Ransomware Prevention and Malware Attack Solutions

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts or locks your files and demands payment to access them. Although there are multiple strains of ransomware, all fall under two main types: crypto-ransomware and locker ransomware.

Regardless of the strain, ransomware is a criminal money-making scheme that is triggered by tricking users into clicking on deceptive links using social engineering tactics or by exploiting system vulnerabilities.

Some strains go a step further and mark the files for permanent deletion. The perpetrators then demand ransom payments (usually in untraceable cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin) for the private key required to decrypt and access the files.

To prevent attacks like this, managed service providers (MSPs) should adopt a layered approach that includes employee education, IT security, and business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) technology to achieve the best possible cyber resilience for your business and their clients.

How Does Ransomware Work?

Ransomware can enter networks in various ways, but the most common tactic is social engineering, where hackers trick users into clicking links or opening files. Once the attack is triggered, the malware encrypts the data located on that system, making files inaccessible.

Other strains, such as WannaCry, work without any human interaction. This type of attack infects your system through vulnerabilities in browser plugins or unpatched software.

Once a business’s files are encrypted, impacted parties must pay the hackers for decryption keys to unlock the files. However, there is no guarantee that paying for access will recover files, and it also doesn’t prevent future attacks. Thankfully, BCDR technology allows you to quickly recover data and normal business operations without paying ransom.

If you’re a small or medium business looking for ways to protect your mission-critical data from ransomware, consider working with a managed service provider. They are experts in cyber resilience and are able to help form a business continuity and data recovery plan.

Who are Ransomware Attackers?

Ransomware attacks can be created and distributed by anyone, anytime, anywhere. Attacks can be extremely profitable, and would-be cybercriminals just need an internet connection to start.

Although these cyber attacks are illegal, the odds of getting caught are low as payment is typically bitcoin. Bitcoin is an anonymous cyber currency that is extremely hard to trace.

Some forms of Ransomware do not even require coding knowledge. These are known as Ransomware as a Service (RaaS) strains. These are created by hackers to take a portion of the ransom as a service fee and make it very easy for users to share the malicious software.

In 2016, a criminal organisation infected around 150,000 victims in 201 countries. They split the profits 40% to malware authors and 60% to those who discover new targets.

Could my business be a Ransomware victim?

Cyber attackers do not discriminate – they cast a wide net and will go after anyone. Historically, they have targeted small and medium businesses (SMBs) with a modest budget.

If data is important to your business, you are a target.

A Tip for Managed Service Providers

If you provide an IT service to SMBs, adopt solutions and work with vendors you trust and are proactive in the fight against ransomware. Datto provides them with solutions to help you provide a robust solution for your clients.

A Tip for IT Users

As a business owner or an end user, you have more important jobs to do than manage your own IT systems. The world of IT and the threats businesses face are also always changing.

This is where managed service providers come in. They work with SMBs to ensure their systems are functional and provide a security strategy for your business.

How to Defend Against Ransomware?

To protect your business against ransomware, you must employ cybersecurity best practices, which includes the use of multiple defense-in-depth security solutions and adherence to cybersecurity frameworks.

The best way to defend against ransomware attacks is to utilize a multi-pronged approach that includes:

Datto EDR for endpoint detection and response

Ransomware Detection, which stops known and unknown forms of ransomware from executing and spreading throughout your network.

 Ransomware Rollback, an easy and elegant way to revert encrypted files back to their original state.

 Managed SOC, powered by RocketCyber, which gives you 24/7 managed detection and response for endpoint, network and cloud threat vectors.

How to Remove Ransomware?

Removing ransomware is complex, and in some cases, it can be impossible. Although hackers say they will send you the decryption key when you pay the ransom, there are no guarantees.

The only way to take control is to ensure that you’re able to recover from an attack without being held to ransom. The best way to do this is to take a multi-layered approach to ensure cyber resilience that includes employee education, IT security, and business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) technology.

How to Remove Ransomware?

Removing ransomware is complex, and in some cases, it can be impossible. Although hackers say they will send you the decryption key when you pay the ransom, there are no guarantees.

The only way to take control is to ensure that you’re able to recover from an attack without being held to ransom. The best way to do this is to take a multi-layered approach to ensure cyber resilience that includes employee education, IT security, and business continuity and disaster recovery (BCDR) technology.

The Solution: Protect Data Against Cyber Extortion with Datto

Datto RMM: Prevent and Detect Ransomware