This week, the US Department of Justice seized approximately $500,000 worth of Bitcoin from North Korean hackers. These used Maui ransomware (so-called ransomware) to attack healthcare organizations in the United States. Ransomware is malicious software that takes personal data hostage. To do this, ransomware encrypts personal data. Then, he asks their owner to send money in exchange for the key that will allow them to dismantle it.
The $500,000 in Bitcoin should be redistributed to victims of hacker attacks
The US Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit in the District of Kansas requesting that the bitcoin taken be returned to the victims of the attacks. These are health care providers located in Kansas and Colorado.
US Healthcare Organizations Most Vulnerable to Ransomware Attacks
Although ransomware is a new phenomenon, healthcare organizations are the most vulnerable. The number of ransomware attacks on healthcare institutions increased by 94% between 2021 and 2022, according to a report from cyber security firm Sophos. More than two-thirds of healthcare organizations in the United States suffered a ransomware attack in 2021. In 2020, that percentage was 34%.
Health organizations, suitable targets for hackers
These health organizations are targeted because their data pays big time. According to Experian, healthcare data is extremely lucrative. The records cost $1,000 each, which is much higher than credit card statements that cost $5-10 each on the black market. Experian is a data and customer relationship management tools company, especially focused on credit risk, fraud prevention, etc.
Cryptocurrencies are Pervasive in Web Dark Markets. They are also known to be sometimes used for illegal online operations. Fortunately, the American authorities were reactive and the 500,000 dollars entered bitcoin seized. These incidents make you think about the vulnerability and risks new Web3.0 infrastructures. As well as the illegal uses of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies.
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Gregory Morat
Passionate student about entrepreneurship and interested in the technologies behind cryptos! Yes, I’m sure the two are closely related: blockchain and NFTs are revolutionizing many sectors and presenting unprecedented opportunities.
