What does RTF mean in UNCLASSIFIED

The Ransomware Task Force (RTF) is a global law enforcement initiative led by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) to combat the growing threat of ransomware attacks. The RTF brings together law enforcement agencies, cybersecurity experts, and private sector partners to investigate, prosecute, and disrupt ransomware actors worldwide.

The RTF has three primary goals: (1) to disrupt the financial ecosystem that supports ransomware activities; (2) to dismantle ransomware networks; and (3) to mitigate the impact of ransomware attacks on victims. The RTF achieves these goals through international cooperation, intelligence sharing, and coordinated law enforcement actions.

The RTF targets all types of ransomware attacks, including those that target individuals, businesses, and critical infrastructure. Some common types of ransomware attacks include: (1) encrypting files and demanding a ransom payment for their decryption; (2) disrupting access to critical systems or services; and (3) stealing sensitive data and threatening to release it if a ransom is not paid.

The RTF investigates ransomware attacks by tracing the flow of illicit funds, identifying the individuals and organizations responsible for the attacks, and collecting evidence of their criminal activities. The RTF works closely with international law enforcement agencies to pursue leads and apprehend suspects. The RTF also prosecutes ransomware attackers in federal court, where they can face significant penalties, including imprisonment and asset forfeiture.

Victims of a ransomware attack should immediately contact law enforcement and report the incident. The RTF recommends that victims do not pay the ransom, as this only encourages ransomware actors and may not guarantee the recovery of files or data. Victims should also take steps to protect their systems from future attacks, such as installing antivirus software, updating security patches, and backing up their data regularly.