Fast Growing Ransomware Gang Targets Businesses Across the Country

A criminal organization known as The Gentlemen has become the second most active ransomware group based on the number of victims they have attacked. Ransomware is malicious software that locks up computer systems and demands payment to unlock them. This group has grown quickly by offering their criminal partners 90 percent of any ransom money collected from victims.

Journalist Brian Krebs has been investigating the real identities of the people running this operation. This threat primarily affects businesses and organizations rather than individual families or home computer users. Ransomware gangs like The Gentlemen typically target companies, hospitals, schools, and government agencies because these organizations can pay larger ransoms.

If you work for a company or your children attend a school, there is a chance these institutions could be targeted. For individual families, there are no specific immediate actions required based on this news. However, if your employer or your child's school announces they have been hit by a cyberattack, follow their specific instructions carefully.

Watch for notification letters about data breaches. Monitor your bank accounts and credit reports for unusual activity if you are told your personal information may have been exposed. Stay protected by maintaining good security habits at home and encouraging them at work.

Use strong, unique passwords for every account. Enable two factor authentication wherever possible. Back up important family photos and documents to an external hard drive that you disconnect after backing up. Keep your computer and phone software updated.

These habits protect you whether criminals are targeting you directly or your information gets caught up in an attack on an organization you interact with.