Ransomware group’s attack likely hits thousands of new targets

The ransomware group that collected an $11 million payment from meat producer JBS SA about a month ago has begun a widespread attack that has likely infected hundreds of organizations world-wide and tens of thousands of computers, according to cybersecurity experts.

The group, known as REvil, has focused its attack on Kaseya VSA, software used by large companies and technology-service providers to manage and distribute software updates to systems on computer networks, according to security researchers and VSA’s maker, Kaseya Ltd.

REvil is a well-known purveyor of ransomware—malicious software that locks up a victim’s computer until a digital ransom is paid, typically in the form of bitcoin. This latest attack appears to be its largest ever. The incident may have infected as many as 40,000 computers world-wide, according to cybersecurity experts.

The use of trusted partners like software makers or service providers to identify and compromise new victims, often called a supply-chain attack, is unusual in cases of ransomware, in which hackers shut down the systems of institutions and demand payment to allow them to regain control. The Kaseya incident appears to be the largest and most significant such attack to date, said Brett Callow, a threat analyst for cybersecurity company Emsisoft.

In recent years we have heard a lot about the potential danger of cyberattacks. We have heard scenarios describing what these attacks “could” or “would” do. We have seen headlines about big businesses being hit. But cyberattacks haven’t affected many people directly in ways that got their attention. Until now.

A series of recent attacks have shown how cyberattacks can suddenly, powerfully affect your real-world, day-to-day life. This isn’t just about keeping your computer safe. Your car, your electricity supply, even your dinner are at risk…

Successful cyberattacks in recent months are only a taste of what is certain to come in the future. All-out cyberwar could cripple the United States, or any other major country.

Imagine the potential fallout. The power goes out. Food productions halts. Gas stations run empty. So do supermarkets. Practically overnight, it would bring the nation to its knees.

This level of attack on the United States seems unthinkable. But no power or empire in world history has been immune to attack. Why should America be any different?

The Bible confirms this prospect is very real. Ezekiel 4:3-5 describe a debilitating attack on “the house of Israel.” The timeline of biblical history makes this forecast intriguing—and very relevant to our day.