DOJ creates ransomware task force after 'worst year ever': 6 things to know
Becker's Health IT
Hannah Mitchell
The Department of Justice formed a task force to curb the rapid expansion of ransomware cyberattacks by targeting the entire criminal ecosystem surrounding them, according to an April 21 report by The Wall Street Journal.
Acting Deputy Attorney General John Carlin said in an internal memorandum this week that ransomware poses a threat not only to business but "jeopardizes the safety and health of Americans."
Ransomware poses a significant threat to the healthcare sector as well. Last October, cyberterrorists conducted a wave of ransomware attacks on hospitals, locking up their systems while demanding a ransom, which disrupted patient care during a nationwide spike in COVID-19 cases.
"By any measure, 2020 was the worst year ever when it comes to...