Silicon Valley companies assess on-going cyber threats
SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- Around the world, major companies and governments were compromised after a massive cyberattack.
"It's definitely a little unsettling, especially considering how connected to computers, our phones that we are, today in society," said Mariel Kim, a San Jose resident.
Thousands of computers were frozen. In each instance, hackers were demanding hundreds of dollars in bitcoin to regain access.
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"The idea of someone coming in and invading all your private information, it's just, we already have to put so much out there for the government and everyone else," said Doris Lopez, also a San Jose resident.
Engineers at Bay Area security software giants are now working with customers to assess the on-going threat and any potential vulnerabilities.
Vectra Networks in San Jose, is an artificial intelligence company that enables real-time detection and response' during a cyberattack. They've seen more demand for their software in recent years.
"Have a strategy to stop as much as you can, but you better complement that strategy very, very thoroughly, with technologies that are going to help you and address the breach when they inevitably occur," explained Hitesh Sheth, with Vectra Networks.
Cybersecurity experts say more must be done by companies to ensure any data they've collected doesn't fall into the hands of the wrong people.
"If it is broken, if it is attacked, what is going to happen? Who's going to take responsibility for that?" asked Melody Moh, a cybersecurity expert at San Jose State University.
Local consumers wonder how severe the next cyber-attack might be.
"From time to time, you get that pesky reminder in the corner, automated updates, click it and install those, a lot of those there are important security updates that are going to protect you," said Mike Banic, with Vectra Networks
Click here for more information on how to protect yourself from cyber attacks.
