The Need for Ransomware Protection
Ransomware is a type of crypto malware used for cyber extortion. Ransomware holds a victim’s computer or their files hostage via encryption while demanding payment in exchange for decrypting the files and releasing access to the user’s device. Ransomware is usually spread through phishing attacks containing a malicious email attachment, infected program, or link to a compromised website. Ransomware attacks have evolved to target businesses, encrypting entire networks of computers or files and bringing business operations to a halt until the ransom is paid. Ransomware attacks have extorted millions from end users and businesses in 2016, prompting the FBI to release an advisory on the growing ransomware threat in April.
Once a system becomes infected and the computer is locked and files encrypted, the user is unable to use the needed features of their computer. Typically, when a user first attempts to use an infected machine, a pop-up window appears notifying them that they must pay a certain amount of money to reclaim their device and associated data. Some ransomware programs, or the cybercriminals behind them, impersonate government or police agencies in an attempt to intimidate victims, claiming there are security reasons that the computer was shut down and insisting a fee or fine must be paid.
With attacks on the rise, businesses and individuals should be aware of ransomware attack techniques and follow best practices for ransomware protection.
Tips and Best Practices for Ransomware Protection
There are several ways that enterprises and their employees can play a role in protecting the company’s sensitive data from ransomware attacks, such as:
Educating employees:
Back up your files regularly and frequently:
Practice the principal of least privilege:
Keep operating systems and all software up-to-date:
Disable features like autorun, remote desktop connections, and macro content in Microsoft Office applications:
Don’t pay ransoms unless absolutely necessary:
Ransomware Protection Solutions
In addition to following the best practices listed above, businesses should consider implementing ransomware protection solutions to improve their systems’ defenses against ransomware attacks. Ransomware protection reliant on signature-based security methods are largely ineffective, as new ransomware programs are being developed all the time. Today ransomware protection requires a multi-pronged approach that combines user education with solutions for ransomware prevention and detection. Solutions like advanced threat protection or endpoint detection and response provide behavior-based detection and blocking of ransomware attacks that go beyond the limitations of signature-based detection of known malware. Additionally, many enterprises implement application whitelisting to bolster ransomware protection efforts. This solution allows only specified applications to run, reducing the risk of ransomware programs executing on local machines.