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| McAfee and Microsoft fight ransomware |
An organization of 19 security, technical, and non-profit organizations made up of well-known companies including McAfee and Microsoft have announced plans to form a new coalition to counter the growing threat posed by ransomware.
This new group, called Ransomware Task Force, focuses on evaluating existing technical solutions that can provide protection against ransomware attacks.
The Ransomware Working Group employs experts to work with stakeholders from various industries to identify gaps in existing solutions and then develop a common problem-solving roadmap for all members.
The end result should be a unified framework for managing ransom demands across the industry based on industry consensus rather than advice from individual contractors.
The founding members, along with McAfee and Microsoft, reflected the group's desire to create a diverse team of experts:
- Aspen Digital (Policy Development Group).
- Citrix (Network Equipment Supplier).
- Cyber Threat Alliance (Cyber Security Industry Group).
- Cyber Eason (security company).
- The Online Peace Institute (a non-profit organization dedicated to helping victims of cyberattacks).
- Cyber Security Alliance (Policy Development Group).
- Global Network Alliance (a nonprofit organization dedicated to minimizing cyber risks).
- Security Technology Institute (Policy Development Group).
- McAfee (security company).
- Microsoft (security company).
- Rapid7 (security company).
- Flexibility (electronic insurance).
- SecurityScorecard (Risk Management).
- Shadowserver Foundation (a non-profit security organization).
- Stratigus is safe.
- Team Cymru (Cyber Threat).
- The third path (reflection center).
- UT Austin Stauss Center (Research Group).
- Senior LLP (Law Firm).
Ransomware isn't the most common malware right now, and it doesn't cause the biggest financial loss to a company each year.
However, it remains a huge threat and the trend is on the rise, with ransomware requests increasing quarter by quarter.
“We believe there is a need for a multi-tiered and cross-sectoral approach,” said Philip Rayner, the former chair of the National Security Council and director general of the Institute for Security and Technology that created the new team.
He added: Ransomware requires everyone involved to work together to create a clear framework of workable solutions.
The Ransomware Task Force website will be published in January 2021 and will contain detailed information on members and top positions.