Earlier this month, the World Economic Forum cited cyber-threats, such as a recent ransomware attack right here in Arkansas, as emerging risks to the global economy.
Of course, the organization didn't cite any Arkansas examples, but the worldwide nature of the problems when hackers attack computer systems big and small, insert programs that shut those systems down then demand payment of ransoms to release the systems back into normal operations.
It's essentially hostage taking. Rather than takeover with guns and threats of physical harm such as that portrayed in "The Taking of Pelham 123," these cowardly foes hide behind computer screens -- largely in other nations but some here at home -- and use coding to take information hostage. And the world these days runs on information, making it a lucrative target for those willing to engage in extortion.
Imagine showing up for work one day, at a hospital, let's say, and discovering all the computers were locked up, with only a screen message explaining how one must pay a ransom to get the system up and running again. To say lives could be on the line is no exaggeration. Ransomware is a scourge on our technological lives, consuming resources so unnecessarily.
Back in October, officials from 30 countries, including the United States, gathered to find ways to combat the security threat represented by such computer attacks. According to the White House at the time, ransomware payments had reached more than $400 million globally during the previous year.
Crawford County government, right here in Arkansas, knows a bit about these criminal enterprises. The county's computer systems were attacked over the holidays. Criminals apparently have not Christmas spirit.
County offices are still recovering from the attack. County Judge Dennis Gilstrap said the county did not pay a ransom, relying instead on its information technology provider, Rogers-based Apprentice Information Systems, which shut down all computers and servers as soon as the county recognized it was under attack.
Yes, Crawford County and its taxpayers are paying a price now, but this Arkansas county government did not give in, which deserves applause. It's not the biggest level of government in the world and hackers may have thought it an easy target, but not acquiescing to extortion is a response the people of Crawford County should be proud of, even though it continues to cause complications with the delivery of county services.
It's undoubtedly a painstaking process of recovery.
Of course it's all been reported to the state and federal authorities, who we hope can find some clues that eventually leads to the culprits. It's not so simple, though. Many ransomware attacks originate in Russia or China, all the more reason to remember that while the United States benefits from some collaboration with those countries, it must always be front of mind that they are not friends.
We appreciate the county's response to this incident.
The Crawford County government is still unable to provide certain services after getting hit by a malware attack over the Christmas holidays. County Judge Dennis Gilstrap said Tuesday ransomware of unknown origin struck the county's servers Dec. 26. He said it could be two or three weeks before the county's computer system is back online and completely recovered.
Arkansas County didn't give in. Hackers might think was an easy target.
Now they're paying the price.
What’s the point?
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NoneKudos to Crawford County officials for their response to a recent computer attack by cybercriminals.