The phrase “cyberattack” strikes fear in the hearts of businesses, organizations, and individuals across the world, and unfortunately, it seems to be happening more and more frequently. Recently, a major cyberattack targeted multiple federal agencies, state governments, and universities across the United States, as well as businesses overseas. Hackers stole data and demanded ransom using a software program called Moveit, which is commonly used to transfer data, including personal information. Experts believe this attack was carried out by a cyber criminal gang operating out of Russia, using an opportunistic approach that does not appear to present a systemic risk to U.S national security. In response, the U.S government’s cybersecurity agency has launched a coordinated effort to support agencies targeted in the attack and provide actionable advice to prevent future attacks. Learn more about this concerning trend in our video, “Cyberattack impacts U.S. federal agencies, NATO allies.

1. Multiple Federal Agencies and Universities Hit by Cyberattack Across the United States: What We Know So Far

Multiple federal agencies, major universities, and state governments across the United States have been hit by a massive cyberattack campaign, causing a significant breach of data theft and ransomware. Among the targets of the cyberattack are the Department of Energy, Johns Hopkins Affiliated Hospitals in Maryland and Florida, Georgia’s Statewide University System, and the Minnesota Department of Education. In addition, British Airways was also hit by the cyberattack.

The U.S. government’s cybersecurity and infrastructure security agency is leading the coordination of all the federal agencies involved in the attack to ensure the rapid dissemination of information to affected companies on how to determine whether they have been compromised, mitigate any damages, and implement best practices to lock down their systems. The government has characterized the incident as an opportunistic attack that does not present a systemic risk to the national security of the country. Although there is no confirmation on which group or country is behind the attack, the cybercriminal gang, known as Klopp, is believed to be operating from inside Russia, and they have started releasing some of the stolen data as part of their extortion scheme.

Companies and government agencies use the software program called MoveIt to transfer data, including personal information. The cyber criminals are exploiting this software program to penetrate their targets and gain access to sensitive data. Last week, the FBI and the U.S. government’s cybersecurity agency warned companies to be on alert for this kind of attack, and former intelligence officials have questioned whether the government should have acted sooner. The cyber security and infrastructure security agency is providing support to agencies targeted in the attack.

2. Hackers Exploit Software Program to Steal Data from Companies and Government Agencies

Several companies and government agencies have become victims of a significant cyber attack worldwide. The attackers have targeted data theft and ransomware hacking in their malicious campaign. Federal agencies, statement governments, major universities, and hospitals have been hit by the attack. Some of the affected entities include the Department of Energy, Georgia’s Statewide University System, Johns Hopkins Affiliated Hospitals in Maryland and Florida, and the Minnesota Department of Education. British Airways was also hit in the attack.

The hackers are believed to be part of the cyber criminal gang called “Klopp,” operating from inside Russia. They are taking advantage of loopholes in the MoveIT software program to transfer data, including personal information. The FBI and the government’s cyber security agency have, in the past week, warned companies to be on high alert for this kind of attack. They explained that the threat had been circulating for weeks, but no action was taken, leaving the companies exposed. In response, the U.S. government’s cybersecurity and infrastructure security agency is helping the targeted agencies to coordinate their responses and provide mitigation strategies, and best practices to lock down their systems and prevent further leaks or hacks.

3. US Government Agencies Work To Mitigate Cyberattack Risks for Companies and Individuals

Multiple federal agencies, state governments, universities, hospitals, and companies were hit by a cyber attack, causing data theft and ransomware. Among the targets were the Department of Energy, Johns Hopkins Affiliated hospitals, Georgia’s statewide university system, and the Minnesota Department of Education. British Airways was also impacted.

The U.S. government’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has been working to rapidly get out information for companies to determine if they have been compromised and provide Best Practices on how to lock down their systems. CISA held a phone briefing characterizing the incident as opportunistic, saying it does not present a systemic risk to U.S. national security. The U.S. government has been coordinating with its agencies to mitigate Cyberattack Risks for Companies and individuals.

The hackers are believed to be part of a Cybercriminal gang, klopp, operating from inside Russia. The criminals exploited the “moveit” software program used by both companies and government agencies to transfer data, including personal information, to extort them. Despite warnings from the FBI and the government’s cybersecurity agency about such attacks, the threat has been circulating for weeks. However, the US government is taking action to support the agencies targeted in the attack and mitigate the future effects of cyber attacks.

4. International Cybersecurity Threat: Russian-Based Cyber Criminal Gang Klopp Suspected in Recent Attack on U.S. Federal Agencies and NATO Allies

Multiple federal agencies, state governments, major universities, and even private companies were hit by a recent wave of data theft and ransomware that has been characterized as a significant cyber attack by the US government. While officials have yet to confirm which group or country is behind the attack, it is believed that Russian-based cyber criminal gang Klopp is responsible.

Klopp is known for using a software program called Moveit to exploit companies and government agencies that use it to transfer data, including personal information. They have already started to release some of the stolen data as part of their efforts to extort these companies. The FBI and the government’s cybersecurity agency warned companies last week to be on the alert for this kind of attack, which former intelligence officials say has been circulating for weeks. It remains to be seen how companies and governments will respond to this international cybersecurity threat.

In conclusion, the cyber attack that impacted U.S. federal agencies and NATO allies is a stark reminder of the importance of online security. It is concerning to see the extent of the attack, with multiple federal agencies, state governments, universities, and even British Airways being targeted. While the exact perpetrators of the attack are yet to be identified, it is clear that Cyber criminal gangs are exploiting software programs like moveit to steal personal information and extort companies. As individuals and businesses, we must remain vigilant and take measures to ensure that our online presence and data are secure. The support from the U.S. government’s cyber security and infrastructure Security Agency is reassuring, but ultimately, it is up to us to protect ourselves from these cyber threats.