Ransomware is Now its Own Crime in 印第安纳州

• 2017年6月26日
• bet9九州体育登录线路
• 新闻

A bill signed into law this April in 印第安纳州 will significantly raise the penalties for ransomware attacks in 印第安纳州.

Ransomware根据… TechTerms的定义为:A type of Malware that prevents you from using your computer or accessing certain files unless you pay a ransom. It often encrypts files so they cannot be opened.”

The 印第安纳州 Economic Digest suggests the bill is a response to several ransomware attacks in 印第安纳州 last year. They report that in November 2016, the Madison County government system was accessed 和 an individual encrypted files 和 dem和ed money to open them. Also in November, 76,000 Howard County government files were ransomed.  The website BleepingComputer also reports that King’s Daughter Health Center in Madison was shut down for four days in April 2016, 和 in May 2016 the DeKalb Health Center in Auburn, 印第安纳州, 是救赎.

The bill, which was introduced by State Rep. Chris Judy of Fort Wayne 和 was signed into law by the governor in April after being amended by the Senate 和 approved by the House, creates much stronger penalties for the people that launch ransomware attacks. It raises unauthorized access to a computer to a level 6 felony, which includes six months to 2.5 years in prison 和 a fine up to $10,000. In the event the hacker or software planted by an individual or organization prohibits the owner from accessing the files 和 causes more than $50,000英镑的损失, the charge becomes a level 5 felony, in which case the penalty becomes a maximum of 6 years in prison 和 a maximum fine of up to $10,000.

With the passage of the law, 印第安纳州 becomes only the 第三 state – including Wyoming 和 California – that specifically addresses ransomware as a separate 犯罪, 和 not under general hacking laws.

Ransomware attacks have recently become more common, more expensive 和 have gone worldwide. 一个故事 National Public Radio (NPR) shows that a massive ransomware attack in May this year affected users in more than 150 countries 和 affected more than 300,000台电脑. In most instances, the perpetrators dem和ed $300 to unencrypt the files.

There are ways to prevent ransomware from infecting a system, or at least to minimize the effects. Nomoreransom.org lists several, including:

• Back up all files to a cloud or at least to a site separate from the computer.
• Enable strong 和 updated security software.
• Update your computer frequently, especially software.
• 警惕. Many times ransomware is introduced through opening fraudulent emails. Make sure the emails are legitimate.
• Enable “Show Files” extension in Windows.
• If, 尽管预防措施, ransomware is introduced onto your computer, whether through an email or by other means, disconnect from the internet immediately.

No security, especially in the cyber-world, can reasonably be expected to be 100 percent effective. 然而, by following the above steps, a layer of security can be provided which will make it much more difficult for hackers to reach into a system for nefarious purposes. And the sort of new legislation enacted by 印第安纳州 will hopefully be followed by other states, 和 make the costs of being caught a deterrent  for would-be ransomers.

Church, Langdon, Lopp, Banet Law, a law firm in 新奥尔巴尼, 印第安纳州, has faithfully served the people 和 communities of 印第安纳州 for several years in a variety of legal areas including 刑法 和 家庭法. We have the experience 和 resources 帮助 you with your legal needs. To ask a question or to set up a consultation, 在线bet9九州体育登录 或者拨打812.725.8224.