Garmin Ransomware Attack Learnings | Avast

Garmin Ransomware Attack Learnings | Avast
Avast Security News Team, 3 August 2020

How businesses and consumers alike can stay proactive against big hacks



Nearly two weeks after getting shut down by a ransomware attack, navigation and fitness giant Garmin’s systems are getting back to normal. As of late last week, users’ dashboards and workout data were up and running. Functionality for other services like third-party courses and daily summaries was still limited, but, for the most part, the threat has passed. How Garmin solved the issue is unclear. The company isn’t saying whether it paid a ransom or trouble-shot the problem itself. We may never know.
But we can learn a few things from one of the decade’s highest-profile ransomware attacks so far. Threats are out there – and they’re getting more ominous. Ransomware incidents can take down your business and hurt your brand. You need a detailed plan to react to these types of threats. And, as a consumer, you should redouble efforts to protect against hackers targeting you.
The rise of ransomware
In recent years, ransomware attacks have taken aim at strategic applications like industrial control systems and critical infrastructure such as oil refineries, gas pipelines and power grids. While Garmin is known primarily for its SmartWatch and other fitness apps, this latest attack shut down its flyGarmin and Garmin Pilot apps, grounding the company’s flight-planning mechanisms and updates to mandatory FAA aeronautical databases. This is concerning.
Although it hasn’t been confirmed, specu ..

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