In an effort to combat the growing menace of ransomware attacks, the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) is making stakeholders aware of the weapons it has in its arsenal that can fight back.
Assistant Minister for Defence, Andrew Hastie said more Australians were being targeted by cyber-criminals through ransomware campaigns and it was likely to get worse.
Mr Hastie said the ACSC was tackling the menace head-on to support Australian organisations and individuals from cyber compromise.
“Ransomware is one of the most damaging types of cyber-attacks, which can have severe and long-lasting impacts to Australian organisations and their operations,” he said.
Mr Hastie said the ACSC had prepared for this eventuality over the previous months with the publication of its Ransomware Prevention and Protection Guide and Emergency Response Guide.
In a statement, the ACSC said ransomware was a type of malicious software that cyber-criminals used to deny a victim access to their files or devices. The criminals then demand payment for the return of access.
“Ransomware works by locking up or encrypting your files so that you can no longer use or access them. Sometimes it can even stop your devices from working,” the ACSC said.
“We recommend you do not pay the ransom. There is no guarantee paying the ransom will fix your devices. It can also make you vulnerable to future attacks. Instead, restore your files from back-up and seek advice.”
The ACSC said, for this reason, it was crucial to back up data and put effective cyber-security practices in place.
The Australian Cyber Security Centre is located within the Australian Signals Directorate.
The ACSC’s 12-page Ransomware Prevention and Protection Guide can be accessed at this PS News link and the Ransomware Action Checklist and Cyber Security Emergency Plan can be downloaded at this link.
