FBI warns of an imminent attack of viruses that demand cryptocurrency

Three U.S. federal agencies — the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and the Intergovernmental Information Sharing and Analysis Center — have issued joint advice on how to deter ransomware attacks that steal cryptocurrency. As part of the #StopRansomware campaign, the joint cybersecurity advisory warned citizens about Vice Society ransomware, which encrypts users' personal data and demands a ransom for decryption.

Law enforcement agencies are expecting a surge in ransomware attacks targeting educational institutions, as they believe that «schools with limited cybersecurity capabilities and few financial resources are the most vulnerable.» The FBI is asking US citizens to provide information that will help track down the hackers. Some of the key information the FBI is looking for includes data on WTS wallets, ransomware messages, and IP addresses associated with the attackers.

In addition, the three federal agencies strongly discourage Americans from paying any ransom, «as payment does not guarantee the recovery of victims' files or the return of lost funds.» Anyone who has been affected by ransomware attacks can report the details by visiting the FBI offices in their city or through official communication channels.

As a reminder, the FBI recently issued a warning to cryptocurrency investors, advising users to conduct thorough research on DeFi platforms before using them. The law enforcement agency warned that cybercriminals are trying to take advantage of «increased investor interest in cryptocurrencies.» Hackers are exploiting vulnerabilities in the smart contracts that control DeFi platforms to steal cryptocurrency from investors.