Tag Archive for: Editorial

First step in fighting ransomware? Stop paying the cyberthieves | Editorial

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Running a business or a government agency is difficult enough during the pandemic. Imagine being broadsided by a ransomware attack.

All at once, computer screens freeze. A cybergang pops up to explain the methodology for paying the ransom in cryptocurrency, and what happens if the requisite bitcoins never show up.


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Editorial: Enhancing computer security | Editorial

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The May highjacking of the Colonial Pipeline network by hackers caused gas shortages across the Southeast, such as at this BP station at Williamsburg Road and Parker Street in Richmond.



ALEXA WELCH EDLUND/TIMES-DISPATCH



With computer hacks on massive scales now a frightening reality of modern life, the discovery by University of Virginia (UVA)researchers of a computer chip security flaw is a welcome piece of progress. That information can help designers correct the problem and potentially thwart hackers in the future.

Just so far in 2021, several far-reaching cybercrimes have paralyzed industries across the globe. Local residents will remember the recent hijacking of the Colonial Pipeline network, in which the criminal DarkSide organization, believed to be based in Russia, blocked the pipeline’s transmission of gasoline and jet fuel.

That caused shortages and panic across the Southeast. The hackers demanded a $4.4 million ransom, which the company paid via Bitcoin. The U.S. Justice Department, using its own cyberwizardry, was able to take back some of that money.

Just ahead of the July 4 holiday, another Russian-speaking group, REvil, hacked a software product used by businesses and governments around the world and demanded $70 million to supply a “decryptor” remedy. By mid-month, though, the organization had gone dark — leaving many to hope it had been dismantled but fearful that it has simply gone underground to prepare its next assault.

Another hack targeted the Washington, D.C., police department and resulted in the exposure of employees’ personal information. Ditto for a…

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Opinion/Editorial: Enhancing computer security | Editorial

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Industry experts and researchers created patches that addressed the problem. UVa’s Ashish Venkat, an assistant professor of computer science, was among the researchers working on those patches.

More recently, though, Venkat and his team from the school’s engineering department found a flaw in the fixes that could allow hackers to break through those defenses and steal information. The flaw affected all patches, including those Venkat helped create.

The average consumer doesn’t really have to worry about this particular flaw.

“Information that’s important, like military information, is something hackers will be willing to go to greater lengths to target…,” said Logan Moody, a member of the research team. “But they’re not going to be targeting your grandma” — at least, not yet.

Most consumers just need to do the things they already know they should do — being careful about what they download, constructing strong passwords, that sort of thing.

But it’s reassuring that experts are concentrating on the bigger problems — thefts of military information, for example.

No single defense will fully prevent cybercrimes and espionage, but every improvement makes us a bit safer.

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Internet companies should have more awareness of national security: Global Times editorial

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The headquarters of DiDi in Beijing Photo:VCG

The headquarters of DiDi in Beijing Photo:VCG

China has recently noticeably stepped up the supervision over its internet companies. Some leading internet firms are being scrutinized for different reasons. It is believed the series of governance actions are of great significance to the regulation of the market, and should not be misunderstood as a signal that the country wants to punish those companies as a warning. 

Relevant enterprises should see China’s determination to strengthen market supervision, and bid goodbye to the previous mind-set that internet companies could develop at their own will. It’s time to jointly prepare to usher in an era of orderly and sustainable development of internet firms. 

Previously, China’s state-owned enterprises went through a series of governance steps, including anti-corruption campaign and compliance with laws and regulations. Private enterprises have played an increasingly important role in the country’s development. Regulations on them should also be strengthened to further coordinate with China’s major policies to create solid conditions for better serving the country and the people. For some time, there have been many controversies over Chinese private enterprises, especially internet companies. This ranges from the so-called 996 work culture – working from 9 am to 9 pm six days a week, to executive scandals, customer murders, suspected monopoly disputes, and so on. Information security has particularly caused people’s concerns.

Each company has its own different situation. But it is believed that the society has some basic expectations for private internet enterprises.

First, private internet companies should, like all business entities, follow the trend within the moral and legal framework of our society, especially some enterprises that have become a foundational platform for our digital society. The bigger they grow, the more they should realize that they have to shoulder more responsibilities. It is important for them to remember that they are private enterprises under socialism, so they need to keep promoting social justice and core social values always. These companies have to not only protect our governance system, which is…

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