Hackers Lock Down Servers of Covid-19 Researchers

The transcript discusses a cyberattack on UCSF by Russian or Eastern European hackers, who locked up servers containing critical COVID-19 research data. The university engaged in negotiations to retrieve the data. The broader threat landscape includes similar attacks by hackers from various countries targeting COVID-19 research. The ethical and political implications of vaccine development are also explored, highlighting the tension between global collaboration and geopolitical competition.

What was the primary focus of the cyberattack on UCSF?

• To disrupt online classes

• To lock up servers with critical research data

• To steal financial data

• To access student records

How did UCSF approach the negotiation with the hackers?

• By involving the FBI directly

• By treating them as business partners

• By threatening legal action

• By ignoring their demands

Which countries are mentioned as being involved in hacking COVID-19 research?

• India and Japan

• China, Russia, Korea, and Iran

• Brazil and Argentina

• Germany and France

What has been the impact of the pandemic on cyberattacks targeting research institutions?

• A significant increase in attacks

• No change in attack frequency

• A decrease in attacks

• Attacks have become less sophisticated

What is a key concern regarding the control of vaccine distribution?

• The effectiveness of vaccines

• Who benefits from and controls the distribution

• The speed of vaccine production

• The cost of vaccines

What is the broader geopolitical battle related to vaccine development primarily about?

• Scientific collaboration

• Control over vaccine benefits and distribution

• Environmental policies

• Trade agreements

What was UCSF researching that was mentioned in the context of the cyberattack?

• New surgical techniques

• Hydroxychloroquine merits

• Climate change impacts

• The effectiveness of online education