Internet hackers, suspected of being responsible for a ransomware attack that affected hundreds of companies in the U.S. and around the world, are demanding $70 million to release the data they have seized. The gang known as "REvil" posted the demand on their blog late Sunday. Alan Liska, an expert at the cybersecurity firm "RecordFuture," stated that the message appears authentic, noting that "REvil" has been using that blog since last year, according to Reuters.
**Biden Comments**
In response to the hacks, U.S. President Joe Biden stated that the government's "initial belief" is that Russian hackers are not involved in the ransomware attack that targeted hundreds of U.S. institutions. Biden explained, "We are not sure who is responsible for the attack." He added, "The initial belief is that it is not the Russian government, but we are not certain yet." Biden indicated that he has instructed U.S. intelligence agencies to conduct an investigation, stating that the United States will respond if they conclude that Russia is responsible for the attack.
