shutterfly disrupted ransomeware attack
In recent years, the threat of ransomware attacks has become a growing concern for businesses and individuals alike. These malicious attacks involve hackers encrypting the victim’s files and demanding a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key. The consequences of a successful ransomware attack can be devastating, with companies losing valuable data and customers losing trust in their security measures. In June 2021, the popular online photo printing service Shutterfly fell victim to a disruptive ransomware attack, causing widespread disruption and concern among its customers.
Shutterfly, founded in 1999, is a California-based company that offers a range of personalized photo products, such as prints, calendars, and photo books. With millions of users and a strong online presence, it has become a go-to platform for customers looking to preserve their memories and create unique gifts. However, on June 15, 2021, the company’s services suddenly went offline, leaving customers unable to access their accounts or place orders. Shutterfly soon confirmed that they had been hit by a ransomware attack, causing panic and frustration among its loyal customer base.
The attackers behind the Shutterfly ransomware attack have not been identified, and the company has not disclosed the exact ransom demand. However, it is believed to be in the millions of dollars, with the hackers threatening to release sensitive customer data if their demands are not met. Ransomware attacks have become increasingly sophisticated, with hackers using advanced techniques and tools to breach security systems and extort money from their victims. It is not uncommon for attackers to demand large sums of money, and companies like Shutterfly are prime targets due to their vast databases of customer information.
The Shutterfly ransomware attack is just one of many that have occurred in recent years, with some high-profile cases including the Colonial Pipeline attack and the WannaCry attack on the UK’s National Health Service. However, what sets this attack apart is the disruption it caused to the company’s services and the potential impact on its customers. With many people relying on Shutterfly for their photo printing needs, the attack left many unable to access their precious memories and gifts, causing frustration and concern.
The first sign of trouble for Shutterfly customers came on June 15, when the company’s website and app suddenly went offline. Customers attempting to log in were met with an error message, and those who had placed orders in the days leading up to the attack found their orders stuck in limbo. Social media channels were flooded with complaints from frustrated customers, with many wondering what had happened to their orders and whether their personal information had been compromised. Shutterfly was quick to release a statement, confirming that they had been hit by a ransomware attack and were working to resolve the issue.
The next few days were a whirlwind for Shutterfly as they scrambled to contain the attack and minimize the impact on their customers. The company’s IT team worked around the clock to identify and isolate the affected systems, while their communication team kept customers updated on the situation. However, as the days went by, it became clear that the attack was more severe than initially thought. Shutterfly’s CEO, Hilary Schneider, released a statement on June 18, apologizing to customers and acknowledging that the attack had caused significant disruption to their services.
The exact details of the Shutterfly ransomware attack are still unclear, but it is believed that the hackers gained access to the company’s systems through a phishing email. This is a common tactic used by hackers, where they send a seemingly legitimate email to an employee, tricking them into clicking on a malicious link or attachment. Once the employee falls for the scam, the hackers can gain access to the company’s network and begin their attack. It is also possible that the hackers exploited a vulnerability in the company’s systems, highlighting the importance of regularly updating and securing software and devices.
As Shutterfly continued to work on restoring their services, customers were left wondering about the safety of their personal information. The company reassured customers that they had no evidence of any data being stolen or compromised, but the potential threat of sensitive information being released by the hackers was still a cause for concern. In response, Shutterfly offered free credit monitoring services to affected customers, as well as a hotline for any inquiries related to the attack. However, this did little to ease the worry and frustration among customers, with many taking to social media to express their displeasure with the company’s handling of the situation.
After almost a week of disruptions, Shutterfly announced on June 21 that their services had been fully restored. The company was quick to thank their customers for their patience and understanding during this difficult time and promised to implement additional security measures to prevent future attacks. While the attack may be over, the aftermath and impact on the company and its customers are still being felt. With a potential loss of trust in the company’s security measures and the financial costs of the attack, it is clear that the Shutterfly ransomware attack will have far-reaching consequences.
In conclusion, the Shutterfly ransomware attack serves as a reminder of the growing threat of cyberattacks and the importance of implementing robust security measures. Companies must be vigilant in protecting their systems and training their employees to recognize and avoid potential threats. In the case of Shutterfly, the attack not only caused disruptions to their services but also raised concerns about the safety of personal information. As ransomware attacks continue to evolve and become more frequent, it is crucial for businesses to take proactive measures to prevent and mitigate the impact of such attacks.
how to check play time on ps4
As one of the most popular gaming consoles in the world, the PlayStation 4 (PS4) has captured the hearts and minds of millions of gamers since its release in 2013. With its powerful hardware, impressive library of games, and numerous features, it’s no wonder that the PS4 has become a staple in many households. One of the features that many gamers are curious about is the ability to check their play time on the console. In this article, we will explore how to check play time on PS4 and everything you need to know about this feature.
What is Play Time on PS4?
Play time on PS4 refers to the amount of time a user has spent playing games on their console. This feature tracks the total time spent on each game and displays it in hours and minutes. In addition to play time, it also shows the number of times a game has been launched, the number of trophies earned, and the average play time per session. This information is useful for gamers who want to keep track of their progress and play habits on their favorite games.
How to Check Play Time on PS4?
There are several ways to check your play time on PS4. The easiest way is through the console’s built-in feature, but there are also other methods that can provide more detailed information. Let’s take a look at each method in detail.
Method 1: Using the Console’s Built-in Feature
The most straightforward way to check your play time on PS4 is through the console’s built-in feature. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Turn on your PS4 and log in to your account.
Step 2: From the main menu, navigate to your profile icon located on the top left corner of the screen.
Step 3: Select “Profile” from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: On your profile page, scroll down to the “Games” section and select “Games Played.”
Step 5: You will see a list of all the games you have played on your PS4. Select the game you want to check the play time for.
Step 6: The play time will be displayed next to the game’s name in hours and minutes.
Method 2: Using the PlayStation App
Another way to check your play time on PS4 is through the PlayStation App. This method provides more detailed information, such as the date and time you started playing a specific game. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Download and install the PlayStation App on your smartphone.
Step 2: Log in to your PSN account.
Step 3: Tap on the “Profile” tab located at the bottom of the screen.
Step 4: Scroll down and select “Games.”
Step 5: You will see a list of games you have played on your PS4. Tap on the game you want to check the play time for.
Step 6: The play time will be displayed next to the game’s name in hours and minutes.
Method 3: Using the PlayStation Website
If you don’t have access to your PS4 or the PlayStation App, you can also check your play time through the PlayStation website. This method is similar to using the app, but it can be accessed through any web browser. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open your web browser and go to the PlayStation website.
Step 2: Log in to your PSN account.
Step 3: Click on your profile icon located on the top right corner of the screen.
Step 4: Select “Profile” from the drop-down menu.
Step 5: On your profile page, click on the “Games” tab.
Step 6: You will see a list of games you have played on your PS4. Click on the game you want to check the play time for.
Step 7: The play time will be displayed next to the game’s name in hours and minutes.
Method 4: Using Third-Party Websites
If you want to track your play time on multiple consoles or want more detailed information, you can use third-party websites such as PSNProfiles or TrueTrophies. These websites allow you to sync your PlayStation account and track your play time, trophies, and other gaming statistics across all PlayStation consoles. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Go to the website of your choice and sign up for an account.
Step 2: Follow the instructions to sync your PlayStation account.
Step 3: Once your account is synced, you will be able to see your play time for each game, as well as other statistics.
Why Check Play Time on PS4?
Now that you know how to check your play time on PS4, you may be wondering why it’s important. Here are a few reasons why you should keep track of your play time on the console:
1. To Monitor Your Progress
Many games have a linear storyline or a set number of levels, making it easy to track your progress. However, some games, such as open-world or sandbox games, don’t have a clear objective. In such cases, tracking your play time can give you an idea of how much you have accomplished in the game.
2. To Manage Your Time
Gaming can be a fun and immersive experience, but it’s important to manage your time wisely. By keeping track of your play time, you can set limits for yourself and avoid spending too much time on a single game. This is especially important for students and working professionals who need to balance their gaming time with other responsibilities.
3. To Compare with Friends
Gaming is a popular hobby, and many people enjoy playing the same games as their friends. By checking your play time, you can compare it with your friends and see who has spent the most time on a particular game. This can add a competitive element to your gaming sessions and make it more enjoyable.
4. To Plan Your Next Purchase
With a vast library of games available on PS4, it can be challenging to decide which game to buy next. By checking your play time on different games, you can determine which genres or titles you enjoy the most. This can help you make informed decisions when purchasing new games.
5. To Earn Trophies
For many gamers, earning trophies is a significant part of the gaming experience. Trophies are awarded for completing specific tasks or reaching certain milestones in a game. By tracking your play time, you can estimate how long it will take to earn a specific trophy and plan accordingly.
In Conclusion
Play time on PS4 is a useful feature that allows gamers to keep track of their play habits and progress. By following the methods mentioned in this article, you can easily check your play time on the console. Whether you want to monitor your progress, manage your time, or compare with friends, play time can provide valuable insights into your gaming habits. So the next time you log into your PS4, take a moment to check your play time and see how far you have come in your gaming journey.