Home » Ransomware is on the Rise: Protect Your Business

Ransomware is on the Rise: Protect Your Business

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Ransomware threats are on the rise, putting businesses and organizations at risk of major disruption and financial loss. Ransomware is a form of malicious software that encrypts an organization’s data and essentially holds it hostage until a ransom is paid.

According to recent statistics, ransomware attacks increased by 105% in the first half of 2021 compared to the first half of 2020. The average ransom payment also dramatically increased in 2021 to over $570,000.

This exponential growth of ransomware attacks presents a major risk for companies and institutions around the world. Once infected with ransomware, organizations can face days or weeks of downtime, inability to access critical data, reputational damage, and high costs for ransom payments or recovery efforts. Small and mid-sized businesses, hospitals, schools, and state/local governments are being impacted.

Many businesses are tackling this growing cybersecurity threat by turning to managed IT and cybersecurity providers like Xperteks. With robust endpoint detection, network monitoring, backup systems and incident response plans, companies like Xperteks help clients avoid and recover from ransomware attacks.

The ransomware experts at Xperteks stay current on the latest threats and utilize proven security frameworks to harden IT environments against intrusion. With proactive planning and the right partnerships, organizations like yours can implement effective defenses before ransomware strikes. Explore why cybersecurity is a non-negotiable expectation in business today.

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Understanding the Threat Landscape

Ransomware attacks have rapidly emerged as one of the top cybersecurity threats to businesses and organizations worldwide. To fully understand this threat landscape, it’s important to examine the nature of ransomware attacks, high-profile cases, and the most targeted industries.

Nature of Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware is a form of malicious software that gains access to a company’s network, encrypts files and systems, and essentially holds the data hostage until a ransom is paid. Most ransomware spreads through social engineering like phishing emails that trick users into downloading infected files or visiting compromised sites. Once inside, advanced ransomware variants can move laterally across networks, infecting more devices and disabling security tools.

When files are locked, companies face major disruption to operations. Employees lose access to critical data, applications, and systems needed for core business functions. Productivity quickly grinds to a halt. Many organizations feel compelled to pay the ransom demand in hopes of restoring their data. However, decryption is not guaranteed, and ransom payments simply fuel more criminal activity.

Beyond the ransom, recovery costs from ransomware can be enormous. A typical attack causes 5-10 days of downtime. Technical work is required to fully restore compromised networks, and months of staff productivity may be lost. Reputational damage and customer churn are common after an attack. Research suggests the average total cost is around $1.85 million.

High-Profile Ransomware Cases

Major organizations around the world have fallen victim to ransomware attacks. In May 2021, Colonial Pipeline was hit with a ransomware attack that forced the company to shut down a major U.S. fuel network. This led to gas shortages and panic buying across the Southeast. Colonial Pipeline paid $4.4 million to the attackers.

JBS, one of the world’s largest meat suppliers, faced a similar attack just weeks later, forcing shutdowns of plants that produce nearly one-quarter of U.S. beef. Attacks on hospitals, police departments, and government entities have also showcased ransomware’s ability to cripple critical infrastructure and public services.

Targeted Industries

While no sector is immune to ransomware, manufacturing, professional services, healthcare, and finance see especially high rates of attacks. Hospitals and healthcare networks are frequent targets, as disruption threatens patient treatment and human lives. These organizations also tend to utilize outdated technology due to lack of resources.

Professional and financial services hold valuable customer data, intellectual property, and access to funds, making them lucrative ransomware targets. The same is true of manufacturing; downtime at a plant causes production and shipping delays that quickly harm the bottom line.

Any company with customer data, intellectual property, infrastructure, or financial assets could become a target. But ransomware’s catastrophic impact on healthcare, critical infrastructure, and other public services make it especially concerning.

Ransomware does not just target computers and servers. Mobile devices like smartphones and tablets are also vulnerable to cyber attacks and ransomware. iPhones, Androids, iPads and other mobile devices often contain sensitive personal and business data that is lucrative for attackers.

Users often mistakenly believe their mobile devices are inherently secure when in reality they face many of the same risks as PCs if not protected properly. Mobile ransomware variants have surged and typically infiltrate devices via malicious apps downloaded from app stores.

Once installed, mobile ransomware can lock devices, encrypt data, and demand ransom payments just like traditional strains. Organizations need mobile device security and training to guard against ransomware across their entire IT ecosystem, not just PCs.

The Dire Consequences of Ransomware

The consequences of a ransomware attack go far beyond the ransom payment itself. Major operational, financial, and data risks can have long-lasting effects on an organization.
Operational Downtime
One of the most immediate effects is significant business disruption. With files encrypted and systems locked, organizations grind to a halt. Employees cannot access the tools and data central to their work, severely limiting productivity. Critical business functions like manufacturing, transaction processing, and service delivery can be interrupted for days or weeks.

This downtime directly translates to lost revenue and customers, especially for organizations with time-sensitive operations. Restoring systems is also a complex, tedious process before operations can resume. Many organizations report it taking on average 2 weeks to fully recover from a ransomware attack.

Financial Loss

There are massive financial costs tied to ransomware attacks. First, there is the ransom payment itself, which averages around $170,000. Paying the ransom provides no guarantee files will be restored, however.

Indirect costs often exceed the ransom. Downtime leads to lost business, plus wages paid to employees who cannot work. Technical investigation, remediation, and rebuilding systems and data from backups can cost millions. Brand and reputation damage also take a financial toll through customer churn.

Data Compromise

Ransomware threatens the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of data. Beyond encrypting files, ransomware variants often also exfiltrate data to use as additional leverage. Criminals may threaten to publish sensitive data if the ransom goes unpaid.

Even with backups, data loss is common. Backups may also be infected. Encrypted and corrupted information can be extremely difficult to restore fully. These risks compound the business disruption and long-term damage to the organization.

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Best Practices to Prevent Ransomware Attacks

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Benjamin Franklin

While ransomware threats are on the rise, there are proven practices organizations can implement to reduce risk and strengthen security against such attacks. These include regular backups, system updates, and employee training.

Regular Backups

One of the best lines of defense is maintaining regular, isolated backups of critical data and systems. Backups ensure important files and information can be recovered if encrypted by ransomware. However, backups must be protected and regularly tested. Air-gapped, immutable backups that prevent data corruption provide an extra layer of protection.

Updated Software and Systems

Outdated software and operating systems contain vulnerabilities that ransomware exploits. Diligently patching and updating software across networks greatly reduces these security holes. Timely updates to applications, VPNs, antivirus tools, and other systems are also essential. Automating updates streamlines the process.

Employee Training

Human error is a leading cause of ransomware infections. Robust security training makes employees aware of risks and best practices. Phishing simulations help identify vulnerable staff to target for coaching. Employees should understand safe web usage, avoiding suspicious links/attachments, and recognizing social engineering techniques. Empowered staff form a critical first line of defense.

Combining disciplined backups, system hardening, and an educated workforce substantially lowers the odds of a successful ransomware attack. Partnering with experienced IT security providers adds professional oversight and expertise as well.

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Leveraging Advanced Cybersecurity Solutions

Advanced cybersecurity technologies and services are key to ransomware prevention, detection, and response. Core solutions including endpoint protection, network security, and incident response plans enable organizations to harden their environment.

Endpoint Protection

Installing advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools on all devices provides vital threat protection. EDR uses behavior-based algorithms to identify and block malicious ransomware activity. Real-time monitoring and automation contain infections before they spread.

EDR solutions also give security teams enhanced visibility into network activity and alerts for investigation. Endpoint tools are an essential ransomware defense, especially when combined with skilled security staff to manage them.

Network Security

At the network perimeter, robust firewalls, intrusion prevention systems, web filtering, and email security solutions stop ransomware at the gate. Multi-factor authentication prevents unauthorized access to systems.

Network segmentation and access restrictions limit lateral ransomware movement. Security operations centers actively monitor for anomalies and attacks across your infrastructure.

Incident Response Plans

Despite best efforts, some ransomware may still penetrate defenses. Clear incident response plans ensure organizations can minimize damage and recover quickly. IT teams have defined protocols for investigation, remediation, restoring data, and coordinating across the business.

Drilled incident response will limit downtime and data loss. Third-party incident response retainers provide access to ransomware specialists if needed. With both technology and plans in place, companies reinforce their resilience.

Partnering with specialized cybersecurity firms likes Xperteks ensures access to enterprise-grade solutions and staff to support them. The right security partner provides constant vigilance against evolving ransomware threats.

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Responding to a Ransomware Attack

Despite the best precautions, some ransomware attacks may still impact an organization. Should this occur, responding methodically is critical to contain damage. Key response steps include:

Isolating Infected Systems

  • Immediately disconnect infected systems from the network to prevent lateral spread.
  • Shut down any services/applications impacted by the attack.
  • Secure backups and ensure they are not compromised before restoring data.
  • Reset passwords and activate incident response plans.
  • Communicate internally on status while response is mobilized.

Engage Professionals

  • Contact managed IT providers or specialized incident response firms for support.
  • Leverage cybersecurity experts to conduct forensic analysis and guide remediation.
  • Assess options for decrypting data without paying ransom, if possible.
  • Rebuild and harden systems completely before restoring operations.

Law Enforcement Reporting

  • Notify the FBI and other relevant law enforcement of the attack.
  • Provide details that may identify the attackers and prevent future incidents.
  • Discuss restrictions on paying ransoms per government guidance.
  • Obtain both legal and strategic advice around response options.

To Pay or Not to Pay

  • Weigh risks and impacts before paying a ransom. Restored data is not guaranteed.
  • Consult legal counsel regarding any prohibitions on ransom payments.
  • Consider if restored data is possible without paying the ransom.
  • Factor in potential reputational risks if the payment becomes public.
  • Analyze the total damage if data and systems cannot be recovered.

Methodical, well-planned response minimizes business disruption while helping navigate difficult decisions. Expert third-party assistance strengthens resilience during the crisis. With care and focus, organizations can emerge stronger on the other side.

How Managed Services Providers (MSP) Like Xperteks Can Help

Partnering with a managed services provider (MSP) can greatly strengthen an organization’s security posture and ransomware defenses. MSPs like Xperteks offer expertise, 24/7 threat monitoring, and customized security specifically tailored to your business.

Expertise

MSPs have experienced IT security personnel familiar with ransomware and the latest cyberattack methods. They use proven frameworks to assess risk, harden infrastructure, and implement layered security controls. This expertise is challenging for companies to build internally.

24/7 Monitoring

Around-the-clock network monitoring provides constant vigilance to identify potential intrusions. MSP security operations centers utilize advanced analytics and threat intelligence to detect emerging ransomware strains. New activity is investigated in real-time to rapidly mitigate threats.

Customized Security

Effective security requires aligning controls directly to an organization’s unique operations and risk profile. MSPs tailor robust security blueprints based on factors like industry, size, technology stack, and regulatory obligations. Plans evolve as the threat landscape changes.

Tapping into MSP expertise supplements internal capabilities with enterprise-grade cybersecurity. Partnering with an MSP like Xperteks fortifies ransomware resilience.

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Protect Your Business

Ransomware has rapidly emerged as one of the most severe cybersecurity threats facing organizations across every industry. As attacks proliferate, businesses need to take proactive steps to protect themselves.

The costs of reacting to ransomware attacks after the fact can be catastrophic. Picking up the pieces from data loss, infected systems, and operational downtime is complex, costly, and disruptive. The sophisticated attacks seen today often penetrate reactive defenses focused solely on perimeter security.

Now is the time for organizations to get serious about ransomware resilience. This means going beyond basic antivirus and firewalls. A proactive defense combines ongoing backups, system hardening, employee education, and layers of security technologies. Incident response plans ensure organizations can respond decisively if infiltrated.

Partnering with cybersecurity experts and managed services providers supercharges ransomware preparedness. Specialized providers like Xperteks bring enterprise-level expertise, around-the-clock threat monitoring, and highly customized security tailored to your organization. Start your cybersecurity journey and protect your business from ransomware.

Ransomware threats will only continue evolving. Don’t wait until disaster strikes. Take action now to implement robust defenses with help from security professionals. Your business depends on it.

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