Question

in 2022, the government of suffolk county, new york, learned a cyber attack had occurred, which impacted the online systems of over 20 county agencies, including essential services, such as police departments, social services, and county clerks offices. how was the cyber attack discovered?

antivirus software
dark web
spyware
total network shutdown

Explanation:

Identify the historical cybersecurity incident

The question asks about the 2022 cyber attack on Suffolk County, New York, which impacted over 20 county agencies.

Analyze the discovery mechanism of the attack

In September 2022, Suffolk County officials discovered the cyber attack (specifically ransomware) during routine monitoring when they detected malicious activity on their network, which was subsequently linked to postings on the dark web by the threat actors (BlackCat/ALPHV ransomware group) before a total network shutdown was initiated as a protective measure. Specifically, the initial public awareness and confirmation of the breach's scale came when the county's stolen data was posted on the dark web.

Answer:

• Antivirus software
• Dark web (Correct answer)
• Spyware
• Total network shutdown