With the media fully engaged with the looming U.S. debt ceiling, there's been little coverage of a massive ransomware attack on Dallas, Texas, targeting public safety systems, putting lives at risk. Recovery will be lengthy and challenging.
First responders were impacted, and public-facing system were taken out of commission. This episode demonstrates the dangers of connecting critical systems to the Internet. Attacks are a shadow cottage industry: it takes less than 10 minutes to access the "dark web," purchase an "infection engine" guaranteed to pass virus checkers, buy Email addresses if you don't have them already, and off you go.
For corporations: Assume your network is already infected, because it is. Without a robust multi-level security structure around each and every resource, it is only a matter of time until your data is compromised.
For individuals: Virus scan regularly. Install a site blocker that keeps you from accessing known attack sites. Even reputable websites don't control the ads shown. If you have toe fungus, see a medical professional, don't click on ads promising home remedies or miracle salves that cure you in a week. Don't visit humor click bait.
More reading on the Dallas ransomware attack here:
www.americancityandcounty.com/