Senator Sinema brings up YRMC hack during homeland security hearing
The Arizona senator used it as an example of how ransomware attacks hurt Arizonans
YUMA, Ariz. (KECY, KYMA) - As the world is becoming more connected, cybersecurity is top of mind for governments, as well as companies and local organizations.
On June 8, Arizona Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) participated in a senate homeland security meeting about America's cybersecurity.
She referenced the recent cyberattack on Yuma Regional Medical Center in the hearing as an example of how cyberattacks hurt Arizonans.
When systems are hacked criminals are usually looking for money, or a ransom, to lift their attack.
However making the payments, and the consequences for paying ransoms, are more complicated than many believe.
“How do you balance the immediate need to restore a client’s systems, with the concern paying a ransom might put a target on your client’s back in the future?” Sinema asked.
“If there’s a myth about ransom payments it’s that it’s easy and it’s fast. The majority of the time if the company has adequate backups, even if it’s going to take a long time to recover, that is usually faster.” Coveware CEO Bill Siegel said.
The traceability of crypto-currencies was also discussed during the hearing, as that is the main form of payment requested by hackers.
