Ransomware Strikes Across New Mexico
🚨 Rising Threats in Albuquerque
1. Ransomware Strikes Across New Mexico
According to the FBI, reported ransomware attacks in New Mexico climbed from 10 incidents to 19 in a single year, with true figures likely much higher due to underreporting koat.com+5kob.com+5koat.com+5.
Recent high-profile cases include ransomware attacks on Bernalillo County, which shut down county services and forced buildings to close for days kob.com+2koat.com+2therecord.media+2, and on Albuquerque Public Schools, which disrupted operations in January therecord.media+5kob.com+5koat.com+5.
2. Phishing & Identity-Based Attacks
Nationwide data shows a 17.3% rise in phishing emails from late 2024 to early 2025, and locally, many incidents start with deceptive emails or impersonated accounts knowbe4.com.
AI‑generated phishing tactics are becoming more refined—fraudsters are using them to mimic trusted services like Microsoft, DocuSign, and PayPal.
3. AI-Fueled Malware & Vishing
Malware threats are evolving fast. Globally, ransomware attacks have surged 132%, and voice phishing (vishing) is up a staggering 1,633% reddit.com+2redteamnews.com+2knowbe4.com+2securitymagazine.com+1reddit.com+1.
Locally, attack methods include phishing, credential theft, and what experts call “double-extortion”—encrypting data and threatening public release tsicolorado.com.
Why Albuquerque Is a Growing Target
Institutional Weaknesses: Public and educational entities like schools face growing cybercriminal attacks due to limited cybersecurity budgets knowbe4.com+15aasa.org+15kob.com+15.
Increasing Ransom Demands: Average ransom payments have skyrocketed—$850,000 in 2021 and reports of multi-million dollar demands .
Sophisticated Tactics: Attackers now automate phishing campaigns, use AI-driven tools, vishing, and exploit remote work vulnerabilities—often via compromised credentials and AI‑generated lures reddit.com+6tsicolorado.com+6redteamnews.com+6.
What You Can Do to Stay Secure
Here are essential steps to protect your home or business:
âś… Train Your Team
Educate staff on how to spot phishing emails, even ones that look authentic. Given the efficient targeting of AI‑powered phishing, vigilance is key.
âś… Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA helps protect accounts—even if credentials are compromised, it blocks unauthorized access reddit.com+1reddit.com+1tsicolorado.com.
âś… Maintain Regular Backups
Keep secure, off‑site backups. During the Bernalillo County attack, counties scrambled to get data back via backups reddit.com+3koat.com+3therecord.media+3.
âś… Patch and Segment Networks
Ensure up‑to‑date systems and software. Segment your network to contain breaches and limit malware spread reddit.com.
âś… Implement Endpoint Protection
Use advanced security tools and set up alerts to detect suspicious activity early—before ransomware encrypts data.
âś… Create a Ransomware Response Plan
Every organization—school, office, or business—needs a tested incident response strategy and a trusted incident response partner .
🏆 Local Action Matters
Cybersecurity experts are urging institutions like APS to partner with local cybersecurity firms for faster and more tailored incident response kob.com+2koat.com+2reddit.com+2. This builds community resilience and keeps knowledge local.
Bottom Line
Albuquerque is facing a spike in ransomware, phishing, and malware during a wave of increasingly aggressive, AI-augmented attacks. But with practical defenses—like employee training, MFA, secure backups, regular patching, endpoint protection, and robust incident plans—you can reduce your risk significantly.
If you're looking for hands-on help with cybersecurity, ABQ Computer Pros offers ABQ computer consulting, ABQ computer tech support, and ABQ computer repair tailored to Albuquerque and Rio Rancho. From a single desktop to an entire business network, we can help you strengthen your defenses and respond to attacks effectively.
Recent Albuquerque & NM Cyber News
FBI warns of increase in cyberattacks in New Mexico - KOB.com
4 Investigates: Ransomware attacks on the rise in New Mexico - KOB.com
