In this section, we have discussed it many times how ransomware threat is constantly evolving with time. With each cryptovirological excursion out there, cybersecurity specialists find something new regarding its scope. Subsequently, they have to adapt ransomware removal activities as well.
It’s been nearly three months since the Atlanta ransomware attack happened. However, the event is still making it to the headlines due to its far-reaching implications. In the latest development, it has been found out that the city’s police department has lost all its video evidence. Even multimillion ransomware removal and restoration activities couldn’t protect that important set of data.
This might be the first major case of ransomware attack where valuable data in the form of media files has become a casualty of the assault. In most of the cases, particularly in ransomware attacks on public entities, text-based data were the first to fall to the cryptovirological activity.
For this reason, organizations often overlook the security of media files in comparison to other forms of data. Likewise, ransomware removal activities also take care of media files in the end. It is worth noting that every active noteworthy cryptographic strain on the web is able to encrypt media files. This means every media file stored on any digital system is as vulnerable to ransomware activity as any other component of it.
Importance of Media Files for Law Enforcement Entities
It can be said that media files are the most critical item in the databases of law enforcement agencies. From mug shots, CCTV footage to crime scene photos, there can be a lot of substantial evidence in the form of media files. With the increased rate of ransomware attacks on government and public organizations, it has become important for law enforcement agencies to protect their media databases.
Cloud backups can provide a good solution to protect such data if one doesn’t want to entirely bank on ransomware removal activities. The Atlanta’s police department mishap is a caution for organizations to prioritize ransomware removal for every form of data. For law enforcement bodies, it is important to take extra care of the data essential to their ongoing investigations.