Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.

Walter P. Paepcke, Aspen Institute Co-Founder
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Former FBI Director James Comey on What to Do During a Ransomware Attack

May 12, 2017

Former FBI Director James Comey discussed the threat of ransomware — and offered suggestions to companies facing such cyberattacks. Comey highlighted the dangers of ransomware, which installs itself on users’ computers and allows a perpetrator to hold their data for ransom, saying it was “spreading like a terrible virus in the United States and I think spreading around the world.”

Comey urged companies to contact law enforcement in the event of a ransomware attack, comparing an appropriate cyber response to a homeowner instinctively calling the fire department if their house catches flames. He highlighted other tips, including patching systems and creating a backup not connected to an organization’s main network. “These punks will not have power over you if you have patched and you have an ability to recover to a backup,” he said.

Director Comey’s remarks on ransomware were delivered during a conversation on April 21, 2016, in London at Aspen Security Forum: Global.

Five Steps to Protect Your Child’s Data on the Internet
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Five Steps to Protect Your Child’s Data on the Internet

It’s up to parents, educators, and tech developers to work together.