by Christa Miller
Ransomware has captured a large share of mainstream media coverage in recent months, due in no small part to attacks that have crippled small local and county governments in the United States. One coordinated attack in particular affected 23 Texas communities in July, and a new interactive map from StateScoop shows all attacks since 2013, updating with new ones as they occur.
In fact, Recorded Future’s Allan Liska reported in May that “State and local governments were among the first organizations to be hit with ransomware.” His research confirmed that ransomware attacks are on the rise, affecting 48 states and the District of Columbia. CBS News’ Irina Ivanova reported that of the 70 reported ransomware attacks in the first half of 2019, more than 50 targeted cities.
