Ransomware Task Force
Appearance
The Ransomware Task Force (RTF) is an initiative housed in the Institute for Security and Technology (IST). The RTF was launched on April 29, 2021,[1] and it has 60 members from software companies, government agencies, cybersecurity vendors, financial services companies, nonprofits, and academic institutions.
Leadership
- John Davis, Palo Alto Networks
- Megan Stifel, Global Cyber Alliance
- Michael Phillips, Resilience
- Kemba Walden, Microsoft
- Jen Ellis, Rapid7
- Chris Painter, The Global Forum on Cyber Expertise Foundation
- Michael Daniel, Cyber Threat Alliance
- Philip Reiner, IST[2]
RTF Framework
The RTF released a document outlining its key recommendations for combating ransomware. The task force sees five priority actions that are either foundational or urgent. They can be summarized as:[3]
- A coordinated IGO effort to tackle ransomware with a carrot-and-stick approach to incentivize nation-states to stop providing safe havens to hackers.
- The United States should execute a sustained, aggressive, intelligence-driven campaign led by the White House.
- Governments need to set aside Cyber Response and Recovery Funds, mandate that organizations report ransom payments; and require organizations to consider alternatives before making payments.
- A clear, accessible, and broadly adopted framework to help organizations prepare for and respond to attacks with possible incentives, such as fine relief and funding or regulation.
- Regulate the Cryptocurrency sector.
- Governments should require cryptocurrency trading desks that comply with Know Your Customer (KYC), Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and Combatting Financing of Terrorism (CFT) laws.