Hackers have a lot of options when it comes to targeting an organization for a cyber-attack. Dedicated Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, viruses, and business email compromise are just a few examples from an extensive list. Among the Cyber-attacks out here, Ransomware is the worst cyber attack, and not by a small margin.

This is due to the fact that nothing has the same impact as ransomware, which encrypts all files on the computers it infects. Also, almost every strain of ransomware will spread throughout your network, rendering every computer it can connect to inoperable.

Ransomware

What is ransomware?

Ransomware is one of the most serious cybersecurity issues on the internet, as well as one of the most serious forms of cybercrime that organizations face today. Ransomware is a type of malicious software – malware – that encrypts files and documents on anything from a single PC to an entire network, including servers. This is precisely why ransomware stands out as the most severe form of cyber attack.

How to protect yourself

Have a formal incidence report plan in place

This is essential. If something goes wrong, the first thing you need are people who understand their roles. Not only should your incident response plan outline your overall procedure, but it should also outline the responsibilities of each employee’s role. Trying to figure things out on the fly after your entire network has crashed will only make matters worse.

Proper Network Segregation

The simplest way to stop ransomware is to divide your network into sections. While keeping networks separated based on physical location is a good start, many organizations overlook logical separations. Logical network segregation is the separation of computers based on their function (ie: accounting PCs, front counter desktop, field tablets, etc.). Preventing some groups of computers from communicating with others, especially those that do not need to, can significantly reduce the spread of not only ransomware but also other malicious software.

Multiple Backups, thoroughly tested

A proper backup solution includes multiple backups in different locations, including one that is not connected to the network. In addition to storing multiple copies, backups must be monitored and tested on a regular basis. Making certain that your backups are operational and that the restoration
process is familiar improves efficiency during an actual emergency. Inadequate network segmentation allows ransomware to spread throughout your network, and backups can save you only if they are functional and secure. You have two choices: pay the ransom or lose your data if you don’t have working backups. Or both, if the criminals simply take their ransom and flee.

Other defense strategies are available, but they become more specific to your business, environment, and context. These three general items, on the other hand, are unaffected by sector or
business type, and they rank near the top of the list of effective strategies. Once you’ve identified your specific strategies, make sure they’re understood and communicated clearly in your incident response plan, or their effectiveness may be compromised.