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Malware, Phishing, and Ransomware

Malware, phishing, and ransomware are common forms of cyber-attacks. CISA offers the tools and services needed to protect against and rapidly respond to attacks.

Overview

Cyber-attacks can come in many forms. Malware, Phishing, and Ransomware are becoming increasingly common forms of attack and can affect individuals and large organizations. Malware is any software used to gain unauthorized access to IT systems in order to steal data, disrupt system services or damage IT networks in any way. Ransomware is a type of malware identified by specified data or systems being held captive by attackers until a form of payment or ransom is provided. Phishing is online scam enticing users to share private information using deceitful or misleading tactics. CISA offers a variety of tools and resources that individuals and organizations can use to protect themselves from all types of cyber-attacks.

CISA’s Role

CISA is constantly monitoring cyberspace for new forms of malware, phishing, and ransomware. We offer numerous tools, resources, and services to help identify and protect against cyber-attacks. CISA also collaborates with governments at all levels as well as internationally and private sector entities to share information and collaborate in securing our networks on national and global scales. Defending against cyber attacks requires coordination across many facets of our nation, and it is CISA’s mission to ensure we are armed against and prepared to respond to ever-evolving threats.

Featured Content

StopRansomware

Designed to help public and private organizations defend against the rise in ransomware cases, StopRansomware is a whole-of-government approach that gives one central location for ransomware resources and alerts.

Shields Up

As the nation’s cyber defense agency, CISA stands ready to help organizations prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the impact of cyberattacks. When cyber incidents are reported quickly, we can render assistance and issue warnings to prevent attacks.

Cybersecurity Alerts & Advisories

CISA is continually monitoring cyber space and actively shares threats and vulnerabilities. 

Alerts

Related News

Discover the latest security tips and how CISA is protecting against Malware, Phishing, and Ransomware.

View All Malware, Phishing, and Ransomware Articles

Handling Destructive Malware

FEB 01, 2021 | BLOG
Destructive malware can threaten an organization’s access to critical assets and data, but there are steps organizations can take to protect their enterprise networks before and after a destructive malware incident.

CISA and FBI Update Advisory on Destructive Malware Targeting Organizations in Ukraine

APR 28, 2022 | ALERT
CISA and the FBI have updated joint Cybersecurity Advisory AA22-057A: Destructive Malware Targeting Organizations in Ukraine to include additional indicators of compromise for WhisperGate and technical details for HermeticWiper, IsaacWiper, HermeticWizard, and CaddyWiper.

Microsoft Warns of Destructive Malware Targeting Ukrainian Organizations

JAN 16, 2022 | ALERT
Microsoft has released a blog post on possible Master Boot Record (MBR) Wiper activity targeting Ukrainian organizations, including Ukrainian government agencies.
View All Malware, Phishing, and Ransomware Articles

Cybersecurity Services

CISA offers a variety of cybersecurity services to help prevent, detect, and respond to malware, phishing, and ransomware attacks. 

View All Malware, Phishing, and Ransomware Services

Phishing Vulnerability Scanning

ASSESS YOUR RISK LEVEL
Contact: iss_services@esc.gov
Mock phishing emails are sent to defined groups to assess phishing scam vulnerability levels. A report is generated with data identifying how many users opened and clicked the link to provide a potential level of impact.
Foundational

Malware Analysis

RESPOND TO AN INCIDENT
CISA's Malware Analysis service provides stakeholders a dynamic analysis of malicious code, including recommendations for malware removal and recovery activities.
Foundational, Intermediate, Advanced

Anti-Phishing Training Program Support

INCREASE YOUR RESILIENCE
Contact: justiceitservices@usdoj.gov
Comprehensive support to establish and operate an anti-phishing program, which includes employee awareness and training, simulated attacks, and results analysis to inform training modifications and mitigate the risk of phishing attacks against an enterprise.
Foundational
View All Malware, Phishing, and Ransomware Services

Resources, Tools, and Publications

CISA offers guides, tools, and other resources to prevent and mitigate against Malware, Phishing, and Ransomware attacks.

View All Malware, Phishing, and Ransomware Resources

CISA-Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) Joint Ransomware Guide.

SEP 30, 2020 | PUBLICATION
This guide contains best practices and references to help mitigate the risk posed by ransomware and support organization's response to a ransomware incident.
Download File (PDF, 2.43 MB)

Cybersecurity Scenarios

FEB 27, 2023 | PUBLICATION
Cybersecurity Scenario CTEPs cover various cyber threat vector topics such as ransomware, insider threats, and phishing.
View Files

Risk in Focus: Ransomware

EXTERNAL
Training to provide an overview on ransomware, insight into how attack vectors impact election infrastructure, and related risks and available resources.
Watch Video

Risk in Focus: Phishing

EXTERNAL
This training provides an overview of types, detection, and impacts of phishing with an emphasis on election infrastructure related risks and available resources.
Watch Video
View All Malware, Phishing, and Ransomware Resources

Report Malware

Malware is malicious code (e.g., viruses, worms, bots) that disrupts service, steals sensitive information, gains access to private computer systems, etc. By reporting malware, you will help limit the scope of the potential attack and protect the nation's overall security. 

Report Malware