This isn’t the first time I have heard about this type of thing, but it does appear to be a growing threat. According to Wikileaks.org, cyber attackers breached the Virginia Department of Health Professionals’ prescription monitoring website, downloaded a ton of data and are now demanding $10 million dollars in ransom for its return.
The site became unavailable after this happened on May 4, 2009. The ransom note said they had 7 days. At this time I have not been able to find out any additional information on this, and the 7 days has long past. I don’t know if Virginia is keeping a good wrap on this, or something else is going on. Perhaps due to the investigation, they can’t release any additional information.
I believe we will begin to see more and more of this type of thing.
http://www.informationweek.com/news/security/attacks/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=217201397&subSection=Cybercrime
