Should I report a ransomware attack?
Yes, every ransomware incident should be reported to the U.S. government. You only need to file a report once with the Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), which is the central hub for reporting all internet crimes, including ransomware. Reporting to IC3.gov ensures that all relevant federal agencies, such as the FBI, CISA, and the U.S. Secret Service, are notified.
File a Complaint Online
- General Internet Crime: https://www.ic3.gov/
- Specific Ransomware Form: https://ransomware.ic3.gov/default
Who to contact for help in Ohio
If you are an Ohioan who has been the victim of a scam or computer fraud, you can contact the Ohio Attorney General's office at 800-282-0515 (Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.).
If you are a public or local government entity, or a critical infrastructure operator, you can request assistance from the state of Ohio, including the Ohio Cyber Reserve (OhCR), using the following contact information:
- Online: homelandsecurity.ohio.gov/tips
- Email: OCIC@dps.ohio.gov
- Phone: 614-387-1089
The Ohio Cyber Integration Center works closely with the Ohio Cyber Reserve, which is a volunteer cyber force that can assist with cyber breaches. It is important to note that it may take them a day or two to respond. You can learn more about them here: https://cyber.ohio.gov/priorities/ocic
Additional Ransomware Resources
To learn more about ransomware and how to protect yourself, you can review these resources:
Video on Ransomware
Government and Cybersecurity Agency Resources
- Microsoft: What is Ransomware?
- NIST: Ransomware Guidance for Small Businesses
- Secret Service: Ransomware Investigations and Prevention Tips
- IC3: Ransomware Fact Sheet
- Department of Justice: Hive Ransomware Variant Disruption
- CISA: Reporting a Cyber Incident