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Garmin Connect Hacked and locked out with ransomware

If you like me use your Garmin to record your ride you may have noticed that the service has been down for multiple hours now. I tried to upload a ride yesterday but was informed by Garmin that the service was down for maintenance. Well, this turns out not to be the full story. It turns out that Garmin may have been subject to a particularly unpleasant but becoming more common cyber-attack. The Ransomware attack.

Many press outlets such as the Guardian are reporting the issue as a ransomware hack but Garmin is yet to confirm. We will keep an eye on this issue as the story evolves.

What is ransomware?

Kaspersky cyber defence describes it as such:

Ransomware is malicious software that infects your computer and displays messages demanding a fee to be paid in order for your system to work again. This class of malware is a criminal moneymaking scheme that can be installed through deceptive links in an email message, instant message or website. It has the ability to lock a computer screen or encrypt important, predetermined files with a password.

Garmin Connect Hacked and locked out with ransomware

If you like me use your Garmin to record your ride you may have noticed that the service has been down for multiple hours now. I tried to upload a ride yesterday but was informed by Garmin that the service was down for maintenance. Well, this turns out not to be the full story. It turns out that Garmin has been subject to a particularly unpleasant but becoming more common cyber-attack. The Ransomware attack.

What is ransomware?

Kaspersky cyber defence describes it as such:

Ransomware is malicious software that infects your computer and displays messages demanding a fee to be paid in order for your system to work again. This class of malware is a criminal moneymaking scheme that can be installed through deceptive links in an email message, instant message or website. It has the ability to lock a computer screen or encrypt important, predetermined files with a password.

What can you do in the meantime?

It would probably be sensible to update your passwords to ensure you and your other accounts are not compromised.

What do you think of this story? Do you think Garmin has been subject to a cyber attack and ransomware?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below or start a thread in our forums.

Will Brett-Atkin

Will Brett-Atkin

Will (@willbrettbikes) is the founder and creator of One Track Mind Mag. He is an award-winning Digital Product Designer and has worked with some of the biggest brands in the world. When not behind a computer screen Will likes to be out in nature riding natural trails with friends. He also likes to dabble in a bit of Enduro racing and has had some great results racing in the UK

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