Americans’ daily lives and the security of our nation. I urge every organization across our country to use this new resource to learn how to protect themselves from ransomware and reduce their cybersecurity risk.”
One of the most recent ransomware attacks that has affected the mortgage and real estate industries occurred mid-July. Cloudstar, a provider of information technology solutions for title insurance and mortgage origination companies, among other businesses, was targeted by a ransomware attack that locked down its systems and prevented clients from accessing their files and information. Though Cloudstar has had some success in restoration, extensive work is still being done to recover its customer data.
Additionally, President Joe Biden signed an executive order on improving the nation’s cybersecurity earlier this year, calling on agencies to make the prevention, detection, assessment, and remediation of cyber incidents a top priority.
“Protecting our nation from malicious cyber actors requires the federal government to partner with the private sector,” Biden wrote. “The private sector must adapt to the continuously changing threat environment, ensure its products are built and operate securely, and partner with the federal government to foster a more secure cyberspace.”
In light of this new directive, DHS and the Department of Justice (DOJ), along with federal partners, have launched StopRansomware.gov, a “one-stop hub” for ransomware resources for individuals, businesses, and other organizations. The site is a consolidation of resources from all of the federal government agencies. Prior to its creation, those looking for information had to visit several websites for guidance, latest alerts, updates, and resources.
It includes content from the DHS’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the U.S. Secret Service, the FBI, the Department of Commerce’s National Institution of Standards and Technology, the Treasury, and the Department of Health and Human Resources.
“The Department of Justice is committed to protecting Americans from the rise in ransomware attacks that we have seen in recent years,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said. “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.”