PITTSBURGH (Newsradio KDKA) - Ransomware and cyber attacks are on the rise, posing a major threat to our homeland.
"Our systems are very vulnerable because we live in an open society, and the ubiquitous platform of cyber is as accessible by bad people, as it is by people who are trying to communicate for good reason," said David Hickton, founding director of the University of Pittsburgh Institute for Cyber Law, during the KDKA Radio Morning Show Wednesday.
The Colonial Pipeline was the most recent victim of a ransomware attack, but other essential businesses could be next including hospitals, law enforcement agencies or water suppliers.
Hickton recommends changing passwords on a regular basis, and to use dual-factor authentication when it comes to the use of email.
"The Colonial Pipeline attack was the result of bad actors going through one particular employee who did not use dual-factor authentication," Hickton said.
Emails that include attachments are a threat to look out for.
"You should never click on an attachment, even from a family member or a close friend, unless you call them first because that is one of the prime ways that people get hacked," Hickton said.
Listen to the interview above to learn more.