RVWP Expansion for Ransomware Protection
The U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has fortified its Ransomware Vulnerability Warning Pilot (RVWP) program, releasing new resources to help organizations detect and address vulnerabilities associated with ransomware.
Collaboration with the Private Sector
Emphasizing the importance of collective action, CISA’s Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC) brings together federal agencies and private sector partners in a united front against escalating cyber threats.
Free Cyber Hygiene Scanning Service
To proactively combat ransomware, CISA offers a complimentary cyber hygiene vulnerability scanning service. Organizations enrolled benefit from targeted and timely notifications, enhancing their cyber defense mechanisms.
News > Cyber-Security > CS-General
by Kevin Wood
CISA Steps Up to Counter Ransomware Threats with Expanded RVWP Program
The more help the better
In light of escalating ransomware threats that have disrupted services and businesses globally, the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has bolstered its efforts to protect critical infrastructure organizations. The Ransomware Vulnerability Warning Pilot (RVWP) program, which was initiated in January 2023 following the mandate of the Cyber Incident Reporting for Critical Infrastructure Act (CIRCIA) of 2022, has recently unveiled extended resources to counter these cyber threats.
Ransomware attacks have consistently exploited known common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVE), leaving many organizations unaware of the lurking threats on their networks. Addressing this, CISA’s RVWP has been proactive in identifying and notifying over 800 systems that have internet-accessible vulnerabilities commonly linked to ransomware operations.
In its recent expansion, the RVWP program has enhanced its known exploited vulnerabilities (KEV) catalog. A new column, titled “known to be used in ransomware campaigns,” has been introduced to provide organizations with immediate information about vulnerabilities associated with ransomware. This addition aims to facilitate swift action and mitigation.
Moreover, a complementary list outlining known misconfigurations and weaknesses frequently exploited in ransomware campaigns has been released. This resource is instrumental for organizations to promptly detect and counter services favored by ransomware culprits.
These developments can be traced back to the broader campaign that was instigated almost two years ago after a series of cyberattacks targeted essential U.S. infrastructure entities, including Colonial Pipeline, JBS Foods, and Kaseya. CISA’s response was multifaceted, introducing the Ransomware Readiness Assessment (RRA) in June 2021 to gauge organizational readiness against ransomware threats. By August 2021, guidance to prevent ransomware-induced data breaches was released.
Emphasizing collaboration, CISA also forged an alliance with the private sector through the Joint Cyber Defense Collaborative (JCDC). This collaboration is a testament to the collective cybersecurity response strategy adopted by federal agencies and private sector partners.
The dedicated online portal, StopRansomware.gov, further underscores CISA’s commitment to centralizing resources against ransomware threats.
Earlier this year, in collaboration with the FBI and NSA, CISA issued a list of the 12 most exploited vulnerabilities in 2022, urging federal agencies to reinforce their internet-connected devices.
While CISA continues to pioneer efforts to shift software security responsibilities from consumers to manufacturers, advocating for Secure by Design principles, organizations are encouraged to leverage the enhanced KEV catalog and the list of known misconfigurations to reduce their ransomware risks.
For organizations keen on fortifying their cyber defenses, CISA offers a complimentary cyber hygiene vulnerability scanning service. Enrolled entities benefit from rapid and tailored notifications. To learn more or enroll, interested parties can visit the vulnerability scanning webpage or reach out at vulnerability@cisa.dhs.gov.
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