Last week, the Biden administration announced the creation of a multiagency task force to combat ransomware and launched a new website to help companies and government agencies better protect themselves. Hackers frequently take aim at state and local governments. In 2020, at least 113 state and local governments were affected, according to Brett Callow, a threat analyst for cybersecurity company Emsisoft. Nearly 1,700 schools, colleges and universities also were struck. At least three states—New York, North Carolina and Pennsylvania—are considering legislation that would ban state and local government agencies from paying ransom if they’re attacked by cybercriminals. A similar bill in Texas died in committee earlier this year.
https://www.governing.com/security/states-weigh-bans-on-ransomware-payoffs
