Ransomware attacks are becoming more common and clever in today’s digital age. These attacks paralyse businesses, lock down essential data, and demand large amounts of money for their release. Luckily enough, there are steps one can take to avoid such attacks and recover valuable data. Fortunately, some measures can be taken to prevent such attacks and protect valuable information. This article describes a practical, step-by-step security plan to protect systems and data from ransomware attacks.
What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that locks users out of their systems, encrypts files, and demands a ransom to regain access to them. If your organisation or personal data gets involved in ransomware attacks, you may not be able to access important information until the ransom is paid. Ransomware can cause significant damage to companies and individuals. In many cases, recovery takes days to weeks, both in time and cost. The best way to deal with ransomware is to prevent attacks from happening.
Why Is Ransomware Dangerous?
Ransomware is dangerous as it has the power to:
- Locked files: Files are unavailable, and the business finds it hard, or even impossible, to operate.
- Encrypt data: After encrypting a file, it becomes impossible to obtain the data without the decryption key.
- Demand a ransom: Hackers make demands for money in the form of cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, which is difficult to track.
- Causes financial loss: IT services, cybersecurity, and other recovery processes prove to be expensive, both for ransom payments and for recovering from attacks.
Steps to Prevent Ransomware Attacks
To prevent ransomware, it’s essential to take the lead. It is important to take a series of actions to reduce vulnerability to this kind of cyber threat. Here is a step-by-step guide to prevent ransomware attacks.
Step 1: Keep Software and Systems Updated
One of the simplest and most effective ways to evade ransomware attacks is to keep your operating system, programs, and security software up to date. Cybercriminals often exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain entry into systems. Updates close these gaps and prevent ransomware from taking hold.
- Keep operating systems such as Windows and macos up to date.
- Implement third-party software security patches.
- Enable automatic updates so you always use the newest version of the software.
Step 2: Install and Use Antivirus Software
Anti-virus software is crucial for detecting and preventing malicious software, such as ransomware. Install trustworthy antivirus software on all systems, including servers, desktops, laptops, and mobile devices.
- Regularly update your anti-virus software to install the latest protection against ransomware threats.
- Enable real-time protection to prevent the threat from infecting your system in advance.
- Periodically scan the system and detect hidden malware.
Step 3: Backup Your Data Regularly
Backing up data is one of the best methods for recovering from a ransomware attack without paying a ransom. Backup enables you to restore files once encrypted during the attack. Back up in over one location, both online (cloud backup) and offline (external hard drive, USB).
- Create an automatic backup so that data is backed up regularly without any intervention.
- Test restore from backup and ensure it is functional when required.
- Ransomware propagates via a networked system. Thus, you do not store backups within the same network as master data.
Step 4: Train Employees and Users on Security Best Practices
Human error is one of the leading causes of ransomware infections. In fact, over 90% of cyberattacks begin with a phishing email (according to Cofense and Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report). Users and employees can unwittingly download infected attachments or click on malicious links, making security awareness a critical line of defense.
- Provide regular security awareness training to inform employees about ransomware threats and the ways to avoid them.
- Ask employees not to open suspicious email attachments or click on links from unknown sources.
- Inform users about rogue pop-ups and websites that can download ransomware.
Step 5: Use Email Filtering Tools
Email continues to be a primary vector for ransomware attacks. In 2024, 52.3% of ransomware incidents originated from email and phishing attempts, highlighting the critical need for robust email security measures. To minimise this threat, you can apply the email filtering option to block phishing mail and malicious attachments before they arrive in your inbox.
- Enable the spam filter to catch suspicious emails.
- Apply email scanner software to block and scan out ransomware attachments and links.
- Common file extensions used by ransomware (.exe, zip, etc.).
Step 6: Restrict User Privileges
Restricting user privileges in the network can help limit the harm caused by a ransomware attack. Once the user’s system gets infected by the ransomware, it can spread to other users if the user has access to a shared file or folder. Restricted access to main files and networks can limit the impact of the attack on the entire system.
- Enforce the Principle of Minimum Privilege (Pomp): Grant users the minimum privilege needed to conduct business.
- Segment network segments and limit access to sensitive systems and information.
- Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all accounts that grant access to sensitive information.
Step 7: Implement Network Segmentation
Segmentation of the network divides it into smaller, isolated segments. This minimises the propagation of ransomware and other malware. Even when one part of the network is infected, malware typically won’t spread throughout the system.
- Set up isolated network segments for critical and non-critical systems.
- Install a firewall and access control across segments to block unauthorised access.
- Monitor network traffic to identify malicious activity that can lead to ransomware attacks.
Step 8: Use a Firewall to Block Malicious Traffic
The firewall monitors network traffic as it is sent and received, blocking malicious traffic before it reaches the system. An effective firewall configuration is a crucial countermeasure against ransomware attacks, especially those targeting open services and ports within the network.
- Set up the firewall to block access by untrusted IP addresses.
- Implement intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) to scan for malicious activity.
- Continuously check firewall logs for signs of suspicious activity.
Step 9: Respond Quickly to Ransomware Attacks
Regardless of how carefully you prepare, there is always a risk that ransomware attacks will breach. In such an event, we need a clear-cut incident response plan. The earlier we respond, the less damage the attack will inflict.
- Disconnect infected systems and stop ransomware from spreading.
- Inform the IT personnel or the cybersecurity firm immediately.
- Report an attack to the police.
Step 10: Consider Professional Cybersecurity Services
If you’re unsure whether your organisation is well protected from ransomware, we recommend hiring the services of a professional security company. Uprite IT Services provides an end-to-end cybersecurity solution that safeguards your system from ransomware and any other malicious attack. Network protection and data defence are assured with their expert knowledge.
Why Uprite IT Services is Your Trusted Partner in Cybersecurity
Uprite IT Services is a leading provider of IT solutions that specialises in advanced cybersecurity counter measures to protect your business from evolving threats like ransomware. With a motto of excellence and a commitment to customer satisfaction, we provide comprehensive IT support designed to keep your system running safely, smoothly, and up to date. Both small and large companies have expertise in protecting your network and sensitive data.
Key Reasons to Choose Uprite IT Services
- Expert Cybersecurity Solutions: Provide state-of-the-art services that protect your company from ransomware and other cyber threats.
- Proactive Security Measures: Our professionals constantly scan your system to prevent potential threats.
- Customisable Plans: Customise IT services based on your business-specific requirements for better protection and efficiency.
- 24/7 Support: Our team offers 24/7 support to make sure that your activities are not halted by attending to emergencies.
- Comprehensive Backup & Recovery: Establish a safe data backup system and disaster recovery plan to minimise downtime during attacks.
Conclusion
Ransomware is a serious threat, but taking appropriate measures can significantly reduce the risk of such attacks. Follow this security plan, which includes software updates, antivirus protection, data backups, staff training, and firewall use, to enhance your protection against ransomware.
You don’t have to wait for an attack to happen. Take these steps from today to protect your business. If you need expert help, Uprite IT Services provides top-notch IT support and cybersecurity solutions.
Stephen Sweeney, CEO of of Uprite.com, with 20+ years of experience brings tech and creativity together to make cybersecurity simple and IT support seamless. He’s on a mission to help businesses stay secure and ahead of the game!