Cyber thieves have taken down thousands of web-based databases and are now seeking a ransom to restore the data.
Security researchers have found that attackers deleted the MongoDB databases which consist of gigabytes of medical, payroll and other data.
The attack was possible because their administrators left the systems easily accessible through the internet.
As a result, the attackers attacked the systems and are now charging a few bitcoins to restore.
An ethical hacker who works with the Dutch government, Victor Gevers, is the first one to notice the hack which was targeting the database.
According to the researcher, the attack was started much before Christmas but it accelerated after the holidays were over. An automated scanning tools were used by the attackers to a telltale signature of unsecured MongoDB systems.
Once the hackers identify the potential victims, they attack first check the database, if it contains valuable data, then they delete that data and replace it with a ransom note.
Mr. Gevers said, "I am being flooded with requests for help." It is expected that there are more than 5000 victims which include hospitals, small businesses, and educational institutions.
Ransom fees range from 0.2 bitcoins (£155) to 0.5 bitcoins (£390).
Security researchers have found that attackers deleted the MongoDB databases which consist of gigabytes of medical, payroll and other data.
The attack was possible because their administrators left the systems easily accessible through the internet.
As a result, the attackers attacked the systems and are now charging a few bitcoins to restore.
An ethical hacker who works with the Dutch government, Victor Gevers, is the first one to notice the hack which was targeting the database.
According to the researcher, the attack was started much before Christmas but it accelerated after the holidays were over. An automated scanning tools were used by the attackers to a telltale signature of unsecured MongoDB systems.
Once the hackers identify the potential victims, they attack first check the database, if it contains valuable data, then they delete that data and replace it with a ransom note.
Mr. Gevers said, "I am being flooded with requests for help." It is expected that there are more than 5000 victims which include hospitals, small businesses, and educational institutions.
Ransom fees range from 0.2 bitcoins (£155) to 0.5 bitcoins (£390).