The dangers of an online market include real-world problems like stealing. In the digital landscape, the problem seems to be that of thieves creating hacking tools like ransomware to get a person's finances or financial details. This is what happened with the Baltimore City government, Crypto Globe reported, as it is reeling from a ransomware attack recently.
In a related report from The Baltimore Sun, this hacking incident has resulted in a disruption of the city's servers, where its communication network has been down. Essential systems, which are required for real estate and other important deals, have been affected. This has created chaos and confusion among the citizens of Baltimore as well as the services of the city government.
The real estate sectors have been one of the hardest hit among Baltimore's industries. According to reported, property transactions, titles, and closings have all come to a standstill. It is rather unfortunate that this month is the busiest in the buying and selling calendar in Baltimore. Title insurance companies are also in trouble, as they cannot access the city's servers to check on properties.
CCN reported that the ransomware, which had the city's systems on lockdown since May 7, has been dubbed "Robinhood."The crypt-locking ransomware had created an effect, where most of Baltimore had to go manual just to conduct business. As is understandable, the lockdown forced many daily businesses relying on digital services to go back to manual services.
Incoming mayor Bernard "Jack" Young was not forthcoming with the ransomware hackers, saying that his government--replaced outgoing and "disgraced" former mayor Catherine Pugh--doesn't negotiate with the attackers. However, in cases such as this, the outcome is not inexpensive; the majority of cities that don't negotiate end up spending more than if they negotiated.
Not all of the city's systems have been affected, however. While the local services are down, others--like the 911 emergency dispatching systems and other associated systems are still online. These services are indispensable to a city like Baltimore, where an "opiate crisis" has been well-documented.
Researchers haven't been able to trace the ransomware back to whoever released it. Cybersecurity firm Armor, however, had announced that it may have a link between a tweet from an account named "@Robbinhood" and the attackers. The attackers have been demanding a 13 BC ($92,000) ransom to call off the attack.
