Hackers from Russia are reported to have launched an RYUK ransomware attack on Durham North Carolina disrupting communication and computer services across the county.
According to the Prima Facie launched by North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations, the said ransomware strain entered the network through phishing emails and could have been launched by a noted hacking group from Russia,
A few of the county officials released a press statement on Monday saying the malware spread took place due to a human error where an employee was seen clicking on a malicious email link.
Kerry Goode, who happens to be the CIO of the City of Durham, said that the county is safe as it has a cyber-contingency plan which can help sustain data continuity through the backups.
As the digital communication services to the city’s 911 call center were disrupted, the communication between Durham Fire Department, Durham Police Department, and Durham Sheriff’s Office were also neutralized.
Those spreading RYUK Ransomware are seen demanding a huge sum of money-say $10,000 to free up the database from the malware strain. On an official note, this file-encrypting malware stream is seen hitting enterprise environments mostly and is also seen stealing sensitive corporate data.
But in the case, the Durham City officials are disinterested in entertaining any demands from Hackers. As they do not want to encourage the crime by paying them and are 100% sure that their backed-up data will come to rescue.
