The FBI says ransomware attacks, like the one on the Colonial Pipeline, are a growing problem. The agency is investigating more instances of cybercriminals holding vital services, or our private information, hostage for money. WESH 2's Sheldon Dutes found out how the pandemic might be playing a role in these criminals striking more often.From Carnival Cruise Line to the Miami-Dade School District, and this month's ransomware attack of the Colonial Pipeline, we have seen how cyber hackers can wreak havoc and confusion.Who could forget the long lines at gas stations across the country? Not to mention, the millions of dollars the Colonial Pipeline officials paid in ransom to get everything back up and running.FBI Assistant Special Agent Ronald Hopper didn't talk about any specific case, but told WESH 2 News that ransomware attacks are widespread."We do see it targeting schools, municipalities: cities, counties, hospitals, you name it. It’s actually turning into a growing problem," Hopper said. "So, it’s spiked. We’ve seen it spiking.”The hackers sometimes use phishing emails to get into our home and job networks."What are these cybercriminals going after?" WESH 2's Sheldon Dutes asked Hopper."They’re after information, right? Because information to them is very valuable. And they select their targets based on what they deem to be most valuable. Schools and hospitals obviously are not, because they’re large income-producing entities, but they know that information is valuable," Hopper said.It's valuable information that the hacker can hold hostage until they get payment. Or, they might sell it on the dark web, where it's harder to trace their activity.In 2020, the FBI logged nearly 2,500 ransomware complaints that resulted in the loss of $29 million.In Florida, 207 victims collectively lost more than a million dollars last year."We’re seeing actors here both domestically and abroad," Hopper said.A lot of people's work habits during the pandemic might be a culprit."With the advent of people working from home using remote desktop protocols more and more because they’re trying to stay out of the office and distance because of COVID, we’re seeing a lot more attacks," Hopper said."We have an old saying in the intelligence community. There are two kinds of organizations: those that have been hacked, and those that don’t know they’ve been hacked. And it’s the latter I lose sleep over," said Ron Sanders, staff director for the Florida Center for Cybersecurity."Being vigilant on both ends. First, the company side to make sure they’ve got all the technical and security patches that are relevant. And then on the individual side to make sure you’ve done everything you can to protect your personally identifiable info," Sanders said.That includes strong passwords and not clicking on suspicious email links.If you become the victim of ransomware, the FBI encourages you not to pay that ransom. Instead, you should contact your local FBI office.For more information on how you or your organization can stay safe, here is a list of useful information: Contact your local FBI Office or call toll-free at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324).CLICK HERE to contact the FBI.CLICK HERE to contact a local FBI office.