Ransomware: Key Points to Prevent and Combat its Attacks

In 2021, there were a large number of Ransomware attacks and the trend is to grow even more this 2022. Is your organization prepared to thwart an attack? Below we provide you with a list of key points to build your defense strategy.

Keep backup copies of all your data

To reduce the impact, it is necessary to maintain a regularly scheduled backup. To do this, a system cleanup should be performed. The more frequently you back up, the less data you will lose. Any device will be encrypted, so the storage of the information should be external and not connected to the device after the backup has been completed.

The ultimate checklist to avoid

1. Patch, patch, patch Ransomware attacks exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software. Inconsistent patching and outdated software leave organizations exposed. Frequently update your software, preventing attacks from succeeding.
2. Inform your users about attack sources Educate your users about social engineering threat scenarios. The most common trap is from a phishing email or other social engineering scheme. An employee can leave their information exposed.
3. The three questions a user should ask himself before reading an email are:– Do I know the sender?
   – Do I really need to open that file or go to that link?
   – Did I really request something from this company
4. Protect your network keep your network protected by implementing a layered approach. Use technologies such as a next-generation rewall (NGFW) and a network intrusion prevention system (NGIPS). A layered defense can provide you with different approaches to applying security measures in multiple areas within a network.
5. Segment network accessNetwork segmentation limits the amount of resources an attacker can access. Logically group network resources and services. By dynamically controlling access at all times, you ensure that your entire network is not compromised in a single attack.
6. Keep a close eye on network activity you can’t protect what you can’t see. Gaining deep network visibility may seem like a daunting task, but it’s crucial. The ability to see everything going on across your network and data center can help you uncover attacks that bypass the perimeter and penetrate your internal environment.
7. Avoid the initial infiltrationA user on your network may innocently access compromised sites or emails that contain malicious advertising, leaving your network exposed to malware. Consider investing in a company-approved program for file sharing between organizational users and company partners.
8. Strengthening your endpoints and antivirus solution on your endpoints is not a sufficient defense against ransomware. The trend of employees bringing their own devices (BYOD) is increasing, so you need to find a solution that allows you to control laptops and mobile devices entering the network. Having visibility of those who are connected to the network and avoiding access to compromised websites.
9. Get real-time threat intelligenceTo proactively combat a threat, it’s important to know your enemy. Threat intelligence alerts security professionals to cybercriminals in advance so you have time to act.
10. Say NO to ransomwarePaying the ransom in order to regain control of your files and systems should be the last option to consider. You should contact the authorities and refrain from funding these cybercriminals by paying the ransom.