Listening to the Help Me With HIPAA podcast episode, How One MSP Handled a Ransomware Attack – Ep 422, was a bit like stepping into a time machine. It didn’t transport me back to the moment of the incident itself, but rather to a time etched in the collective memory of Americans—the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attack on America.
In the How One MSP Handled a Ransomware Attack – Ep 422 podcast, Donna and David interview Robert Cioffi, COO & Co-Founder of Progressive Computing. Robert’s MSP company, like many others, was profoundly impacted by the Kaseya hack that occurred on July 2, 2021.
This attack targeted the Kaseya IT management software, mainly used by managed service providers (MSPs). Cybercriminals exploited a zero-day vulnerability in Kaseya’s Virtual Systems Administrator (VSA) software, gaining unauthorized access to MSPs’ systems and clients. They deployed REvil ransomware, causing widespread disruption, data encryption, and demanding a hefty ransom for decryption keys.
Robert shared his experiences leading up to the moment when the full extent of the incident became clear. However, the most moving aspect of the discussion for me was the remarkable unity displayed by the MSP community in response to this crisis.
As you listen to this episode, you’ll witness the heartwarming solidarity among individuals who were once strangers, bound together by a shared determination to mitigate the repercussions of the attack. It’s a testament to the strength of the community in the face of a malicious attack.
Perhaps the most valuable lesson to take from this incident is the undeniable truth that the best defense against such threats lies not only in the best technology, but in the power of a united community. What impacts one, impacts all, reinforcing the notion that we are stronger together.
From the lyrics of Ashley McBryde’s song, “Bonfire At Tina’s”, “You burn one, boy you burn us all” – a statement that reminds us of the unity we once shared after 9/11. When cybercriminals target any of us, they’re targeting all of us. Imagine the positive impact if such unity could be fostered in every facet of life.
