When ransomware cripples a hospital, it’s not the building or equipment that suffers — it’s the patients who are denied.
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Tech smart: Put all your medical records on your phone
It’s official: UnitedHealth Group confirmed over 100 million people had their health care and personal data stolen in a massive ransomware attack on a subsidiary, Change Healthcare. It’s a pretty safe bet your personal info and health data might be at risk.
🛡️ Microsoft offers built-in ransomware protection for Windows PCs: The catch? You must use OneDrive to back up your data. Keep in mind it’s not 100% foolproof, either. If you want to try it, open the Windows Security app > Virus & threat protection > Manage ransomware protection, and turn on Controlled folder access. It’s free for now, but I’ll bet they’ll start charging for this soon.
$75 million
Record ransom, paid to ransomware gang Dark Angels. This fairly new gang goes after some of the largest companies in the world. Once they’ve hacked into a database, they send a ransom note threatening to expose the stolen data on their site, Dunghill Leak. They say they’re “making the world more secure.” I’ll tell you one thing they’re definitely making: A boatload of money.
Antivirus comparison: Which option is best for your PC or Mac?
If you browse the internet regularly, you can’t get around the fact that you need antivirus software. Viruses can pop up in unexpected places, and you want your device to be able to fight one off if it appears.
Dangerous malware making the rounds is what makes having antivirus software protecting you so critical. But what’s the best antivirus software for a Mac or Windows computer? Keep reading to see the best options.
Using free antivirus? Here's what it could cost you
The internet is dangerous and laden with hidden threats. Luckily, antivirus (AV) software can spot lurking dangers that want to take over your computer. Tap or click here to find out why you need antivirus software.
You may consider a free version if you’re looking for an antivirus tool. A few solutions won’t cost you a dime, which can be appealing. But, as with all things, you get what you pay for.
Fraud and identity warning: Protect your info in one simple step
What do these things have in common: A data breach, a credit card offer in the mail, a form at the doctor’s office and a Dark Web marketplace?
If you guessed anything to do with your identity, you nailed it. All are ways someone can get their hands on your Social Security number. With just a handful of digits, they can do a lot of harm.
Stolen identity: The hidden dangers of medical ID theft
You’re feeling sick, so you go to the doctor. Bad news: You need surgery. Worse news: Your insurance won’t cover it. They say you’ve already had two surgeries this year.
The catch? You haven’t. This is the nasty reality of medical fraud.
🏦 They’ve hacked Fort Knox: Ransomware group LockBit says they have 33TB of U.S. Federal Reserve data, claiming it holds “Americans’ banking secrets.” There’s no proof yet, but they’re threatening to spill it. Get proactive: Set up banking alerts, use two-factor authentication on your bank login and watch your accounts.
Where did the hacker go? He ransomware: Microsoft and Google are offering free or discounted cybersecurity to nearly 1,800 rural hospitals across the U.S. Why? Because, without IT resources and cybersecurity training, they’re sitting ducks for ransomware. These places are often the only health hubs for miles, so if they’re hit, real lives are at risk.
Major ISP hacked: Around 750,000 Frontier Internet customers had their info stolen in a ransomware attack. No financial data was grabbed, but the info does include full names, Social Security numbers, birthdays and home addresses — more than enough to steal your identity. If you use Frontier, put up your scam guard. Cybercriminals may have a boatload more info on you now.
🚨 Data held hostage by LockBit ransomware? Don’t negotiate with terrorists. The FBI is giving out 7,000 free decryption keys you can use to unlock your data without paying a ransom. If you’re affected, you’ll probably know it (i.e., you won’t be able to access files on your computer). Go to the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center to snag your free key.
Ransomware puts hospitals in danger
The hack on Ascension threw its 140 hospitals and 40 senior facilities into full-blown chaos. Plus, Google’s untrustworthy AI, tech phrases you’ll never use again, and lost sleep from binge-watching.
3 reasons you shouldn't go another day without antivirus software
If you don’t have antivirus software, you’re putting every internet-connected gadget you own at risk. Something as simple as an unchanged router password can be an entry point for an invader to shut down your phone or even taunt your children through a security camera or smart speaker.
15 million vets’ health data was leaked: It was part of the recently reported Change Healthcare and UnitedHealth ransomware data breach. Supposedly, patients’ “full medical histories” weren’t compromised, but with more dirt coming out about the breach almost every day, who’s to say how deep this rabbit hole goes? Watch out for medical ID theft.
It just keeps getting worse: Think of one person you’d call friend or foe. Now, know it’s either them or you who just got their medical ID and health care details stolen. Yup, 50% of Americans were hit. Cybercriminals were in Change Healthcare’s system for nine days (paywall link) before launching their Feb. 21 ransomware attack. You really need to watch out for medical theft. Steps are on my site.
Hacking on a budget: For $20, criminals buy ransomware tools on the dark web. Their target? Smaller companies and individuals — those least likely to have the resources to defend themselves. Unlike “ransomware-as-a-service,” which forces hackers to share profits, these tools have no strings attached. If you’re a small business owner, beef up your cybersecurity.
Ransomware gang has your health data
Yes, the Change Healthcare hack just got worse. Here’s what you need to know. Plus, X charges a $1 fee to post, a foodie side hustle saves a guy $40K, and beware of scary SIM swapping scams.
Under siege: Change Healthcare, the hacked UnitedHealth Group company that processes insurance claims, already paid $22 million to a ransomware crime ring. It’s no surprise they’re a big target since they’re used by about 94% of hospitals, plus pharmacies and medical offices. Another group called RansomHub says they’ll sell the same data that was stolen during that massive February cyberattack unless they get paid in five days. We’re all screwed.