Ransomware wreaking havoc worldwide – quietly The attack on Colonial Pipeline last week underscored that what's now a big business is also a national security threat. By Ellen Nakashima and Rachel LermanThe Washington Post Share The hacker ring’s ransom note appeared on the company’s computer screens this past Monday. “Your computers and servers are encrypted, backups are deleted,” it said. “We use strong encryption algorithms, so you cannot decrypt your data.” But, the extortionists said, “you can restore everything by purchasing a special program from us – universal decryptor.” This program, the message said, “will restore all your network.” The price: $1.2 million.