cybersecurity Archives – Page 22 of 23

FB-ISAO Physical Threat Level Returns to SEVERE; Cyber Threat Level Remains GUARDED

June 1, 2020
security

The TIG has determined to lower the FB-ISAO’s Threat and Incident Response Group (TIG) continues to assess the ongoing threats and risks to our community and has made the following updates to our Threat Level Assessments: Physical Threat Level to “SEVERE;” The TIG has determined to maintain the Cyber Threat Level at “GUARDED.”

FB-ISAO Physical & Cyber Threat Level Updates

April 30, 2020
preparedness

The TIG has determined to maintain the Physical Threat Level at “CRITICAL” and The TIG has determined to maintain the Cyber Threat Level at “ELEVATED.”

A Message to the Community of Faith, from the DHS Assistant Director of Infrastructure Security

April 8, 2020
faith

"The ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has temporarily altered our daily activities. People are rightly practicing social distancing to limit community spread, in line with the President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America. Many houses of worship have also suspended or significantly reduced services to avoid mass gatherings. Although many people undoubtedly continue to practice their faith, including through remote services and prayer, most are inevitably eager to return to normalcy and join their fellow congregants in practicing their faiths. The American people are resilient, and we will achieve this goal soon."

FB-ISAO Raises Physical Threat Level to “CRITICAL,” Maintains Cyber Threat Level at “ELEVATED”

March 31, 2020
cybersecurity

The TIG has determined to increase the Physical Threat Level from “SEVERE,” to “CRITICAL,” – our highest level of threat - as of 31 March 2020. The TIG will continue to assess the Physical Threat Level and provide updates accordingly. At present, this increase is valid through sunset on 30 April 2020, but that will be periodically re-evaluated. The TIG has determined to maintain the Cyber Threat Level at “ELEVATED,” as it has been since 20 March 2020. The TIG will continue to assess the Cyber Threat Level and provide updates accordingly. At present, this increase is valid through sunset on 30 April 2020, but that will be periodically re-evaluated.

FB-ISAO Raises Cyber Threat Level to “ELEVATED”

March 21, 2020
cybersecurity

It is out of an abundance of caution that FB-ISAO has assessed the general Cyber Threat Level for U.S. Faith-Based Organizations as “ELEVATED.” As per FB-ISAO’s definitions of the Threat Levels, “ELEVATED” means FB-ISAO is not aware of any specific or targeted cyber threats, but there is a concern that the general risk of cyber threat activity is higher than normal.

A Cyber Christmas Carol

December 23, 2019
cybersecurity

What could we possibly learn about cybersecurity from the Charles Dickens classic: A Christmas Carol, you ask? Well, pardon our parallels and allow us some latitude as we explore this holiday classic with a cyber theme.

Say No to Ransomware – Have a Plan!

July 22, 2019
cybersecurity

Over the past several weeks, ransomware has been a widespread topic. However, on 02 July there was a bit of good news for a change. St John Ambulance, a “not-for-profit provider of specialist patient transport services across England” advised customers they were “subjected to a ransomware attack.” Fortunately, having a plan in place allowed St John Ambulance to resolve the issue within 30 minutes without paying any ransom demands.

Houses of Worship, Faith-Based Organizations, Charities, and Other Non-Profits: Yes, This CAN Happen to You.

July 12, 2019
cybersecurity

by Jennifer Lyn Walker and Omar Tisza This post was originally informed by a TLP: GREEN FB-ISAO Monthly Threat Overview, distributed on 27 June 2019. It’s easy to adopt the “this won’t happen to me” mentality when it comes to fighting cyber…

Not Banking on Ransomware – Non-Profit Charities Facing Multiple Challenges After Being Impacted

July 5, 2019
cybersecurity

A series of recent ransomware incidents are not only highlighting just how vulnerable faith-based organizations and charities are to this type of cyberattack, these incidents also demonstrate threat actors interest in targeting organizations that are often less prepared for a cyber incident and perception they may be more willing to pay the ransom

Truth and Consequences of Digital Extortion

June 27, 2019
General

by Jennifer Lyn Walker and Omar Tisza This post was originally informed by a TLP: GREEN FB-ISAO report distributed on 14 February 2019. Like every other business type, faith-based organizations (FBOs) are susceptible to digital extortion attacks. History has shown many cyber…