The last few years have seen numerous threat actors swap their tactics for a new type of cybercrime. Attracted by the plethora of vulnerable victims and rich rewards, many have been drawn to the lucrative world of ransomware.
Ransomware operators penetrate corporate networks and spread laterally through systems, searching for sensitive and therefore valuable data. From company servers and hard drives to enterprise email account systems, no stone is left unturned.
When key data is discovered, ransomware operators launch their crypto malware, locking firms out of their systems and seizing important information. They then issue a demand, stating they will only release their grip on the firm’s files and network if a ransom sum is paid. A common tactic now in circulation is double extortion. To put additional pressure on their victims, operators will not only infiltrate systems but steal data files during exfiltration. They can then threaten their target that they will expose the information if they do not pay.
Today, we’ll take a brief look at some important measures enterprises can take to reduce the risks and impact of a dedicated ransomware attack.
1. Phishing tests
Ransomware is typically deployed via phishing emails. Training staff to identify and report these attempts can stops attacks in their tracks.
2. Activate MFA
Using multifactor authentication (MFA) can inhibit ransomware operators using stolen credentials to access company systems and servers. Unless attackers have access to the user’s personal devices to receives the code, this measure can block activity.
3. Restrict access
Private data should always be safeguarded via restricted administration privileges. This slows or stops attempts at lateral movement through networks and effectively thwarts ransomware attacks.
4. Encrypt data
Encrypting sensitive data held in company emails, or at rest on servers, can prevent it being stolen via exfiltration attempts during a ransomware attack. Ransomware operators are renowned for seeking out unencrypted data when they raid enterprise networks and prefer targets with unprotected information for ease of access, not to mention a greater chance of success.
5. Maintain backups
Always follow a regimented schedule for backing up data. Up-to-date backups ensure that businesses can remain resilient and restore the data they need to operate if their files are encrypted by ransomware.
Delivering data encryption you can count on
With a strong understanding of the pervasive threat of ransomware in the modern business world, we at Galaxkey have created a powerful encryption solution. Designed for use by businesses of all sizes, from small start-ups to major corporations, our encryption is easy to implement and provides robust protection for the data you store and send.
Whether ransomware operators penetrate your servers or ransack your email accounts, our three-layer encryption based on the US Government-approved onion model can keep confidential information safe.
If you are seeking to adopt encryption to avert data exfiltration during ransomware strikes, contact our expert team today and book a free 14-day trial of our solution. Exceptionally easy to use, it has been certified by the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
