The first ransomware attack occurred in 1989 when Joseph Popp, PhD, an AIDS researcher, distributed 20,000 infected floppy disks to other AIDS researchers across 90 countries, claiming that the disks could analyze an individual’s risk of contracting AIDS through the use of a questionnaire.
Unfortunately, these researchers had no idea that they were infected with malicious software. So when the malware was activated, the files were encrypted, and the hacker requested a ransom of $189 before they could regain access.
Three decades later, ransomware attacks have evolved to become one of the most prominent and visible cybersecurity threats to enterprises and individuals alike.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) ransomware statistics show that ransomware hackers execute over 4,000 attacks daily. While Coveware reports that victims, on average, pay a ransom of $233,217.
How Ransomware Works
Ransomware can enter an organization’s network through various delivery systems. One of the most popular entry channels is phishing spam.
With this method, ransomware hackers send messages containing links to websites hosting malicious downloads or infected email attachments to unsuspecting internet users under the guise of trusted companies such as banks or email service providers.
Once the user downloads and opens this attachment, it launches the ransomware and takes over the victim’s computer.
Other forms of entry include downloads of the malicious software from the web, social engineering tools that trick users into granting administrative access, and Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), – where the attacker uses stolen login credentials to access a computer remotely.
After ransomware has penetrated a network, it starts encrypting its files with an attacker-controlled key, thus denying the legitimate user or organization access to these files. Next, the attacker demands a ransom from the victim through a message that explains the inaccessibility and outlines the mode of payment (mainly Bitcoin).
However, some ransomware attacks are more aggressive that don’t require manipulative vectors to trick users. For example, ransomware variants like NotPetya and WannaCry exploit security holes by scanning for other vulnerable devices to infect and encrypt.
How to Prevent an Attack
Recent 2021 ransomware statistics reveal the increasing rampancy and intensity of these attacks, especially with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, ransomware protection for business becomes more critical and urgent than ever before.
Before scouting for a ransomware attack solution, it’s essential to consider the different factors that could raise your network’s vulnerability. These factors include:
- Using an outdated software
- Failing to patch and update your operating system
- Using an antiquated device
Below are four powerful strategies to protect your organization from ransomware attacks.
Security Awareness Training
The workforce within an organization often constitutes the most significant security risk. As such, it’s crucial to train these employees on how to identify security threats and master best security practices to avoid potential ransomware attacks.
Security awareness training also deals with formulating organizational security policies and procedures for addressing them. Since digital extortionists are constantly upgrading their tactics, it’s ideal to consistently organize training sessions to address new challenges rather than making it a one-time event.
Web Filtering Software
A web filter or control content software is a tool that protects users from web-borne threats by restricting access to specific URLs or websites. This software works off of a constantly updated URL database that contains websites with malware, domains with false identities, and sites that use a shared IP address with a known source of spam email.
Besides blocking these insecure websites, web filters help IT admins ensure that employees don’t access websites that don’t pertain to their jobs.
Browser Isolation Technologies
Browser isolation technologies help corporate organizations mitigate cybersecurity risks by isolating employees’ browsing activity in secure servers away from their physical desktops. This server can be on-premises or delivered as a cloud-based service.
This strategy eliminates all web-based threats as malicious software is executed in the secure container isolated from your business network. The best part of using browser isolation technologies is that it blocks web-based infections without limiting the user’s browsing experience.
Email Security Gateway
Corporate organizations rely on email as their primary means of communication; hence email security is an invaluable ransomware attack solution for any business.
Secure email gateways provide predelivery protection by managing and filtering all inbound and outbound email traffic to protect businesses from spam, viruses, malware, and denial of service attacks.
Email security gateway enhances cybersecurity by placing malicious emails into quarantine or blocking the sender. It utilizes a robust algorithm to detect patterns common in spam emails, such as keywords and malicious links.
Data Backup and Recovery
Data backup is a powerful strategy to keep your files away from the hacker’s reach. An organization with a solid ransomware data recovery strategy minimizes data loss risks and business discontinuity during an attack.
When creating a ransomware data recovery plan for all assets and data, IT administrators should pay attention to the network endpoints to identify where malware infections might come from and tighten security in these points.
Other excellent data backup practices include increasing backup frequency and storing a copy of data offline. Traditional backup tapes are perfect for offline storage since they are impenetrable by ransomware.
3 Steps to Recover From an Attack
Quarantine the Computer
Some ransomware variants will try to spread across networks, infecting other connected devices and encrypting vital data. Before this happens, isolate the infected computer and disconnect it from all wired and wireless connections.
Check For Decryptors
Over the years, hackers have launched numerous attacks against enterprises of different sizes. There’s a good chance that the ransomware attack on your organization has been tackled earlier by a decryption tool.
Before giving in to the attacker’s demands, try decrypting your data using the best ransomware decryption tools available on the web.
Ask For Help
You don’t have to bear the weight of an attack alone. The FBI encourages victims to report their ransomware incidents to get support and coordinate measures to counter attacks.
Conclusion
One effective ransomware attack solution is to have complete technical assistance from a reliable cybersecurity firm.
Triadanet offers an excellent IT services company website where you can find digital protection for your business and inspire customer confidence. Contact our experts for a free consultation today.
