Global Computer Attack By Suspected Russia Hackers

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent

(Worthy News) – A Russia-linked crime group that attacked computer systems of companies worldwide has demanded $70 million paid in bitcoins to restore access.

The REvil group claims its malware, which initially targeted U.S.-based Internet Technology firm Kaseya, hit one million “systems.”

Among the corporate victims are 500 Swedish Coop supermarkets and 11 schools in New Zealand. Two Dutch IT firms were also hit, according to local media reports.

Kaseya said that fewer than 40 of its customers had been affected. But because Kaseya provides software to managed service providers, the number of victims may be much greater, experts”.

Underscoring the dangers, Colonial Pipeline faced an extortion attack earlier this year, causing a shutdown lasting several days.

The firm reportedly paid the hackers nearly $5 million to regain access.

The Russia-based cybersecurity and anti-virus provider Kaspersky has expressed concern about online crime. However, “Paying a ransom is just putting the fire out, but it will not make your environment more secure,” said David Jacoby, deputy director at Kaspersky.

“The companies should not pay the ransom because we don’t want to encourage cybercriminals that this is something that’s profitable,” he stressed.

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