SEVEN KEY STEPS TO AVOID RANSOMWARE ATTACKS

 Ransomware attacks are on the rise: 7 key Steps to prevent 

It has been weeks since the ransomware attack on one of India's pride ,a key Medical Institution and only a part of data had been restored. Hospital staff were unable to access the main hospital management tool and whole operations were faced with a digital standstill and were forced to access analog. Patients' history, diagnosis, prognosis, other personal information and every financial transaction done were at the mercy of cyberattackers. The collapse of a renowned hospital made a massive concern to question the security status of our Digital infrastructure and to wonder the futuristic threats that could be faced off.

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malware that restricts access to the computer system it infects, and demands a ransom paid to the creator of the malware in order for the restriction to be removed.

Ransomware typically propagates as a Trojan, entering computers through security vulnerabilities in programs that run on them. The most common way ransomware spreads is, by pretending to be an email from a trusted source, with an attachment or link containing malicious code.

Once activated, ransomware may encrypt files on local drives or network shares accessible from that computer and then demand payment in order to decrypt them. 

Ransomware can also propagate by exploiting security vulnerabilities in programs running on other computers and then using those remote systems as proxies to reach connecting systems; this form of propagation has been called "pivot ransomware".

Seven Key Steps to Avoid Ransomware Attacks:

Several steps can be taken in order to avoid ransomware attacks. Among them, seven steps act as the bulwark of Anti-Ransomware techniques.

They are,

Anti-Ransomware Softwares 

Anti-Ransomware is a software equipped to detect and resolve ransomware infection at an early stage. With the capacity of an endpoint security solution and multi-node detection techniques, the software detects the anomalies with maximum accuracy and effectiveness. Early detection leads to a swift recovery process. 

Isolated Data Backup

Once an organisation gets attacked, data breach is inevitable and the only way to mitigate the situation and to protect the organisation is to restore the data as quickly as possible in order to minimise the effects. The best way to protect data is to maintain back up in multiple places such as in main storage, local disks, and in Cloud storage. These backups should be sufficiently isolated in order to avoid infection of malware from the affected network. 

Updated Software

Outdated legacy systems are the main targets of ransomware attacks. Malware and viruses are continuously evolving that can easily bypass the security features of outdated softwares. Only solution to this problem is regularly updating the working operating system, web browsers, applications, antivirus and anti malware softwares with the latest version available. This can relatively reduce the probability of getting affected by ransomware.

Segmentation of Network

By dividing the network in whole into multiple segments and subnets 

segmentation of networks and granting autonomy to every subnet, Organisations can significantly increase overall Data security.  In the event of a cyberattack, a segmented network can not be affected as a whole and can buy some time for emergency response experts to secure the sensitive data from exploitation

Securing Endpoints 

On most occasions, viruses and malware enter into the network via multiple end points of end-user devices such as desktops, laptops, and mobile devices. Securing and strengthening the End-Point security exponentially reduces the probability of a cyber threat. 

Whitelisting of Applications  

File extensions and application extensions are the most utilised paths for malware to enter into any network. After thorough analysis, disseminating a list of White applications or harmless applications for the use of employees and the end users can throttle any attempts of cyber threat.

Security Training

Educating, training and creating awareness among the employees about basic cyber threats and precautionary measures to avoid and to be prepared for an immediate response in case of an attack should be prioritised at the grassroot level. This can reduce the probability of opening malicious email attachments or falling for voice phishing or getting exploited by social engineering.

Cyberattacks can not be predicted. It can only be mitigated and prevented with calculated and meticulous precautionary measures undertaken in every organisation. Prevention is always better than cure. Isn't it?

Implement a tailored defence mechanism with well awarded employees to avoid or, at the least, reduce the effects of any cyber threat. Be Prepared and Be secured!

Thanks and Regards, 
Aadvik - Cybersecurity Services
Penetration Testing Services | Industrial Cyber Security Solutions