5 steps to protect your company against ransomware!
Ransomware is a type of malware designed to encrypt data and make it inaccessible to users. In exchange for a decryption key, attackers demand a financial ransom, usually in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which offer anonymity in transactions.
In addition to encryption, attackers have evolved their tactics by using double extortion techniques. This means that, in addition to blocking data, they threaten to disclose confidential company information, which can result in reputational damage, loss of customer trust, and regulatory penalties.
Ransomware typically spreads through vectors such as phishing emails, unsafe downloads, and unpatched vulnerabilities in systems and software. Its impact can completely halt operations, especially in critical sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, or finance.
At Heimdall, we want to help you protect your company. That is why we have developed these 5 steps, plus a bonus for those who read until the end, so that the odds of success are in your favor and you can safeguard your company.
1st step: Protect your company against ransomware
User training Users are the first line of defense against ransomware but also its main entry point. Most successful attacks begin with human error, such as clicking on a malicious link or downloading a suspicious file.
Identifying common threats
Training should focus on recognizing the typical elements of a phishing email, such as:
- Fake or unknown sender email addresses.
- Attachments with suspicious extensions, such as .exe or .scr.
- Shortened links or redirects to fraudulent pages.
Additionally, employees should be taught to verify links before clicking and to report any suspicious activity to the IT team.
Phishing simulations
Beyond theory, phishing simulations are practical tools that allow employees to experience real-world scenarios. These tests measure the organization’s response capacity, identify vulnerable employees, and help refine security policies.
2nd step: backup strategy
Having an appropriate backup strategy ensures that data can be restored in case of an attack, minimizing the need to pay ransoms and reducing downtime.
Detailed 3-2-1-1 strategy
- Three copies of data: The main information and two additional backups.
- Two different storage media: One can be cloud storage and the other a physical hard drive. This diversity protects against hardware failures or unauthorized access in a single location.
- One offsite copy: This ensures that data is available even if a physical disaster, such as a fire or flood, occurs.
- One immutable copy: This is a backup that cannot be altered or deleted, using technologies such as WORM file systems or cloud storage configured for immutable retention.
Regular testing
Backing up data is not enough; it must also be tested regularly to ensure that data can be recovered and that systems are prepared to restore full operations within a reasonable timeframe.
3rd step: vulnerability monitoring and updates
Vulnerability monitoring and updates Software and system vulnerabilities are one of the main entry points for attackers. Therefore, maintaining an update and patch management policy is essential.
Proactive patch management
An effective process includes:
- Identifying critical vulnerabilities through automated scanning tools. .
- Prioritizing patches, addressing first the flaws that can be actively exploited.
- Testing in development environments to ensure compatibility before deploying in production.
Critical systems, such as mail servers, databases, and IoT devices, should be periodically reviewed as they are frequent targets.
Automation and monitoring
For large infrastructures, tools such as Microsoft SCCM or Ansible can automate patch deployment, ensuring updates are applied quickly and without manual intervention.
4th step: Protecting against ransomware
Email protection and web browsing filtering Email and web browsing are two of the most exploited vectors by attackers. Advanced solutions can act as an additional filter to stop threats before they reach users.
Email filtering
Filtering tools should:
- Identify and block emails containing malicious links or dangerous attachments.
- Analyze message headers to detect identity spoofing attempts.
- Use artificial intelligence to predict attack patterns and detect anomalies.
Additionally, organizations can implement policies such as DMARC, DKIM, and SPF to validate incoming emails and minimize spoofing attempts.
Proxy-based browsing
A content-filtering proxy can:
- Restrict access to high-risk websites categorized as malicious.
- Limit the download of executable files from unknown sites.
- Monitor and log web traffic, providing information for forensic analysis in case of incidents.
5th step: endpoint protection and isolation
Endpoints are one of the primary attack surfaces for ransomware. Their protection involves both advanced tools and proper network configuration.
Network segmentation using vlans
Network segmentation divides infrastructure into different zones, limiting each segment’s access to only the necessary systems. For example:
- Financial systems can be in a VLAN separate from mail servers.
Employee devices should be isolated from critical resources, minimizing the risk of spread.
Advanced endpoint solutions
A combined approach of Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) allows:
- Continuous monitoring of endpoint activity
- Detection of suspicious behaviors, such as mass encryption attempts.
- Automated response through device isolation and real-time analysis.
Bonus: continuous monitoring and real-time response
Real-time monitoring is an indispensable practice to detect and mitigate attacks before they cause significant damage. Even with the best preventive measures, attackers can find ways to infiltrate. That is why it is essential to have systems and teams that constantly supervise network activity.
Advanced monitoring tools
For effective protection, companies should implement Extended Detection and Response (XDR) solutions. These tools provide a comprehensive view of all possible entry points, including endpoints, servers, and network traffic. Their key functions include:
- Anomaly detection: Using artificial intelligence, they identify unusual behaviors in real time.
- Event correlation: They analyze multiple indicators to detect patterns that could indicate an ongoing attack.
- Automated responses: They automatically isolate compromised systems to prevent ransomware spread.
Can cyber insurance replace a cybersecurity defense strategy?
In addition to technological tools, having a specialized cybersecurity team is crucial. These teams should:
- Regularly conduct incident simulations to assess and improve response capacity.
- Design playbooks to manage different types of attacks, such as ransomware infections or double extortion attempts.
- Coordinate with external providers and authorities to ensure effective recovery.
Bonus: continuous monitoring and real-time response
At Heimdall, we offer SOC (Security Operations Center) services that continuously monitor your environment, detect suspicious activities, and respond quickly to any incident.
Do you want to avoid irreversible damage?
For more information, contact us at info@heimdallagency.com
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