NSA chief predicts US will be hit by ransomware ‘every day’ for next few years

The United States will have to deal with the threat of ransomware every day for at least the next few years, the leader of the nation’s top digital espionage agency has commented

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During a discussion at the Mandiant Cyber Defense Summit in Washington, Gen. Paul Nakasone, director of the National Security Agency (NSA) and head of U.S. Cyber Command, answered “every day” when asked if the threat would continue for the next five years.

The United States has seen a series of major hacking incidents over the past year, including ransomware attacks on the Colonial Pipeline and meat processing giant JBS.

On the other hand, more and more state and local governments are shutting down their networks and systems if they don’t pay the ransom.

After a series of recent events, we have changed our view that ransomware is a “criminal activity” that is best handled by the FBI.

Ransomware has begun to affect our critical infrastructure, and it’s very important. If it’s not important to the U.S. Cyber Command and the National Security Agency, which were established to protect the nation, then something is wrong.

Ransomware is a national security issue. I am convinced of that

Nakason said the effort is “ongoing” at both organizations in terms of understanding the threats, understanding the tactics, and understanding how to get in front of a malicious attacker.