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In our digital world, data has become one of the most valuable assets around. It is no surprise then, that data has also become one of the most targeted assets by criminals, with cybercrime now one of the most common threats in the world. But it’s not just stealing data that stands as a threat we all face, ransomware attacks are one of the fastest-growing types of cybercrime of them all.
Whether it is as a user, a network admin, an IT manager or a business owner, we must all learn to minimise the threat that such ransomware attacks bring.
What is Ransomware and what can it do?
Ransomware attacks do not try to steal your data, instead, they encrypt it, locking your data behind a digital door. They then demand money to give you access. For businesses this is a nightmare, data is essential for so many daily processes that lack of access can bring even larger businesses to a standstill.
But worse, the attacker also has access to that data. Whether it is your customer information or details of your products, accounts, suppliers and more, releasing that data publicly can be so damaging to a brand that they never recover.
However, a ransomware attack doesn’t just happen, it requires the criminals to find a way into the network or gain access to data storage somehow. This usually involves phishing emails, fake downloads or a user visiting a contaminated website without some form of security protection. In other words, some sort of human error.
Cyber attacks are a growing threat
Cyber attacks are not just aimed at multinationals and government databases, these days every business is a potential target. Data is valuable, and even small companies generate a lot of data. Ransomware attacks may have begun as a way to extort money from huge companies, but today smaller businesses and even individuals can fall victim to that same tactic.
In fact, cybercriminals actively look for businesses and individuals who may not have the best cybersecurity measures in place, while essential services such as hospitals, power distribution and government agencies are regularly targeted.
How threat detection solutions can protect your data
The key thing with ransomware attacks is that they require an ‘in’, some way to gain entry into the system. As mentioned earlier, this normally comes in the form of a rogue link or similar, relying on user errors to click and give the criminals access. But this also provided a weakness where the attack can be stopped before it even begins, and that is where threat detection comes in.
Threat detection systems constantly monitor intrusions in real-time. Driven by AI they focus on irregular user actions such as non-standard logins or attempts to encrypt multiple files at once. These smart systems can then implement defensive processes to counter the attack, which can protect against serious harm to the business or individual’s data.
Cloud Security is essential
Being able to store business data in the cloud has transformed the digital space, allowing any business to access state-of-the-art data tools that help them compete against the biggest brands in the world. From customer insight to efficient supply chain management, cloud systems have lowered the cost of entry so that any business can take advantage.
But it has also brought vulnerability. Because we interact with data and software in the cloud via remote connections, there is a weak point in everything we do in the cloud. To no surprise, hacking attacks on accounts are a frequent issue for all cloud systems. Some measures can be taken to protect cloud systems though. If you do use a could solution, or are thinking of doing it, best practice means doing the following:
- Use multi-factor authentication systems and insist on high-strength passwords for all accounts.
- Encryption should be used with both data storage and all data transmission, in and out of the cloud.
- Maintain oversight of all account activity through access logs, so you know exactly who is using your data.
- All critical data should be backed up.
- Have a comprehensive cloud security system in place, including file restoration processes to combat ransomware attacks.
6 simple ways to protect against ransomware attacks
While ransomware attacks are a constant threat today, there are things you can do to mitigate that risk.
1. Backup all your data
Ensure that you have regular, secure backups of all your valued data. This means you can reinstate data in the event of a ransomware attack, avoiding disruption and not needing to pay anyone.
2. Security Training for everyone
Human error and falling for tricks are the most common ways a ransomware attack is begun, so it makes sense to try and minimise that risk. Training for every user, focusing on common cyber threats and tricks, helps reduce instances where vulnerabilities are created by users.
3. Regular software updates
There is nothing that cybercriminals love more than old software, where vulnerabilities are known and easy to exploit. Keep all essential software, including operating systems, up to date with the latest security patches to minimise the risk of opportunistic hacks.
4. Use network segmentation
By keeping different parts of your network separate through segmentation, if the worst happens, the threat is isolated from the rest of your data. This allows you to maintain functionality even during an attack, and when used with these other measures, makes recovery much easier.
5. Install strong endpoint protection
Active monitoring is key to identifying a ransomware attack before it takes hold. Using strong endpoint protection with AI monitoring, your security can spot issues such as suspicious account activity and take action to prevent a successful attack.
6. Limit user access
You hold a lot of data of all kinds, but not every user needs access to every file. By limiting user access to only those files they need to carry out any work they are doing, you also limit the access anyone who compromises those user accounts has.
Making a smart choice with managed IT services
As we can see, there are things that we as individuals and organisations can do to minimise the risk of a ransomware attack. Our choices can even limit the reach of an attack that is successful. However, it takes complete focus on security to make sure all this happens.
Managed IT services from Image IT let you focus on your business, while a team of security experts make sure that your systems and data are well-protected and secure. As cloud security experts, Image IT is your front-line protection against global cyber threats including ransomware attacks.
With a fully managed IT solution, you enjoy:
- 24/7 monitoring and responses to any kind of threats.
- Advanced security solutions
- Full compliance with data protection laws
- A proactive approach to cybersecurity
The future of ransomware attacks
Everything evolves, and cybercriminals have proven themselves very capable of adapting to new security solutions. As such, many are moving away from the so-called ‘double extortion’ method, where data is stolen and encrypted. Instead, they are creating ransomware-as-a-service programs that others can use as a plug-and-play approach to ransomware attacks.
This requires focused responses to these emerging new tools, as the consequence will be an increase in the frequency, if not sophistication, of these attacks.
Conclusion
Protecting your data is one of the most important things in the digital world today. As hacking tools become more widely available and easier to operate, they become more common and target almost anyone. Being a smaller company or an individual no longer means that cybercriminals will ignore you.
As a result, you need security solutions in place now, to ensure that ransomware attacks can be identified and caught before they compromise your data. With our expert team, ImageIT offers a free, no-obligation consultation service to help you understand the threats you face and the cost-effective, high-quality security solutions you can use to protect your data.
Get in touch today to book your free consultation and see how easy it can be to protect your business from ransomware attacks and other threats.
