Md. legislation would stiffen penalties for ransomware attacks

ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Lawmakers in Annapolis are looking to protect Maryland hospitals and police departments from ransomware attacks that could disrupt information systems.

“A lot of trust is there in the hospital and so we want to make sure that our citizens are safe guarded as much as they can be for whatever level of security measures that can be put in place,” said Delegate Sheree Sample-Hughes who represents legislative District 37A.

Delegate Sample-Hughes said that House Bill 211 cross-filed with Senate Bill 151 would stiffen up penalties for those who hold private information hostage and would define ransomware attacks that result in a loss greater than $1,000 dollars as a felony.

“It’s necessary for our citizens to understand that we’re looking at it at all fronts and this piece of legislation would certainly help to again safe guard to some level but also be able to prosecute when necessary,” said Sample-Hughes.

Local legislators said attacks on the Salisbury Police Department and several area hospitals gave them incentive to crack down on hackers, but that is no easy task.

“At this time a lot of ransomware that comes about is from overseas and so therefore it doesn’t allow the local, state and officials the opportunity to do really much about it,” said Sample-Hughes.

According to lawmakers, penalties for those convicted of developing software to block access to systems and demand money could include fines up to $100,000 dollars and a sentence of up to ten years behind bars.

And, officials said personal information becomes more vulnerable as people depend more and more on technology.

“You constantly have to stay ahead of the game with ransomware updates on your computer, laptops, your cell phone, but as more and more things integrate electronically away from paper we’re going to have a higher propensity for these types of things to happen,” said Delegate Carl Anderton, Jr. who represents legislative District 38B.

Local legislators also said they hope more will be done in the future to keep our information safe from the public eye.