The White House warned the private sector on Thursday to beef up security against ransomware attacks after a series of attacks disrupted operations at a major meat packaging firm and the largest U.S. fuel pipeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The recent attacks have forced companies to consider ransomware as a threat to the business in addition to data theft since ransomware attacks not only steal data but also disrupt operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
White House press secretary Jen Psaki called on business leaders to strengthen their cyber defenses to protect the American public and the economy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A hacking group called REvil and Sodinokibi were behind the attack on JBS after another group, which also has ties to Russia, launched another cyberattack on Colonial Pipeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The attack crippled fuel supplies in the southeastern U.S. for days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
President Biden believes Russian President Vladimir Putin has a role to play in preventing these attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The government urged business leaders to use multifactor authentication, endpoint detection and response, encryption, and a qualified security team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Companies should also conduct regular system tests, back up data, and update and patch systems promptly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Companies have also been encouraged to hire a third party to test the work of the security team so that the business functions and production of the companies can take place in separate networks.<\/p>\n\n\n