The FBI and the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) are warning people about a dangerous ransomware scheme called Medusa that has been attacking organizations since 2021. The threat to individuals is minimal unless a company that has your information is affected.
How Medusa Works
Medusa is a type of cyberattack that locks victims out of their files and demands a ransom to restore access. It spreads mainly through phishing emails, where hackers trick people into clicking malicious links or downloading infected attachments. Once inside a system, Medusa steals login credentials and takes control.
The hackers behind Medusa use a double extortion tactic. This means they encrypt (lock) the victim’s data and threaten to leak it online if they don’t get paid. Medusa even runs a public website where they display countdown timers for data leaks, giving victims a limited time to pay. Hackers also allow other criminals to buy the stolen data. Victims can pay $10,000 in cryptocurrency to delay the timer by one day.
Who Is Being Targeted?
Since February, Medusa has hit more than 300 victims across various industries, including:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Law firms
- Insurance companies
- Technology firms
- Manufacturing businesses
While Medusa mainly targets companies, individuals can still be affected. Here’s how:
- Identity Theft – If a company you use (like a bank, hospital, or online service) is hacked, your personal information could be leaked or sold.
- Financial Loss – Cybercriminals may use your stolen details for fraud, including draining bank accounts or opening credit lines in your name.
- Data Loss – If your personal device is infected, you could lose access to important files, photos, and documents.
- Phishing Attacks – Stolen emails and passwords can be used in targeted scams to trick you into giving away even more information.
How to Protect Yourself:
*Be cautious with emails – Don’t click suspicious links or download unexpected attachments.
*Use strong, unique passwords – Avoid using the same password across multiple sites.
*Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) – This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
*Back up your important files – Store them on an external drive or a secure cloud service.
*Monitor your accounts – Regularly check bank statements and credit reports for unusual activity.
