Ransomware is a type of malicious software (aka malware) that encrypts a victim’s files or locks them out of their system, rendering their data inaccessible.
The attackers then demand a ransom – typically in cryptocurrency like Bitcoin– in exchange for a decryption key that ‘unlocks’ the data or restoring it via another means. If the ransom is not paid, the data may be permanently deleted or leaked, causing the victim to lose their critical information or expose sensitive details to the public.
These kinds of scenarios can be very unsettling for individuals – and can spell complete disaster for businesses. So, if you are managing a firm or are specifically responsible for its cyber security provision, you need to do everything you can to protect your company (and yourself) against this kind of malicious behavior.
Here are five key strategies to consider when looking at how to prevent ransomware attacks.
Implement strong security measures
To protect your systems against ransomware, you need to adopt a multi-layered approach. This will make it harder for ransomware to penetrate your systems. Here are the security measures you’ll need to set in place:
Robust antivirus and anti-malware programs
Antivirus and anti-malware software are the first line of defense, as they will routinely scan for and detect known threats before they infect systems. These programs update virus definitions to identify and block new ransomware variants. They can also be configured to scan email attachments, downloaded files, and devices in real-time.
Tools like iolo’s System Mechanic® Ultimate Defense work around the clock to keep invaders out and data secure. It’s an all-in-one antivirus solution that also offers advanced privacy, password management and PC cleaning capabilities.
Firewalls
A firewall acts as a barrier between your internal network and untrusted external networks, filtering incoming and outgoing traffic based on security rules. It blocks unauthorized access to systems and stops certain types of data from leaving the network, which is crucial in preventing ransomware from entering or exfiltrating sensitive data. You can set firewalls to block suspicious traffic, close unused ports, and use deep packet inspection to detect threats.
Intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPSs)
IDPSs monitor network traffic for signs of suspicious activity or potential threats and responds by blocking or alerting administrators. They can detect and prevent ransomware attacks by identifying unusual patterns, such as large file encryptions, and taking immediate action. You can use both network-based IDPS to monitor traffic across the network and host-based IDPS to protect individual devices.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
MFA requires users to provide multiple verification factors to access systems (usually a password and a one-time code sent to a phone). Even if attackers steal passwords, MFA adds an extra layer of security, making unauthorized access much more difficult. To follow best practices, you need to enable MFA on all accounts, especially for administrative and privileged accounts.
Keep on top of software updates and patch management
Regularly updating software and applying patches fixes any security vulnerabilities that are present in your system. Attackers often target outdated software with known flaws, so keeping systems patched reduces the chances of ransomware exploiting these weak points.
If you can, turn on auto-updates so your software is never out of date – and if you need to run older versions of software in order for them to function correctly, it could be time to invest in an upgrade!
Back up your data regularly
Regular backups store copies of important data in secure, off-site locations. Even if ransomware encrypts or destroys files, you can restore data from these backups without paying a ransom, rendering the attack ineffective and potentially saving yourself a ton of cash.
To protect against the devastating effects of ransomware, we recommend implementing a 3-2-1 backup strategy, which involves creating three copies of your data: two on different media, and one stored off-site. You’ll also need to test these backups on a regular basis to make sure they are working as intended and are not infected themselves.
Remember, if you store and back up your information in a secure cloud-based environment, your cloud provider will likely retain previous versions of your files as part of your package, so you can roll back to unencrypted versions easily if you ever get caught off guard by a ransomware attack.
Prioritize employee training and awareness
Getting your employees up to speed on cybersecurity best practices helps them recognize and avoid common attack vectors, such as phishing emails, which are responsible for 45% of all ransomware cases.
Many ransomware attacks start with human error, such as clicking on a malicious link. Awareness training significantly reduces the chances of falling for these attacks. It’s important to provide ongoing training and simulations which will teach your staff to recognize phishing attempts and suspicious links and understand why it’s important to handle files securely, regardless of the role they play within your business.
New threats and techniques are emerging all the time, so you’ll need to organize refresher courses at least once a year.
Consider network segmentation and access controls
Network segmentation is the practice of dividing a network into smaller, isolated sections to limit the spread of ransomware.
The idea is, if ransomware infects one part of the network, segmentation helps contain the damage and prevents it from spreading across the entire system.
Ask your IT department to isolate critical systems and sensitive data and make sure only authorized parties have access to the more vulnerable area(s). Access permissions will need to be reviewed and updated frequently, and especially when team members leave employment.
Each of the five measures listed here represents a proactive step towards protecting your IT systems and preventing ransomware attacks. Make them a key feature in your cybersecurity program, and above all, stay vigilant!
For more advice on how to stop ransomware in its tracks, or recommendations on tools that can automate much of this process for you, contact iolo today.
