NEWSLETTER: Protecting Yourself and Your Business Against Ransomware Attacks

A MESSAGE FROM CONGRESSMAN HOYER

Last week, I hosted a roundtable discussion with Southern Maryland businesses and local government officials to discuss the aftermath of the July 2^nd ransomware attack that impacted several technology systems in Southern Maryland. I have long fought to prioritize digital modernization and cyber security in Congress. Earlier this year, while Congress debated the American Rescue Plan, I fought to ensure this legislation included $1 billion for the Technology Modernization Fund. This important program, originally developed by my office in 2016, equips federal agencies with the funding and resources to modernize outdated equipment. The American Rescue Plan also set aside an additional $650 million to help us better assist and respond to cyberattacks.

The July 2^nd cyber attack was a serious reminder of how easy it is for our local businesses and even personal lives to fall victim to hackers. Though I am pleased that President Biden has taken a stand against cyber threats, especially those that originate in Russia, we must take our own precautions and stay vigilant. There are several actions you can take and resources you can use to protect yourself against these cyber threats.

Below, you will find a detailed list of free resources and information to safeguard against ransomware attacks like the one that happened in our community on July 2^nd:

Click the hyperlinks below to be directed to Cybersecurity Grants and Resources

Federal Government Resources:

• Federal Communications Commission

• • Cybersecurity Planning Tool helps businesses build a custom cybersecurity plan.
  • Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Tips and links to other resources.

• Department Homeland Security

• • DHS Cybersecurity Resources Roadmap for small and midsize businesses a very helpful guide to resources for small businesses.
  • CISA's Cyber Essentials is a guide for small business leaders to increase understanding of how to start implementing organizational cybersecurity practices.
  • Cyber Resilience Review is a free, non-technical assessment to evaluate an organization's operational resilience and cybersecurity practices. It can be self-conducted or an organization may request an on-site assessment by DHS cybersecurity professionals.
  • Cyber Hygiene Services and Cybersecurity Assessmentsoffer scans and tests to help organizations reduce their threat exposure at no cost.
  • Supply Chain Risk Management Toolkit
  • Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Monthly Bulletin distributes updates on webinars, workshops, publications, and best practices.
  • Stop.Think.Connect Campaign offers training, resources, and more to increase personal safety and security online.

• Department of Defence

• • Project Spectrum is a DoD sponsored initiative to provide companies, institutions, and organizations with a comprehensive, cost-effective platform of cybersecurity information, resources, tools, and training.

• Department of Commerce, National Institute of Standards and Technology

• • Cybersecurity Framework offers guidelines and best practices to manage cybersecurity risk.
  • Small Business Cybersecurity Corner offers information, training links, toolkits, and more specifically relevant to small businesses.
  • National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence creates example solutions for cybersecurity challenges.

• Small Business Association

• • office or connecting with me on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. If you are experiencing a personal difficulty such as issues accessing veterans benefits or another problem regarding a federal agency and you wish for my office to place an inquiry on your behalf, please complete the casework request form by clicking here.

    Sincerely Yours,
    
    Steny H. Hoyer