Frontier Communications Hostage Data: Ransomware and Protecting Your Digital Information

As cyber attacks are on the rise, it is important that all Frontier Communications employees ensure that they are using good password habits and multi-step verifications to protect the company data, recommends Michael Corgiat, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

It is therefore important that Frontier Communications employees take conscious measures to prevent their personal and company data from being compromised by ransomware attacks by being aware of phishing scams and ensuring that their systems are up to date, stresses Brent Wolf, a representative of The Retirement Group, a division of Wealth Enhancement Group.

Here are three brief main topics for your article:

The Colonial Pipeline attack and other recent ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure.
How ransomware works, and the rising risk to people and businesses.
Some practical ways to secure electronic information, with a focus on good passwords and other safety tips.

Have you noticed that gas prices in your area are through the roof? Colonial Pipeline, which carries almost 50% of East Coast crude oil from Texas to New Jersey halted operations on May 7, 2021, after a ransomware attack. The pipeline was restarted in one week after Colonial paid the $4.4 million ransom, after the group behind the attack notified the company of the breach.

Although there was enough gas in storage to stabilize demand, panic buying led to shortages on the East Coast of the United States and pushed the national average gas price above $3.00 per gallon for the first time since 2014 although there was enough gas to meet demand.[1]. Ransomware has been around for some time, but the Colonial Pipeline attack highlighted the risk to critical infrastructure and triggered a strong federal response. Interestingly enough, the DOJ was able to recover most of the ransom, and DarkSide, the group behind the attack, announced that it would be halting its operations.[2.]

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The Department of Homeland Security has issued new rules that require critical pipeline owners and operators to report cybersecurity incidents within 12 hours and review their cybersecurity posture and submit the results within 30 days.[3] As we have seen the incident has underscored the need for government efforts to improve the nation’s cybersecurity and to form an international partnership to hold nations that shelter cybercriminals accountable.[4.]

Malicious Code:

As a Frontier Communications company, it is important that you understand the basics of cyber attacks in order to protect your assets from threats. Ransomware is a type of malicious code (malware) that compromises the victim’s computer system and the attacker uses the compromised system to encrypt files for which a ransom is demanded in exchange for the decryption key. Some of the attackers may also threaten to leak the company’s data. Globally, an estimated 305 million ransomware attacks were recorded in the year 2020 as compared to a 62% increase from the previous year, 2019. More than 200 million were reported in the United States.[5] Cybercriminal gangs have shifted their attention from targeting ‘data-intensive’ organizations such as retailers, insurers, and financial services to targeting businesses and other entities that are critical to the public health. JBS USA Holdings, a company that handles one-fifth of the U.S. livestock production, paid $11 million ransom, one week after the Colonial Pipeline attack.[6] As a result of relatively low spending on cybersecurity, healthcare systems are also a prime target, putting patient care at risk.[7] State and local governments, schools, and private companies of all sizes are also frequently attacked.[8]

As cyber attackers have chosen Frontier Communications employees as their target audience, it is crucial to enhance cybersecurity at your workplace and residential networks to avoid risks. Typically, ransomware groups, which are mainly from Russia and other countries in the Eastern region, set their ransoms based on the level of the victim company’s funds. Large operations may end in negotiation between the middle men and the victims or the cyber insurance companies. Although the FBI doesn’t recommend paying the ransom, key organizations and entities might not be able to afford to rebuild their IT systems and the cost of doing so may well be higher than the ransom demanded.[9]

Protecting Your Data:

Do you know that ransomware attacks are increasingly targeting seniors? According to the FBI, older people are especially vulnerable to ransomware scams because they are not very familiar with the cyber security measures and tend to open any email or make any call from an unknown number. Scammers especially target retirees, taking advantage of their fear of losing important information or their access to certain accounts. It is crucial for people in their 60s, including those working for Frontier Communications or retiring, to know the dangers and how to protect their electronic information. Major ransomware groups tend to target more profitable targets, but many cybercriminals attack individual consumers and demand ransom to lock their data, access their financial accounts, and sell their personal data.

If you work for Frontier Communications and you think that you or your company is at risk of being targeted by ransomware, the following will assist you in protecting your data.[10] Use good passwords and keep them safe. The Colonial Pipeline attack occurred through a leaked password of an old account that had remote server access,[11] which is why, as an employee of Frontier Communications and a potential target, your first line of defence is a good password. Use between 8 and 12 characters, including a mix of case, numbers, and special characters. Passwords that are longer and more complex are better than those that are short and simple. Avoid using personal information and words that can be found in the dictionary.

One way to do this is to use a password that can be transformed and remembered. For instance, Jack and Jill going up the hill to get a pail of water can be written as J&jwuth!!2faPow. It is more advisable to have different passwords for different accounts than to reuse a good password. You should use a password manager that generates random passwords that can be remembered using a strong master password. Do not share or write down your passwords. No simple solutions. When creating security questions that can be used to recover a password, be careful. Given that there is a lot of actual information that can be found online, it might be beneficial for employees of Frontier Communications to use fictitious answers that they can remember. If a criminal can guess your answer from the information that he or she got from the internet (for example, from your online profile), then he or she will be able to change your password and gain access to your account. Take two measures. Even if a thief gets your password, two-factor authentication, which is usually a text or email code sent to your phone, provides an extra protection.

Consider before clicking. As an employee of Frontier Communications using work systems, it is necessary to know that the most common way of transmitting ransomware and other malicious code to the affected computer is through a ‘phishing’ email that would require the recipient to open a link. There is no need to click on a link in an email or text message unless you know who sent it and where it is leading to. Install anti-virus software. Get and keep anti-virus software, a firewall, and an email filter. Old antivirus software does not provide protection against the latest infections. Backup your data. Back up to an external hard drive at regular intervals. The drive should be disconnected from the network during the intervals to enhance security. Maintain system updates. Use the latest operating system that is compatible with your computer and install security updates.

Most of the ransomware attacks are based on operating system and application vulnerabilities. If you get a message on your personal or company computer that you are infected with a virus or that your data is being demanded as a ransom, it is more likely a fake pop-up than an actual attack. These pop-ups are usually followed by a phone number for so-called technical support or to make a payment. As an employee of Frontier Communications, it is crucial that you do not make a call and do not click on the window and any links to avoid compromising the system. Try to close your browser and shut down your computer. More information and other tips can be found at the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency website at us-cert.cisa.gov/ncas/tips.

Conclusion:

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Think of your digital information as a valuable property, like a family heirloom. This is why it is crucial to protect your data from ransomware as you do with your valuable items. Ransomware can be regarded as a clever burglar who steals your digital family heirloom and demands a ransom for it. By using strong passwords, having anti-virus software and being careful of phishing, you are in a way locking the digital safe. Another way of protecting your data is to make sure that you are backing up your data. This is because just as you would keep a copy of your heirloom in a different place, you do not want to leave your precious assets unattended. Hence, it is crucial to be proactive in protecting your digital assets so that you do not lose control over them.

Sources:

1. Morgan Stanley. Cybersecurity for Seniors: A Guide for Loved Ones . 2021. morganstanley.com .

2. National Council on Aging. Improving Personal Cybersecurity: 5 Tips for Seniors . 2021. ncoa.org .

3. Texas Department of Information Resources. Cybersecurity Tips for Retirees and Retirement-age Individuals . 2024. dir.texas.gov .

4. Wyoming Enterprise Technology Services. Seniors Online Safety Tips . 2021. ets.wyo.gov .

5. Florida Senior Consulting. Cybersecurity Guide for Seniors: A 2025 Update . 2025. floridaseniorconsulting.com .

How does Frontier Communications Corporation determine the eligibility and participation criteria for employees in the pension plan? What are the key components that employees should be aware of in terms of service hours and years of service that can impact their pension benefits?

Frontier Communications Corporation determines pension plan eligibility based on employees' transfer from Verizon, crediting prior service under the Verizon Pension Plan to the Frontier Plan. Employees must meet the eligibility and service requirements, including hours of service and years of service, which are integral to calculating accrued benefits. The pension plan specifies that employees' service prior to the transition is recognized for determining their benefits under the Frontier plan(Frontier_Communications…).

In what ways does Frontier Communications Corporation ensure that employees transitioning from Verizon retain their accrued benefits under the new pension plan? Can you elaborate on how prior service will be accounted for under the Frontier Plan and any potential challenges that may arise in this process?

Employees transitioning from Verizon to Frontier retain their accrued benefits, with prior service credited under the Frontier Pension Plan. This is facilitated by a "Mirror Plan," which ensures that benefits under Verizon’s plan are transferred without reduction. Prior service is critical to the calculation of benefits and will continue under the Frontier Plan. However, challenges may arise regarding understanding the precise terms of service credits post-transition(Frontier_Communications…).

How does the merger of the Verizon pension plans with the Frontier Communications Corporation Pension Plan affect employeesâ€™ future benefits? What measures are put in place to ensure that Former Verizon employees receive benefits that are at least as favorable as those they previously had?

The merger of Verizon pension plans into the Frontier Communications Pension Plan guarantees that former Verizon employees receive benefits that are at least as favorable as those they had under the Verizon plan. The benefits accrued under Verizon are preserved, and future benefits are determined similarly, subject to Frontier’s amendments(Frontier_Communications…).

What resources are available for Frontier Communications Corporation employees to access more detailed information regarding their pension plan benefits? How might these resources assist in understanding the changes post-merger with Verizon?

Frontier provides detailed pension information through resources such as the Milliman Benefits Service Center. Employees can access these resources to better understand the impacts of the merger and ensure their benefits remain intact. The Summary Plan Description (SPD) and Summary of Material Modifications (SMM) provide employees with comprehensive updates post-merger(Frontier_Communications…).

Can you explain the process and implications for employees at Frontier Communications Corporation if they decide to appeal a denied pension claim? What steps must they take, and how does the appeals process ensure compliance with ERISA regulations?

If an employee’s pension claim is denied, they may appeal by submitting a written claim to the Plan Administrator, with additional documentation if requested. The appeals process ensures compliance with ERISA regulations, offering employees multiple review stages to reconsider denied claims(Frontier_Communications…).

How does Frontier Communications Corporation communicate updates to its pension plan practices to employees? Are there specific intervals or methods by which changes are shared, and how can employees keep abreast of these changes?

Frontier communicates pension plan updates to employees through various channels, including formal documents like the SMM and SPD. Updates are typically distributed periodically, with critical changes communicated as needed. Employees should regularly check for updates to stay informed(Frontier_Communications…).

In the context of financial planning for retirement, how do past benefits from the Verizon pension plans get integrated into the existing Frontier Communications Corporation pension framework? What advice can be given to employees regarding their financial health as they approach retirement?

Past benefits from the Verizon pension plan are integrated into Frontier’s pension framework through the transfer of assets and liabilities. Employees should review their benefit statements and consult financial planning resources to ensure a smooth transition and optimize their retirement strategy(Frontier_Communications…).

What roles do the Milliman Benefits Service Center and the Claims Review Committee play in supporting the employees of Frontier Communications Corporation regarding their pension claims? How can employees engage with these entities for assistance?

The Milliman Benefits Service Center supports employees with pension inquiries, while the Claims Review Committee handles appeals. Employees can contact Milliman for questions and submit appeals to the Claims Review Committee if disputes arise over benefits(Frontier_Communications…).

As an employee of Frontier Communications Corporation, what should be understood about the standard forms of pension payments available at retirement? How do these options impact the total benefits an employee may receive over time?

Frontier employees should understand the available pension payment options, including annuities and lump-sum distributions. These options affect the total amount received, and employees should consider their long-term financial needs when selecting a payment method(Frontier_Communications…).

How can employees contact Frontier Communications Corporation for more information about their pension plan? What are the best practices for reaching out and ensuring that their inquiries are handled efficiently?

Employees can contact Frontier regarding pension plans through the Milliman Benefits Service Center by phone or via their online portal. It is recommended to prepare inquiries with relevant documentation to ensure efficient handling(Frontier_Communications…).

With the current political climate we are in it is important to keep up with current news and remain knowledgeable about your benefits.

Frontier Communications offers both a pension plan and a 401(k) savings plan for its employees. The Frontier Communications Pension Plan is designed for veteran employees, particularly those in bargaining units, and is structured to provide retirement benefits based on years of service and compensation. Employees must generally have completed five years of service to become vested. The pension formula involves a standard calculation of a fixed amount per year of service. Frontier allows eligible participants to elect a full lump sum if they retire after March 1, 2022, due to the plan’s improved funded status of 91% as of February 2022 (CWA 1298). In addition to the pension, Frontier offers the Frontier Communications 401(k) Savings Plan, which is available to all employees, with specific vesting and matching rules. The company uses Fidelity to manage this plan and offers a match of up to 6% of the employee’s contributions (CWA 1298). Matching contributions are subject to a vesting schedule that requires several years of employment before the company contributions are fully vested. Employees can contribute on a pre-tax or post-tax basis, depending on their financial strategy.

Restructuring and Layoffs: Frontier Communications has undergone significant restructuring efforts, including layoffs as part of its strategy to streamline operations and reduce costs. In recent reports from 2023-2024, the company has been focusing on reducing its workforce to improve efficiency and focus on core business areas. This restructuring is crucial to understand given the current economic climate, where companies are reassessing their operations to stay competitive. The economic environment and evolving market demands are driving such changes, and it’s important for stakeholders to stay informed about these developments. Benefit and Pension Changes: Frontier has also made adjustments to its employee benefits and pension plans. Recent changes include alterations to retirement benefits and 401(k) contributions as part of its broader cost-cutting measures. These changes reflect broader trends in the industry where companies are re-evaluating their benefit structures in response to economic pressures and shifting regulatory environments. Keeping up with these changes is essential for employees and investors alike, given the current tax and political landscape that influences corporate benefit strategies.

Frontier Communications typically offers stock options to executives and senior management. These options grant employees the right to purchase Frontier Communications' stock at a predetermined price within a specified period. The company usually sets performance targets that must be met for options to vest. RSUs: Frontier Communications provides RSUs to various levels of employees, including senior management and other key contributors. RSUs are granted with specific vesting schedules, often based on tenure or performance milestones. The vesting of RSUs is generally linked to continued employment with the company. Specific Information by Year

Frontier Communications Health Benefits 1. Official Company Website: Frontier Communications Careers: Health benefits are listed on their career page, providing information about the types of insurance, eligibility, and plan details. Company Newsroom: Check for any press releases or news related to changes in health benefits or employee healthcare initiatives. 2. Employee Review Websites: Glassdoor: Employee reviews often include information about health benefits and satisfaction with healthcare coverage. Indeed: Look for company reviews and benefits summaries from current or former employees. 3. Benefits Review Websites: Payscale: Provides detailed reports on employee compensation and benefits, including health insurance. Comparably: Offers insights into company benefits, including health insurance plans and employee satisfaction. 4. News Outlets: Business Insider: Check for any articles or news reports related to changes in employee benefits at Frontier Communications. Reuters: Look for any updates or news stories related to employee health benefits. 5. Industry and Financial News: Forbes: Search for any relevant articles discussing health benefits changes or company policies affecting employees. Bloomberg: Look for reports on Frontier Communications’ employee benefits and any associated financial impacts.