ransomware

It’s thought to be the second time in recent years that the company has been hit by ransomware.

Back in November, Capcom announced that personal data for up to 350,000 people may have been revealed by a "customized ransomware attack" on its systems.

If a ransomware attack disabled the operations of dozens of hospitals at this moment of maximum vulnerability, the impact would be profound.

Opportunistic criminals have also targeted stressed hospitals with ransomware attacks.

Earlier in October, facilities in Oregon, New York, Michigan, Wisconsin and California also fell prey to suspected ransomware attacks.

Ransomware “gangs” are successfully extorting $5 million a year, Symantec estimates.

Ransomware also can find people in other cyber back alleys, too: illegal music and movie downloaders are common targets.

Early ransomware attacks did attempt to live up to their name.