B2 – Upper Intermediate
In Italy, the recent ransomware attacks coincided with the widespread internet outage. At this point, it is difficult to say whether the two incidents are related. However, cybersecurity groups have warned of ransomware attacks that involve systems that are already in circulation.
Read the article to know more about the ransomware attacks in Europe.
https://www.voanews.com/a/ransomware-attacks-in-europe-target-old-vmware-agencies-say/6949349.html
Vocabulary Questions:
- What is ”ransomware”? “Cybersecurity agencies in Europe are warning of ransomware attacks exploiting a two-year-old computer bug as Italy experienced widespread internet outages.” Use this word in your own sentence.
- What is “hypervisor”? “A Friday technical bulletin from a French cybersecurity agency said the attack campaigns target VMware ESXi hypervisors, which are used to monitor virtual machines.” Use this word in your own sentence.
- What does “interfere with” mean, “The problem attracted particular public attention in Italy on Sunday because it coincided with a nationwide internet outage affecting telecommunications operator Telecom Italia, which interfered with streaming the Spezia v. Napoli soccer match …”? Use this word in your own sentence.
Discussion Questions:
- How can ransomware attacks be prevented?
- In case of a ransomware attack, should an individual or company pay a ransom to get their data back? Explain.
- How would you feel and would you know what to do in case you fall victim to a ransomware attack?
- Has there ever been a nationwide internet outage in your country? What caused it and how was it resolved?
- How do you feel when an internet outage occurs/would occur in your area?