- Ishani Mohanty
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Maryland is not an exception to the significant threat that ransomware attacks have posed to enterprises worldwide. Cybercriminals are increasingly drawn to Maryland’s municipal governments and companies because of their burgeoning tech infrastructure and proximity to important government offices.
Why Ransomware Is Targeting Maryland
The Expanding Tech Scene in the State: The state of Maryland is home to a thriving IT sector that includes biotechnology and cybersecurity. Although this expansion has encouraged economic growth and innovation, it has also attracted the attention of hackers who want to take advantage of the state’s reliance on digital networks.
Defence Contractors and Government Agencies: The state is a top target for ransomware perpetrators because of its closeness to Washington, D.C., and the existence of federal organizations like the National Security Agency (NSA). Because their data is sensitive, defence contractors, government agencies, and other important Maryland-based enterprises are easy targets.
Small and Medium-Sized Businesses (SMEs): Many small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are part of Maryland’s vibrant business environment. These companies are especially susceptible to ransomware attacks because they frequently lack the cybersecurity resources of larger enterprises. Since businesses are more likely to pay the ransom and may be ill-prepared to counter an attack, SMEs are often the targets of cybercriminals.
Maryland’s Latest Ransomware Attacks
Numerous well-publicized ransomware incidents in Maryland have brought attention to the susceptibility of regional establishments. For instance, during the pandemic in 2022, Baltimore County Public Schools experienced a serious ransomware assault that interfered with online instruction. Analogously, ransomware attacks have put patient care at risk at several Maryland hospitals.
These attacks are part of a larger national trend in which companies, municipal governments, and healthcare organizations are targeted for the valuable data they possess. The surge in ransomware assaults serves as a reminder for businesses in Maryland to strengthen their security measures.
How Businesses and Local Governments Can Safeguard Themselves
Put Comprehensive Cybersecurity Policies into Practice: Sturdy cybersecurity policies must be developed and implemented by corporations as well as local governments. This entails using sophisticated threat detection systems, making sure endpoints are secure, and imposing frequent software updates. Companies should also teach staff members how to spot phishing attempts, as they are frequently ransomware’s first port of entry.
Frequent Data Backups: Keeping frequent backups of important data is one of the best strategies to lessen the effects of a ransomware attack. A 3-2-1 backup strategy is recommended for businesses and municipal governments. This method entails keeping three copies of data on two distinct types of media and one offshore copy. This guarantees that activities can continue even in the event of a ransomware attack with minimal data loss.
Invest in Cybersecurity Insurance: A ransomware attack’s financial impact might be lessened by purchasing cybersecurity insurance. Numerous governments and companies in Maryland have started investing in these plans to compensate for the expenses of recovering from an attack, including paying for ransomware if needed and restoring data.
Conclusion
Maryland’s local governments and companies need to be proactive in protecting their data and operations as ransomware assaults escalate. Putting thorough cybersecurity plans into action, keeping frequent backups, and purchasing cybersecurity insurance are crucial measures in thwarting this ever-increasing threat.
