How to prevent and recover from a ransomware attack?
By Abhishek Srinivasan
Ransomware attacks are at an all-time high. A recent study
shows that only 16% of the organizations attacked by ransomware were able to
recover without paying a heavy ransom1. This stark statistic paints a picture
of inadequate defenses against a catastrophic threat.
Ransomware is a crime where cybercriminals infiltrate
networks, encrypt vital data, and demand a hefty ransom for its decryption.
However, paying the ransom isn’t the solution. It financially empowers criminal
actors and offers no guarantees of data
recovery, leaving organizations vulnerable to further attacks.
Why is ransomware on the rise?
Ransomware used to be a threat only skilled hackers could
conduct. However, the emergence of Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) has lowered
the barrier to entry, allowing even the most novice hackers to conduct such
attacks. These online platforms equip hackers with the tools and infrastructure
required to conduct catastrophic attacks at scale, leading to a surge in
attempted breaches.
Another factor contributing to the rise of ransomware
attacks is the adoption of AI in crafting seemingly legitimate emails or
communication content, encouraging users to download infected files or open
malicious links via email, SMS, or other channels. Furthermore, AI facilitates
automated targeting that scans vast datasets to identify potential targets
based on vulnerabilities that hackers leverage to focus their efforts on the
most lucrative targets.
How to recover from a ransomware attack?
Ransomware attacks can devastate businesses, encrypting
vital data and disrupting operations. While prevention is key, having a
well-defined recovery plan is crucial for minimizing damage and getting back
online quickly. Here’s a step-by-step guide for recovering from a ransomware
attack:
Isolate the infected files and devices
The first and most crucial step in mitigating a ransomware
attack is containment. This involves rapidly isolating infected devices and
networks to prevent further spread and minimize damage.
Furthermore, all connected devices, such as ethernet cables
and Wi-Fis, should be unplugged to prevent malware spreading. Finally, take
precautions by turning off or isolating devices that might have interacted with
the infected systems. This includes shared storage devices, printers, and other
network peripherals.
Implement the incident response plan (IRP)
In the face of a ransomware attack, the pre-defined incident
response plan (IRP) becomes the roadmap to recovery. This critical document
outlines the steps to take, roles and responsibilities, and communication
channels involved in mitigating the attack and restoring operations.
Recover from backup
Backups serve as the cornerstone of any ransomware recovery
plan. However, simply having backups isn’t isn’t enough. Effective data restoration demands meticulous
planning and swift execution.
It’s important to conduct selective data restoration to
avoid unnecessary restoration of potentially infected files, minimizing the
risk of reintroducing threats. Organizations should verify restored data for
malware and corruption before integrating it with their systems.
Contact law enforcement authorities
Organizations should report the incident to their local
cybercrime authorities to report the crime and get the legal guidance to
recover from the attack.
How to prevent ransomware?
The ransomware event is always distressing for businesses,
impacting business continuity and hurting customer trust. Paying ransom isn’t
an ideal option either, as this only encourages hackers to conduct further
attacks and doesn’t guarantee data
decryption. Therefore, here are five preventive measures every organization
must take to mitigate ransomware threats:
Regularly backup data
A well-defined backup strategy enables organizations to stay
composed and focused in the face of an attack, knowing they have a reliable
path to data recovery.
The key lies in identifying the ideal solution for your
organization based on the volume of data, compliance, and other factors.
Finally, testing data restore processes should be conducted continuously to
ensure data indeed remains accessible in times of need.
Employ cybersecurity hygiene practices
Preventing cyber threats in today’s day and age requires a
proactive approach, including practicing cyber hygiene. Cyber hygiene is a set
of practices that keeps data secure
and prevents threats.
Some of these include implementing multi-factor
authentication (with passwordless second factor), controlled user access,
employing a zero-trust policy, fortifying network security, and strengthening
application security with next-gen web application firewalls.
Duplicate data offsite
One fundamental defense against ransomware is maintaining
secure, regularly updated copies of your data offsite. This ensures this set of
data remains unaffected by the infected system, and a swift recovery becomes
possible. Remember, safeguarding these offsite backups is just as crucial as
protecting your primary data.
Ensure endpoint protection
Investing in robust endpoint protection and response (EDR)
solutions continuously monitors incoming traffic and system activity for
suspicious behavior and potential threats. These solutions swiftly isolate any
malicious traffic detected, contain the attack, and alert the cyber security
team.
Employee awareness training
Lastly, educating employees on how such attacks can be
conducted remains of utmost importance. With the use of highly sophisticated AI
tools, even novice hackers can infiltrate networks to inject and spread
malware, leading to demanding ransom for it.
Regular training ensures employees are aware and can take
appropriate steps during the incident to mitigate threats.
Conclusion
Ransomware poses a clear threat to organizations of all
sizes. The combination of data encryption
and extortion demands can lead to severe disruptions, financial losses, and
eroded customer trust. While the threat may seem overwhelming, taking
preventive measures and implementing an incident response plan equips
businesses to take the right steps to prevent adversity in the face of
incidents.
The author is director product management, Array Networks
Website Link: https://arraynetworks.com/
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