After Colonial Pipeline (paid $5 million), JBS Foods, and some hospitals were hit by ransomware, the Biden administration has asked companies to be alert and do their part to prevent these attacks.
“A memo to business leaders said the administration is working with allies to shore up defenses, disrupt hacking networks and hold countries accountable if they harbor criminal organizations responsible for ransomware attacks.”
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2021/jun/3/white-house-companies-do-your-part-prevent-ransomw
Today’s announcement from the White House:
This is an excellent feature showing how ransomware evolved and why not to pay the ransom. Paying leads to a ~80% chance of a repeat ransom:
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/06/07/how-to-negotiate-with-ransomware-hackers