The Briefing Room

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David Aaronovitch presents in-depth explainers on big issues in the news.

David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news.

David Aaronovitch and a panel of experts and insiders present in-depth explainers on big issues in the news

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The Briefing Room: The Ransomware Threat

27/05/2021

The Ransomware Threat

BBC Radio 4 - The Briefing Room, The Ransomware Threat

What is ransomware and why is it a growing threat?

Ransomware attacks by cybercriminals have grown exponentially in number. What are they, how do they work and how much of a threat do they pose?

You might receive an innocuous looking email – it might even look like it’s from your boss – asking you to click on a link. Watch out! It could be the start of a ransomware attack. Over the last year cybersecurity experts say that the number of ransomware attacks has grown exponentially. During the pandemic lockdowns criminal hackers have been able to exploit the vulnerabilities inherent in the increase in homeworking to infiltrate computer systems, shut them down and then demand a ransom to restore services, or even to stop publishing data they’ve stolen. Along with the increased volume of attacks, the level of ransom demands has grown.
Using new technology and techniques, this has become a lucrative business for international criminal gangs, with individuals, businesses, schools, hospitals and charities all targeted. 

Joining David Aaronovitch in the Briefing Room to discuss ransomware attacks are:

Emily Taylor, CEO of Oxford Information Labs and Editor of Chatham House's Journal of Cyber Policy
Sadie Creese, Professor of Cyber Security at the University of Oxford 
Geoff White, investigative journalist and author and presenter of the BBC’s podcast series, The Lazarus Heist
Susan Landau, Bridge Professor of Cyber Security and Policy at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy and the School of Engineering, Department of Computer Science, Tufts University
  
Producers: John Murphy, Sally Abrahams and Imogen Serwotka
Sound Engineer: James Beard
Editor: Jasper Corbett

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