Ransomware is the most prevalent cyber threat against individuals and businesses. It takes advantage of the Availability aspect of the Confidentiality-Integrity-Availability security triad and is highly profitable for attackers. Educating employees on security basics will help to protect against ransomware. It includes never opening dubious-looking attachments in emails and not connecting USB sticks to your computer.

Backup Your Data

A ransomware attack can halt productivity, damage your reputation, and cost you money. So it’s important to protect your data with security software and backups, so you can restore your files if an attack occurs. Back up your data to the cloud or use external hard drives with high-level encryption that requires multiple-factor authentication. Back up your data regularly, disconnect the drive from your computer after each backup. Install security software on your network and endpoints, such as servers, workstations, laptops, printers, and smartphones. It includes antivirus, firewalls, and a range of behavioral-based detection tools. These technologies can help detect suspicious activity on your system and block malware downloads. Ensure your IT teams regularly pat systems, particularly commodity OS-based systems (servers, workstations, HMIs). A vulnerability management program that automates and intelligently applies patches to reduce risk is essential.

Cybersecurity awareness training is also a must to ensure employees can spot malicious emails, such as phishing attacks and ransomware scareware that threaten to encrypt their files. Educate your team on best practices such as using secure passwords, VPNs, avoiding suspicious websites, and not opening email attachments. As an additional layer of protection, consider deploying network segmentation, which can help stop attacks before they start. It is especially important if you have a work-from-home arrangement or other remote work arrangements, which can be an easy route for attackers to enter your system.

Disable Cryptocurrency

According to experts in cybersecurity like Fortinet, the most effective way to deal with a ransomware attack is to avoid paying the ransomware settlement. Security experts first suggested this advice and later endorsed it by the FBI. It is because paying a ransom will only encourage cyber criminals to continue attacking organizations. Moreover, there’s no guarantee that you’ll get your files back once encrypted. If you pay a ransomware settlement and your data is not restored, your attacker could then use that cryptocurrency to purchase other cyber tools that can be used to target even more systems. Instead, ensure your team has awesome cybersecurity to thwart ransomware attacks and protect against these threats from entering your system. In the case of a cyberattack or data breach, cyber insurance coverage aids a company in covering any resulting financial damages.

Additionally, it assists businesses in defraying any expenses associated with the remediation procedure, such as paying for the audit, crisis communication, legal counsel, and client refunds. It will involve having software that can scan for malware, detect suspicious activity and prevent infection through unsecured downloads or links. It should also include network segmentation that allows you to isolate infected devices so they can’t spread further. Next-Gen Firewall NGAF can help protect against ransomware by detecting and blocking C&C communication. This feature identifies and isolates the controlling file and removes it from the affected machine before relaying the information to your other systems. It also has endpoint security that can detect and stop encrypting ransomware from taking your files, hostage.

Install Security Software

If ransomware enters your system, it encrypts your files or locks your operating system. When this happens, the hacker will demand a ransom to restore your files or unlock your computer. Installing security software that scans your network for irregular behavior is essential for ransomware defense. Also, regularly updating your internet security solution with the latest updates is recommended. It will help close any security gaps attackers may be able to exploit.

Another way to prevent ransomware is to provide security awareness training for your employees. It will help them know what to look for in malicious emails and attachments. Additionally, it is critical to implement a secure email gateway solution that can scan, analyze, and flag potentially malicious emails and attachments. In addition to installing security software, setting up safe boundaries between your IT and OT systems is important. It will help reduce the risk of an attack spreading across systems and affecting multiple production processes simultaneously.

Encryption Keys

Ransomware encrypts files, systems and data, rendering them unusable until the attacker demands payment. Threat actors generally require payment in the form of Bitcoin after they get access to your digital captive. Although many different ransomware variants exist, the basic attack methodology remains unchanged. Threat actors gain access through commodity systems (servers, workstations, HMIs) and encrypt the data. Initially, ransomware targeted individual computers, but malicious actors realized it could be used to target businesses and organizations that rely on critical infrastructure. These threats can be hard to prevent, but implementing strong cyber hygiene practices will help.

Another way to reduce the risk of a ransomware attack is by monitoring your networks and devices for suspicious activity. It includes logging incoming and outgoing traffic, conducting continuous vulnerability scanning of your network and endpoints, and prioritizing risks based on a real-time 360-degree risk assessment. NGAF and Endpoint Secure are two examples of next-generation firewalls that offer a layered approach to defending against ransomware. By isolating the malware and blocking communication to C&C servers, these solutions prevent the exploitation of other machines on your network before it has time to spread.