US Marshals Service Hit With Ransomware Attack

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The Facts

  • The United States Marshals Service announced it was hit with a ransomware attack on Feb. 17. The agency called the attack — in which malware locks up computer systems until a ransom is paid — a “major incident.”

  • Marshals Service spokesperson Drew Wade confirmed that the affected systems contained “sensitive information including returns from legal process, administrative information” and “personally identifiable information” related to subjects of the agency's investigations.


The Spin

Establishment-critical narrative

The US Marshals Service is the latest government agency to be embarrassingly impacted by ransomware attacks, as the US government continues to show it is not prepared to face growing cybersecurity challenges. In recent weeks, the Marshall's service, FBI, and Pentagon have all confirmed leaks. This should not be happening for the most powerful country in the world, and the government must step up its cybersecurity.

Pro-establishment narrative

Ransomware attacks are a massive threat to security across the globe, and the US intelligence community is working with international law enforcement to thwart attacks. Just last month, the FBI busted one of the most prolific ransomware gangs in the world, and it is working to eradicate cyber security attacks.


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