Attorney General Todd Rokita is warning to be on the alert to the possible rising incidence of cyberattacks on churches and other nonprofit organizations.
“Hackers regularly carry out attacks on companies and governmental offices,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Now, though, we’re seeing signs that cybercriminals are expanding their lists of targets.”
On April 30, data extortioners struck a national Catholic publishing house based in Huntington, Indiana — one day after a ransomware group attacked an evangelical megachurch in South Carolina.
“Nothing is sacred to these high-tech outlaws,” Attorney General Rokita said. “Our own office and law enforcement agencies nationwide are working to bring offenders to justice. At the same time, we encourage all Indiana institutions, as well as everyday Hoosiers, to take proactive steps to implement cybersecurity measures.”
Attorney General Rokita offered the following tips:
- Be on alert for communications with dangerous attachments or fraudulent links.
- Always verify the email addresses of those who send you emails.
- Don’t reveal personal or financial information via email or text message.
- Encourage regular and updated cyberattack training for organizations’ employees, members and volunteers.
- Ensure that your organization has updated appropriate software patches and that it monitors current schemes and scams by hackers.
- Avoid using gift cards, money orders or cryptocurrency to conduct transactions or regular organization business.
