Cyber attacks are on the rise and the FBI is warning businesses and the public to be on guard.
Nearly 20 ransomware attacks were reported in New Mexico in 2021 – up from 10 in 2020 – according to FBI statistics reported by KOB 4. The actual number is likely to be much higher. The FBI said nationally, the number of ransomware reports increased 82% between 2019 and 2021.
"It's these threat actors trying to make a dollar, and they're going to do it every single day whether it's a small business, a large corporation, or an individual, because their end result is just to make some money, and unfortunately at the risk and on the detriment of individuals," FBI Special Agent in Charge Raul Bujanda told KOB 4.
The FBI led a workshop on cybersecurity and how to prevent cyber attacks at the Associated Contractors of New Mexico's annual state convention, according to KOB 4. The event occurred recently at the Sandia Resort and Casino.
Many people who attended the event were surprised by how frequently and easily cyber attacks can occur.
"I didn't realize just how easy it really is [and] the things that we take for granted – pulling out your phone [and] opening up a Wi-Fi network in a place that you're not familiar with," Jim Garcia, executive director of the Associated Contractors of New Mexico, told KOB 4. "They're right there. They're there to grab you. They're there to take what they can take."
Garcia invited FBI officials to present at the convention in an effort to raise awareness about the risk of cyber attacks and the precautions that people can take.
"I think what we need to think about is preventative intervention – what are the firewalls that we’re putting in place?" he said. "How are we doing the back-ups? Even at our office, we were able to put a back-up on site and then a back-up into the cloud, and then we have checks and balances on that."
A ransomware attack on Bernalillo County's computer system forced offices to close temporarily in January, KOB 4 reported. A ransomware attack on the district forced Albuquerque Public Schools to close for two days during the same month.
Bujanda said people who believe they are a victim of a cyber attack should contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or visit tips.fbi.gov.