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Managing Ransomware

Yuri Kogan (left) and Zev Cohen

By YURI KOGAN and ZEV COHEN of Ergo Oriens Crisis Management 

In the ‘All Connected World’ ransomware attacks gain traction. Criminals constantly improve at monetizing their access to your network & data. They target an organization, lock up the data, and then demand money hundreds of thousands of dollars or more – in exchange for releasing it to be paid in untraceable crypto- currency. Sometimes, restoration of data from backups is possible. Bypassing the encryption is also an option, but in many cases the bad guys find and destroy backups and use state-of-the-art encryption. The attackers often create backdoors to allow future infiltrations easier, so this may not be the last time you hear from them. 

 

 

 

 

What can be done? What should be done? Should you pay? And what happens when the ransom is paid? What are the guarantees the perpetrators intend to hold up their end of the deal? And how do you know that whoever just propelled your business into the stone age can actually bring it back? 

Ransomware attacks are automated but certainly NOT automatic. Humans stand behind these attacks, and as this is the issue professional crisis managers and negotiators, together with an experienced technological incident response team (IRT) can minimize loss and expedite the safe return of the organization to normal operations. 

Ransomware negotiations are similar to business negotiations. Similar but not the same. Timing is crucial and simply playing for time may mean the attacker will stop responding and turn to the next, more responsive, victim, leaving you with your system beyond reach. Having said that doesn’t mean the victim should rush forward and immediately pay the ransom. Time is of the essence and should be skillfully used to explore possible ways to communicate with the perpetrator. In parallel the IRT carefully assesses the situation from a technological point of view, bringing into account possibilities of overcoming the attack and resuming operations by using technological means alone. 

A professional multi-disciplinary ransomware management team will navigate to the most suitable alternative, gain knowledge on the perpetrators and bring you back to safety while minimizing your losses. Using tested and proven after-action- 

debriefing techniques the team will significantly improve the victim’s defenses and heighten the odds this will not happen to you again. 

Are there preset protocols to follow? A list of Do’s and Don’ts? Well, ransomware attacks differ, but there are some rules of the thumb to follow. 

The first and foremost advise would be – BE PREPARED. This means businesses should follow best practice protocols to defend and preserve their IT environment. Backing up data, constantly monitoring the system and the threat environment either by in-house (less likely to be done by small and medium businesses) or outsourced experts, conducting drills, penetration tests and generally educating the employees to the cyber-threat and the ways to mitigate it. Purchasing a cyber- incident insurance plan is a prudent step to take. 

As all hell breaks loose, an internal assessment of the situation and checking for existing backup files and their integrity should be the first thing to do. Unfortunately, many businesses do not follow best practice methods and therefore are more vulnerable to increased damage. The possibility of the attack being internally motivated should also be looked into, but this should not be the focus of the victim’s attention. Some of these processes could be performed by an internal IT team, but the best option would be to contact an experienced cyber-incident response team (IRT). For most businesses running an internal IRT team is an expensive and mostly unnecessary function. It is worth mentioning that the internal IT team will usually specialize in the routine maintenance and operation of the IT environment while a seasoned IRT continuously monitors, researches and deals with ransomware attacks. 

The next point would be to establish a communications route to the attackers. Often the attackers give an anonymized communication line to the victims over which to guide them in the process of ransom payment, as this requires crypto- currency knowledge, that most people do not routinely have. 

Once communications are established, the ransom negotiator will try to verify the attacker’s ability to make the highjacked data available again. This is crucial, as experience shows that some attacks are initiated by inexperienced attackers using questionable tools and scripts capable of hijacking the data but not of bringing it back. 

Next, the negotiator will initiate a communications exchange with the attacker, aiming to reduce the ransom price. This should be done in sync with the IRT experts, using the time to explore every alley, street and avenue to restoring system functionality without actually paying the ransom. 

The decision of whether to pay the ransom or not should be made by top level management, taking into account not only the ability to independently restore the IT environment but also the time it would take, as for most businesses having their IT systems inoperable means financial bleeding that should be minimized. Not least of all, senior management can consider the impact of ransom payment on the financial soundness of the company. This would be also be the place to mention that in some jurisdictions paying ransom to stop a ransomware attack could be considered illegal, or at the least regulated by the authorities. An experienced legal counsel should be consulted about navigating this issue. 

When the victim’s IT environment is brought back to a functional state and the incident declared closed, it would be high time to conduct an after-action-review. When conducted by experienced professionals as a transparent process aimed at minimizing the chance of future attacks and improving robustness. Rather than punishing stake holders for past mistakes, the review highlights organizational strengths to preserve, and vulnerabilities to mend, resulting in improved means and processes that protect against, and when necessary, minimize future losses to cyber incidents. 

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Mobile Casino Trends in 2026: Usage Statistics – What Casino Online Westace Says

Mobile technologies simplify everyday life. They are used for payments, regular conversations, photos, and even gambling. Sites like casino online Westace leverage modern trends and do everything possible to maximize engagement. Adapting familiar gambling games to smartphones makes them more convenient. Visitors can launch slot machines or other entertainment with just a few taps on the screen. Quick rounds let you instantly see the results and choose a different game type. Interactivity is the main approach to development in 2026.
Usage Statistics in 2026
Online casinos are using mobile development technologies to adapt gambling games to smartphones and tablets. Now, almost every user has the opportunity to launch games to test their features in a convenient format. Sites like casino online Westace are not far behind and adapt to various screen layouts. The latest industry news also indicates significant developments:
More than 75% of players use online casino services via mobile devices. Statistics show significant steady growth compared to the figure of 65% in 2023.
It is predicted that revenue from mobile casinos in 2026 will exceed the mark of $ 60 billion. The figure is two-thirds of the market. Thus, positive trends can be identified among gambling software developers.
The younger demographic aged 18 to 35 years old is the most active user of mobile devices. They have twice the level of involvement compared to other categories.
80% of new casino accounts were registered through mobile apps or mobile-optimized websites. This indicates their convenience and widespread use.
Mobile development is a priority for online casinos. Operators work closely with developers to adapt all games to the relevant requirements.
Features of Mobile Casino Growth
Mobile versions of sites like casino online Westace are dominating in 2026 for a reason. Players can enjoy games with real dealers even from small screens. At the same time, the broadcast quality remains at a high level without delays.
All games are designed for touch use. Players can easily use portrait mode and adaptive layouts to launch a comfortable gameplay format. Biometric login and two-factor authentication are essential tools that protect transactions and accounts from unauthorized access.
Mobile gaming encourages more frequent play in small sessions. For example, a player can play one or two games of baccarat, and then later return to play slot machines. All progress is saved on any device. Yes, a player can start playing on a smartphone, save the results, and return via a browser on a computer.
All Interesting Facts to Know
Recently, sites like casino online Westace have been paying more attention to mobility. For example, seasonal slots are launched first through mobile versions, and then move to desktop. Regulators have also introduced mandatory responsible elements for smartphone users for greater control. Mobile players spend 20% more time playing with real dealers. This emphasizes the close attention to interactive formats and communication.
Ultimately, mobile casino versions occupy their own niche in the industry. Most players use smartphones to play on the go and enjoy fast games. Developers adapt to these requirements and improve services, adding relevant options to games.

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Important Keno Rules: Explained by Casino Online Glorion

Keno is a lottery game that originated in China 2,000 years ago. At that time, it was called baige piao, which translates to “white pigeon ticket” in English. Keno rules on sites like Glorion Casino are similar to those of games like lotto. The game involves choosing numbers in the hopes that they will match randomly selected values. In this article, we will discuss the important rules of online keno.

Understanding Keno Rules at Online Casinos

Keno is a game of chance in which players select 1 to 10 numbers from a table of 1 to 80, similar to bingo. After this, the numbers are drawn. The player’s payout depends on how many figures they match.

In classic keno, the drawing is done using a ball machine. The same equipment is used in bingo and lotteries. The host randomly draws 20 numbered balls. Players win if at least one of their chosen numbers matches the dealer’s draw. The more matching numbers, the larger the payout.

Online keno is played using a random number generator (RNG). Keno payouts on sites like Casino Online Glorionare similar to those in the classic game. The differences are due to the drawing procedure and the properties of different versions.

After users select their 20 numbers, the gambling software publishes its 20 figures, which determine the winner. Payout amounts vary across platforms, so users should check them before playing.

Basic Keno Stages in Online Casinos

Users planning to play keno at sites like Casino Online Glorion should be familiar with the gameplay process. Typically, it includes the following stages.

  • Select a keno card. The ticket displays numbers from 1 to 80.
  • Choose your numbers. In different versions, users select 10, 15, or 20 numbers before each draw. Each number is called a ‘keno spot.’ You can set the same numbers for multiple draws.
  • Check the payout table. In the online version of the game, the table appears after selecting the numbers. It displays information about the payout amount if you guess correctly. The more numbers you match, the larger the payout.
  • Calculate your bet. Determine how much you want to bet on each draw. Remember that the bet size affects the final payout.
  • Start the game. All the drawn numbers will appear somewhere on the screen. Users can also view the “cold” and “hot” keno numbers. Hot numbers have been drawn recently, while cold ones haven’t won for a long time.
  • Match the numbers. Experienced players use the term “catching a spot” when their chosen number is drawn. The number of spots you catch affects your payout.

Keno at websites like Casino Online Glorion offers engaging gameplay. Players can get generous prizes. They should learn the rules, odds, and prize structures to make rational decisions and boost their chances of winning. Chase the thrill, but play it smart.

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Common Online Casino Mistakes To Avoid

Online casino games can be a brilliant way to bring excitement to life in your spare time. These games have become hugely popular in recent years, but you will find that people often make the same mistakes. These mistakes can lead to financial losses, cybercrime, and an inferior experience, so it is important to be aware of what these mistakes are so that they can be avoided. This post will outline a few of the most common mistakes people make when playing online casino games and explain how to avoid falling into the same trap. Interested? Keep reading to find out more.

Ignoring Terms & Conditions

One of the biggest mistakes players make with online casino games is ignoring the terms and conditions. You should always take the time to read through these, paying close attention to things like the conditions of bonuses and restrictions in withdrawals. This will help you avoid any nasty surprises when playing games.

Not Researching Casinos

Another common mistake people make is not researching casinos. There are endless options for online casinos, but not all are equal, and there are even many that are unlicensed. Therefore, you need to research casinos and find one that is fully licensed and has positive reviews. The best casinos will have a massive selection of games to choose from, including blackjack online. A wide selection of games means it is hard to get bored, and you can always find something to play.

If you’re a high roller you might want to look at Los Mejores Casinos Online para High Rollers en España 2026 🎰 –

Chasing Losses

One of the most dangerous mistakes people make is chasing losses. This is where players will attempt to win back the money they have lost, which often means betting larger sums. This is a dangerous tactic and a slippery slope, so it is important to be aware of it and take measures to protect against it. The best way to avoid chasing losses is to set a budget before each session – if you spend that amount, you need to be able to walk away.

Not Understanding Games

It is always important to have a strong understanding of the game that you are playing. This will boost your chances of winning and your gaming experience. Therefore, you should always read the instructions when playing a game for the first time. For strategic games like poker, there is a lot of information online that will help you get to grips with the basics and learn strategies to use.

Weak Passwords

Cybersecurity needs to be a top priority when it comes to online casino games. The top casinos will have strong cybersecurity measures in place, but you also have a role to play. It is important to use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication to prevent hackers. It is also smart to avoid having large sums held in your online account in case someone hacks your account.

These are the most common mistakes that you will want to avoid when it comes to online casino games. By avoiding these mistakes, you can improve your experience and enjoy the excitement that these games can bring.

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