Thoughts From My Inbox
May 14th, 2021

Something About…

CNA Insurance has fully restored their systems after a March 21^st ransomware attack that affected 15,000 devices.  A couple of questionable items from this piece; A. It took them almost two months to recover. B. they “took immediate action by proactively disconnecting our systems from our network to contain the threat…”.  They only have 5,500 employees and 15,000 devices were affected.  How many did they save? And C. They “deployed endpoint detection and monitoring tools on the newly restored systems during the recovery process.”  Why weren’t these solutions there in the first place??? It probably would’ve prevented two months of agony. Talk about a dumpster fire.

As you’ve probably heard, we’re currently facing a chip shortage, which effects everything from cars to PCs to consumer appliances.  Just this morning, as a matter of fact, I was trying to find monitors for a client with a few new employees.  Throughout our entire distribution network, there’s not a 24” monitor to be found.  We even checked some of the big online retailers, and they show everything as being backordered, as well (thanks to Paul Holter at Plymouth Church for sharing this piece to my inbox).

As you’ve probably heard, the Colonial Pipeline was hit by ransomware late last week, leading to a fuel shortage in many southeastern and mid-Atlantic states. Initially, they claimed to feel badly about affecting our infrastructure, and promised to do a better job vetting their targets, the next time around.  Now, it seems the hacking group at fault is disbanding.  And in case you weren’t aware, Reuters reminds us not to fill plastic bags with gasoline (take note, hoarders and toilet paper aficionados).

I got this via text last night.  Then it appeared from a different sender in my inbox this morning, so I figured I needed to share it with the world (especially considering that it happened in South Euclid but made it to print in Kentucky).  And who knew there were 10lb. logs of meat, anyway?

Two weeks ago, I had a piece about beavers cutting the internet connection to a small Canadian town.  Now it seems that same family of beavers has been out stealing lumber. Maybe they thought they were getting beef logs…

Lacrosse is my favorite spring sport, and the NCAA tournaments start this weekend for men and women.  I’d actually be ok with bad weather so I’d have an excuse to sit and watch on tv all weekend!

Best,
Jim