Cyberthreats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and widespread, putting businesses at risk. One of the most urgent threats today is ransomware.
Ransomware is a malicious software that effectively holds your digital assets hostage. By encrypting your files or entire system, cybercriminals render your data inaccessible and then demand payment in exchange for a decryption key. Ransomware attacks can have devastating consequences for businesses, hospitals, and other organizations that depend on their data to operate smoothly.
How does ransomware spread?
Ransomware can sneak into IT systems in various ways, including:
- Phishing emails – These fraudulent emails typically include harmful links or attachments that, once clicked, install ransomware onto your device.
- Compromised websites – If you visit an infected website, a drive-by download could silently install ransomware on your computer without your knowledge.
- Infected downloads – Ransomware attacks often begin with users opening or running malicious software that's disguised to look like a harmless file.
- Software vulnerabilities – Outdated software often has security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit to deploy ransomware.
- Compromised or stolen passwords – If your password is compromised or stolen, attackers could have a way to bypass your firewall and other security measures to steal data or hold you ransom.
Types of ransomware
Ransomware comes in different forms, such as:
- Encryption ransomware – encrypts files, rendering them unusable
- Locker ransomware – locks entire computer systems, preventing users from accessing any application or file
- Scareware – displays alarming messages to trick victims into purchasing unnecessary software
- Doxware/Leakware – threatens to publicly release data unless the ransom is paid
Ways to prevent falling victim to ransomware
Protecting your business from ransomware requires a comprehensive, multilayered strategy:
Back up your data regularly
Regular data backups are essential to protect against ransomware attacks since they ensure that you always have a secure copy of your files. For maximum protection, follow the 3-2-1 backup strategy:
- Keep three copies of your data.
- Use two different storage methods (e.g., cloud storage and an external hard drive)
- Store one copy offline to keep it safe from cybercriminals. This offline copy is also referred to as an “air-gapped” backup that can’t be deleted if an attacker was to get into your systems.
Keep software and systems updated
Make sure your operating systems, applications, and security tools are always up to date. Installing security patches as they are released can eliminate vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit to gain unauthorized access to your systems.
Install endpoint detection & response and firewalls
Secure your systems with robust antivirus programs and reliable firewalls. An endpoint detection & response (EDR) system can detect and block ransomware before it causes harm, while a firewall can prevent malicious data from entering your network.
Additionally, stay vigilant against fake antivirus alerts. Always verify their legitimacy directly through your security software.
Limit user access
Restrict employee access to only the data, applications, and systems necessary for their roles. By doing so, you can prevent both unintentional errors and deliberate abuse of sensitive information while also lowering the likelihood of unauthorized access to critical systems.
You should also regularly review and update access permissions to make sure employees have the appropriate level of access at all times.
For staff that need administrator-level access to systems, utilize a separate account that is used only to perform the administrative tasks. This way, if your “standard” account that you use for checking email and accessing the Internet is compromised, an attacker’s ability to damage your systems would be much more limited than if the account had administrative privileges.
Use network segmentation
Dividing your network into smaller, isolated segments is an effective way to reduce the impact of ransomware attacks. In the event of an attack, the damage is contained within a single segment, protecting the rest of your business systems and mitigating potential harm.
Strengthen email security
Since phishing emails are a common entry point for ransomware attacks, it’s important to adopt email security best practices, including:
- Avoiding opening attachments or clicking links from unknown senders
- Regularly updating your email applications to ensure they are secure
- Implementing email authentication protocols such as Sender Policy Framework, DomainKeys Identified Mail, and Domain Message Authentication Reporting and Conformance to verify the legitimacy of incoming emails
Implement application whitelisting
Application whitelisting allows only approved programs to run, thereby preventing unauthorized software, including ransomware, from executing.
Enhance endpoint security
Every device on your network — from laptops to mobile devices — can serve as a potential gateway for cyberattacks. Safeguard these endpoints with robust security measures, including anti-malware solutions, web security solutions, and encryption.
Perform routine security assessments
Perform thorough security audits and penetration tests to identify and address potential weaknesses. Also, use sandbox testing to analyze potential threats in a controlled environment before they can impact your primary network.
Educate employees on cybersecurity
Human error is a major security risk, so it’s critical to train employees to prevent ransomware attacks. Your training should cover topics such as:
- Spotting phishing emails
- Creating strong passwords
- Practicing safe browsing habits
- Reporting suspicious activity promptly
- Understanding the dangers of using public Wi-Fi
What to do if your business suffers a ransomware attack
If your business still falls victim to a ransomware attack despite taking precautions, follow these steps:
- Do not pay the ransom – There’s no guarantee cybercriminals will restore access after payment. Paying also encourages further attacks.
- Disconnect infected systems – Immediately remove infected devices from the network to prevent the malware from spreading.
- Identify the source – Pinpoint how the ransomware got into your system to safeguard against future breaches.
- Report the attack – Contact local authorities or cybersecurity agencies. Law enforcement may have tools to help recover encrypted data.
- Restore data from backups – Wipe the infected systems and restore clean copies of your files.
Build up your ransomware defenses before it’s too late. Turn to the IT experts at Fidelis for a thorough assessment of your current security posture and guidance in creating a comprehensive ransomware protection plan. Get in touch with us to get started.
