Microsoft is a founding member of the Ransomware Task Force
Microsoft will work with other large organizations to combat ransomware.
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What you need to know
Microsoft, McAfee, and 17 other organizations have come together to form a Ransomware Task Force (RTF) (via ZDNet). The new RTF is made up of security firms, tech companies, and non-profits with a shared goal of combatting ransomware. The group will work to assess current solutions that people and organizations can use to protect against ransomware attacks.
The RTF will look at existing solutions, find security gaps, and work on a roadmap to plan a defense against ransomware. The RTF will commission expert papers from a wide range of industries and work with stakeholders as well.
The RTF should yield a standardized framework for handling ransomware attacks. The framework would be based on the input of several organizations, rather than different groups attacking the problem individually.
The founding members of the RTF are:
“Ransomware incidents have been growing unchecked, and this economically destructive cybercrime has increasingly led to dangerous, physical consequences,” says the Institute for Security + Technology in ablog post. “This crime transcends sectors and requires bringing all affected stakeholders to the table to synthesize a clear framework of actionable solutions, which is why IST and our coalition of partners are launching this Task Force for a two-to-three month sprint.”
The Ransomware Task Force website will launch in January 2021 and will include its full membership and leadership roles.
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Sean Endicott is a tech journalist at Windows Central, specializing in Windows, Microsoft software, AI, and PCs. He’s covered major launches, from Windows 10 and 11 to the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT. Sean’s journey began with the Lumia 740, leading to strong ties with app developers. Outside writing, he coaches American football, utilizing Microsoft services to manage his team. He studied broadcast journalism at Nottingham Trent University and is active on X @SeanEndicott_ and Threads @sean_endicott_.
