(CNN) North Korean government-backed hackers in the past year have targeted multiple healthcare organizations with ransomware, in some cases disrupting healthcare for “long periods of time,” the FBI and other U.S. agencies warned Wednesday.
The North Koreans used the ransomware – a type of malicious computer code that locks computer files – to encrypt computer systems hosting electronic health records and diagnostic and imaging services, said the FBI, Treasury Department and U.S. Agency for Cybersecurity and Infrastructure (CISA). in advice urging health care organizations to strengthen their cybersecurity.
It is the latest indication that state-subsidized hackers from countries such as North Korea and Iran are willing to deploy ransomware against the healthcare sector – a tactic more often associated with non-state cybercriminals.
FBI Director Christopher Wray in June blamed Iranian government-backed hackers for a “despicable” cyber attack on Boston Children’s Hospital last year, an allegation that Tehran denied. No ransomware was deployed in that case, but Iranian hackers were the subject of another U.S. advice on ransomware in the healthcare sector in November.
Healthcare facilities already strained for resources due to Covid-19 had to deal with disruptive ransomware attacks during the pandemic. One IT administrator at a 100-bed hospital in Florida told CNN in January how he shut down the facility’s computer systems in January to prevent a ransomware attack from spreading through the hospital.
The fall of 2020 saw a wave of ransomware attacks against U.S. hospitals by Russian-speaking cybercriminals, including one apparent ransomware incident in October 2020 that forced the University of Vermont to delay chemotherapy appointments.
In their advisory Wednesday, U.S. agencies on Wednesday did not name the organizations victimized by the alleged North Korean pirates.
The Center for Sharing and Analyzing Health Information, a cyber threat group for large health care providers worldwide, has not identified any of its members as victims, said Errol Weiss, the group’s chief security officer.
“I would imagine the victims are smaller organizations and not ready to deal with a ransomware attack,” Weiss told CNN.
Silas Cutler, a cybersecurity specialist who analyzed the ransomware and contributed to the federal advice, said the malicious code is “manually” operated, meaning attackers can choose which computer files to encrypt.
“A key open question for us was: How does the attacker deliver ransom money to affected parties?” Cutler, chief reverse engineer at cybersecurity firm Stairwell, told CNN. The federal council will hopefully remove more information from victims and give cybersecurity experts a clearer picture of the pirates ’operations, Cutler said.
North Korea has for years disproved stereotypes of a technology-deprived country to build a huge hacking force. The U.S. government accused Pyongyang of developing the so-called WannaCry redemption program in 2017, which reached more than 200,000 machines in 150 countries. The incident cost the UK’s National Health Service alone more than $ 100 million.
“Among its peers, North Korea is unique in its deep, active involvement in cybercrime,” said John Hultquist, vice president of intelligence analysis at cybersecurity firm Mandiant. “Unlike other countries that can contract and bargain with domestic criminals, the North Korean state commits cybercrime directly, against targets all over the world.”
Can people leave North Korea?
Freedom of movement. North Korean citizens are usually unable to travel freely across the country, let alone travel abroad. Read also : A Freshman’s Guide to Playing Casual Sports on the UNC Campus. Emigration and immigration are strictly controlled.
Are North Koreans allowed to travel? Can North Koreans travel abroad? It’s a question that often pops up on our North Korean Tours. Basically – yes they can, but only with the necessary permission. Waiting for your train to Pyongyang at Dandong station or your flight from Beijing, you will meet hundreds of Traveling North Koreans.
Can North Korean people visit or leave?
Do not travel to North Korea because of the serious risk of arrest and long-term detention of U.S. nationals. You may not use a U.S. passport to travel to, in, or through North Korea without special validation from the State Department.
Is there Coca Cola in North Korea?
There are two countries where you won’t find the carbonated drink in stores – at least officially. See the article : Dodge County Real Estate Transfer Local fremonttribune.com. Due to ongoing trade embargoes and sanctions, there are currently no legal avenues for buying Coca-Cola in Cuba and North Korea.
Is there Pepsi in North Korea? Air Koryo soft drinks are also delivered at a number of North Korean grocery stores. Coca-Cola bottled in China is available in luxury grocery stores in Pyongyang, and Pepsi bottled in China is also available, although it is rare compared to the availability of Coca-Cola.
Is there Coke in Korea?
There are only two countries on the globe that do not currently sell Cola: Cuba and North Korea. Coca-Cola was first introduced in 1886 by Dr. To see also : North Korea says the United States is seeking an apology for an Asian NATO with South Korea and Japan. John S. Pemberton, a pharmacist.
Is there soda in North Korea?
Cola is available in North Korea while we visit the country. Nowadays it is not uncommon to find Cola (Almost always imported from China) through the cities hotels, restaurants and supermarkets. Much like Cuba, North Korea makes its own version of Coke, which you can read about here.
Does South Korea have a secret service?
Based on the US Secret Service, the South Korean PSS is an independent agency responsible for the protection of the President of South Korea, the Prime Minister of South Korea and their offices, residence and respective families, as well as heads of state visiting the country.
How safe is South Korea? Korea has been ranked as the safest country for travelers. According to Numbeo, a data aggregator of urban and national statistics, Korea has the highest overall security index in the world, with a score of 85.69, and it ranked number one among the 117 countries on the list.
Does Korea have a secret service?
Unsourced material can be challenged and removed. The National Intelligence Service (NIS; Korean: êµê ° € ì • ë³´ì ›, êµì • ì›) is South Korea’s main secret service.
What is the Korean intelligence agency called?
The Korea Central Intelligence Agency (KCIA) was created in 1961, and in 1981 the agency changed its name to the National Security Planning Agency (NSP).
How long do North Korean soldiers serve?
In 1993, service was expanded to ten years on the orders of Kim Jong-il. In 1996, compulsory military service was further extended and the military services will now have to serve until they are 30 years old. According to some sources, more recently the compulsory military service is codified in a law adopted by the 10th Supreme People’s Assembly in 2003.
How long do South Korean soldiers serve? Under South Korean compulsory military service law, all men between the ages of 18 and 28 are required to serve in the country’s military for at least 20 months.
How long is military service in North Korea?
North Korea has had compulsory military service for males for 10 years. Females are conscripted until the age of 23. Article 86 of the North Korean Constitution states: “National defense is the supreme duty and honor of citizens. Citizens must defend the country and serve in the armed forces as required by law.”
