Ransomware attacks have advanced significantly since the first reported incident more than 30 years ago. As today’s attackers utilize more sophisticated delivery methods and leverage readily available malware to target vulnerable organizations for financial gain, it’s more critical than ever to work with a cybersecurity partner who can help you develop an effective ransomware defense strategy.
The key to protecting your data, workloads, and mission-critical infrastructure is to put the processes and tools in place that allow you to prevent, detect, and respond to evolving threats. At Concertium, we’ve helped many of our clients implement a number of ransomware prevention best practices to keep their systems secure and available in 2023 and beyond.
Top 10 Ransomware Defense Strategies to Deploy in 2023
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Implementing MFA for all access points helps prevent attackers from accessing compromised systems with stolen credentials. In addition to adhering to MFA best practices, it’s also important to enforce strong password policies, such as requiring employees to use complex passwords that are changed regularly. This helps prevent attackers from using brute force attacks to crack weak passwords.
- Patch Management
Automate patch updates and deploy them regularly to eliminate known vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit. To ensure that patches are applied promptly, it’s recommended to use automated patch management tools that can scan for vulnerabilities and deploy patches to avoid any manual oversights. It’s also important to prioritize critical patches and deploy them as soon as possible.
- Application Whitelisting
Configuring application whitelisting prevents unapproved programs from running and helps to prevent ransomware from executing. It’s important to keep the application whitelist up-to-date and regularly review it to ensure that only approved applications are allowed to run. This can help prevent ransomware from being executed by blocking unauthorized applications.
- Backup and Disaster Recovery
Maintaining regular backups of data is critical for quickly recovering from a ransomware attack. Backups should be stored in a secure location that is separate from the main network to prevent ransomware from infecting them. Additionally, it’s important to test backup and recovery processes regularly to ensure that data can be restored quickly in case of an attack.
- Employee Education and Awareness
Educating employees about the threat of ransomware and implementing policies against risky behaviors (such as clicking on suspicious links) can help reduce the risk of an incident. Employee training should cover topics such as how to identify phishing emails, how to report suspicious activity, and how to avoid risky behaviors such as downloading software from untrusted sources.
- Endpoint Security
Deploying endpoint protection products such as antivirus and anti-malware solutions helps detect malicious activity and prevent ransomware from executing on devices. Endpoint protection solutions should be kept up to date with the latest security patches and signatures. Also, it’s important to configure the solutions to scan for and block ransomware and other types of malware.
- Network Segmentation
Segmenting networks can help limit the spread of ransomware and reduce the impact of an attack. Networks should be segmented based on the sensitivity of the data they contain, with more sensitive data being stored on more secure segments. This can help limit the impact of an attack and prevent ransomware from spreading to other parts of the network.
- Network Monitoring
Regularly monitor networks for suspicious activities to detect any potential intrusions or lateral movement attempts. Security teams should monitor networks for suspicious activity using a combination of automated tools and manual analysis. This makes it far more likely that potential attacks will be detected before they have an opportunity to cause damage.
- Ensure Secure Remote Access
Secure remote access solutions such as virtual private networks (VPNs) can help ensure that attackers cannot gain access to corporate networks. Remote access solutions should be secured using strong authentication and encryption protocols, such as SSL or TLS. Additionally, it’s important to monitor remote access logs for signs of suspicious activity.
- Continuous Security Testing
Performing regular security tests such as vulnerability scans and penetration tests can help identify any weaknesses that could be exploited by attackers. Regular security testing can help identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. It’s important to test not only the network and systems but also the employees themselves through simulated phishing attacks and social engineering exercises.
Concertium Is Your Ransomware Prevention Partner
At Concertium, we understand that a combination of people, processes, and technology is crucial to successfully thwarting ransomware attacks. By working with our managed cybersecurity service team, you can be assured that your data and systems are protected by a multilayered approach that encompasses prevention, detection, active monitoring, and remediation strategies.
Our team of experienced security experts not only have the expertise and resources to advise you on making informed decisions about your security posture and policies, but can also effectively investigate and remediate incidents should they occur. Unlike many security providers, we go beyond prevention and detection practices to provide your organization with end-to-end protection from ransomware and other cyber threats.
With over 25 years of experience helping organizations manage and protect their critical infrastructure, Concertium is your ideal partner for designing and implementing ransomware defense strategies. We work closely with your team to identify the best approach for your infrastructure and execute those plans to ensure that your organization is protected from malicious actors.
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Contact our team today for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help keep your data and systems secure. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]