National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force, led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Full Answer Section

      Slide 2 What is Ransomware?  

• Malicious software that encrypts a victim's files
• Renders them inaccessible until a ransom is paid
• Targets individuals, businesses, and even critical infrastructure

Speaker Notes Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim's files, making them unreadable and inaccessible. Attackers then demand a ransom payment, typically in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin, in exchange for a decryption key. Ransomware can target individuals, businesses of all sizes, and even critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and power grids. The attackers exploit vulnerabilities in a victim's system to deploy the ransomware, and once the files are encrypted, they essentially hold the victim's data hostage. Slide 3 How is Ransomware Implemented?

• Phishing emails with malicious attachments or links
• Exploiting software vulnerabilities (unpatched systems)
• Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) attacks using weak passwords

Speaker Notes Attackers use a variety of methods to deliver ransomware. Phishing emails are a common tactic. These emails appear to be from legitimate sources, such as a bank or a delivery company, and often contain malicious attachments or links. Clicking on the attachment or link can download the ransomware onto the victim's device. Ransomware can also exploit vulnerabilities in unpatched software. If a system is not updated with the latest security patches, attackers can take advantage of these weaknesses to gain access and deploy ransomware. Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) attacks are another method. RDP allows remote access to a computer, and attackers can exploit weak RDP passwords to gain access and deploy ransomware on the victim's system. Slide 4 Potential Costs of Ransomware  

• Loss of access to critical data
• Financial losses from paying ransoms
• Disruption of operations
• Reputational damage
• Potential for data breaches

Speaker Notes The costs of ransomware attacks can be devastating. The most immediate cost is the loss of access to critical data. Businesses may be unable to access their financial records, customer information, or other essential files. This can lead to significant disruption of operations and lost productivity. In some cases, victims may choose to pay the ransom to regain access to their data. However, there is no guarantee that the attackers will actually provide a decryption key, and even if they do, paying a ransom only encourages future attacks. Ransomware attacks can also damage an organization's reputation. If a company is unable to protect its data, customers may lose trust and take their business elsewhere. Additionally, ransomware attacks can sometimes lead to data breaches, if the attackers are able to access sensitive information before encrypting the files. Slide 5 Criminological/Psychological Theory: Rational Choice Theory  

• Individuals weigh the risks and rewards of criminal activity
• Ransomware offers the potential for high financial gain with a perceived low risk of getting caught
• Cybercrime is often seen as a low-risk, high-reward endeavor

Speaker Notes One criminological/psychological theory that can help explain why individuals choose to commit ransomware attacks is  

Sample Answer

   

Slide 1

The Most Serious Threat to Cybersecurity: Ransomware

Speaker Notes Good morning/afternoon/evening, everyone. Thank you for joining my presentation today. My name is [Your Name], and I am an independent analyst specializing in cybersecurity. Today, I will be discussing what I believe to be the single most serious threat to cybersecurity: ransomware. We will explore how ransomware attacks work, the potential costs they inflict, the motivations behind them, and some methods for protecting ourselves from future attacks.