Connecticut: State confirms cyber-attack on 160 Computers:
Brian Kelly,Chief Information Security Officer at Quinnipiac talks to Renee DiNino about the "WannaCry" virus.
Press release as composed by Quinnipiac:
Hamden, Connecticut – Feb. 26, 2018 – State officials say about 160 computers at a dozen Connecticut state agencies were targeted by a weekend cyberattack. The ransomware attack was first detected Friday 2.23.18, and state computer experts worked over the weekend to contain it by Sunday night.
Brian Kelly, chief information security officer at Quinnipiac University, talks about what the "WannaCry" virus is and how it was thwarted by proper security!
“As cyber security professionals we rely on prevention, detection and response strategies,” Kelly said. “It sounds like the Department of Administrative Services’ detection and response strategies worked well.
Most state computers were protected by antivirus software and other precautions.
The event matched the profile of a ransomware virus called the "WannaCry" virus, which locks computers until a ransom is paid.
Kelly said “WannaCry “has been around since last May and propagates through a vulnerability in older Windows versions. Prevention is generally accomplished through ensuring those older versions of Windows are patched and/or migrated to newer versions, he said, adding that having good backups is also recommended.
There were no reports of files being encrypted or of data loss, and the attack is not expected to affect state business Monday.
About Quinnipiac University
Quinnipiac is a private, coeducational, nonsectarian institution located 90 minutes north of New York City and two hours from Boston. The university enrolls 7,000 full-time undergraduate and 3,000 graduate and part-time students in 110 degree programs through its Schools of Business, Communications, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences, Law, Medicine, Nursing and College of Arts and Sciences. Quinnipiac consistently ranks among the top regional universities in the North in U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Colleges” issue. Quinnipiac also is recognized in Princeton Review’s “The Best 381 Colleges.” The Chronicle of Higher Education has named Quinnipiac among the “Great Colleges to Work For.” For more information, please visit QU.edu. Connect with Quinnipiac on Facebook at Facebook.com/quinnipiacunews and follow Quinnipiac on Twitter @QuinnipiacU.
About
Brian Kelly joined Quinnipiac University in September 2006 as the Information Security Officer (ISO). In July of 2007 Brian was promoted to Director of Information Security and Network Operations. Brian is responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining information security methodologies that ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of institutional data and related systems throughout the university. Brian holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Connecticut and a master’s degree from Norwich University. He is a member of various professional organizations, including the Information System Security Association, InfraGard, High Tech Crime Investigation Association and Information Systems Audit Control Association. His career in information security began with the United States Air Force in 1993. Brian is currently serving as a Communication Officer with the 102nd Information Warfare Squadron of the Rhode Island Air National Guard, and is an adjunct instructor at Naugatuck Valley Community College in the CIS Department teaching Networking and Security courses. He has also served on the board of the ISSA Connecticut chapter and InfraGard CT and HTCIA Connecticut.