Ransomware: Facts Considerations and Risk Minimization

Ransomware attacks are on the rise. These attacks employ various types of malware to encrypt and lock down valuable digital assets, rendering them (and often entire networks) unusable, and then demand ransom payments to release those files and networks. Since January 1, 2016, there have been approximately 4,000 ransomware attacks each day targeting every business sector, a 300 percent increase since 2015.

Drinker Biddle partner Ken Dort hosted an event at our office in Chicago to discuss the growing trends of ransomware and the technical issues underlying these attacks, as well as practice tips on preventing and responding to these attacks under applicable state and federal laws.

Joining Ken on the panel were Eric Brelsford, Special Agent for the FBI’s Cyber Crime Division, Eric Zimmerman, Senior Director of Cyber Security Investigations for Kroll Cyber Security, and David Glockner, Chicago’s SEC Regional Office Director.

Discussion Overview:

• What is Ransomware?
• How Ransomware Works
• Recent Examples/What Happened?
• Preventive Measures
• Response Strategies
• Can Ransomware Give Rise To A “Breach”?
• Best Practices

Questions? Please contact EventsTeam@faegredrinker.com.