Are your Gmail and Outlook accounts truly secure? The FBI and CISA are sounding the alarm: a virulent ransomware strain known as Medusa is actively targeting users of these ubiquitous email platforms.
Federal authorities are urgently advising users of Gmail, Outlook, and other popular email services to be on high alert for this sophisticated and potentially devastating ransomware scheme. The Medusa ransomware, wielded by malicious cyber actors, has already compromised the sensitive data of hundreds of victims, underscoring the critical need for heightened vigilance and proactive security measures. A joint warning has been issued by the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), detailing the escalating threat posed by the Medusa hacking organization, which has been actively conducting cyberattacks since 2021.
| Ransomware Name | Medusa |
| Threat Actors (Attribution) | Spearwing (identified by Symantec); Various other cybercriminal groups |
| Primary Targets | Gmail, Outlook, and other popular email service users; Critical infrastructure sectors (healthcare, education, major businesses) |
| Attack Vectors | Phishing emails, Exploitation of unprotected software, Use of free online document converter tools |
| Modus Operandi | Double extortion model (encrypting data and threatening to release it); Stealing credentials |
| Impact | Data compromise, Financial loss (ransom demands often in the millions), Disruption of critical services |
| FBI/CISA Recommendations | Enable multifactor authentication (2FA), Use strong passwords, Keep systems and software updated, Vigilance against phishing attempts |
| First Known Activity | 2021 |
| Number of Victims | Over 300 (and potentially over 1.8 billion Gmail accounts at risk) |
| Reference Website | CISA.gov |
- Untold Story Saroo Mantosh Brierleys Adoption Journey
- Talking Tom Friends Fun Games And Navigation Issues
