Preventing ransomware goes beyond securing your network systems. It involves many strategies to safeguard against potential breaches. A ransomware attack can severely disrupt your business operations, leading to financial losses and reputational damage. You’re also likely to lose the complete trust of your customers.
An average of 66% of organisations worldwide became victims of ransomware attacks from March 2022 to March 2023. Singapore ranked first in terms of the ransomware rate among companies, with a staggering 84% reporting that they had encountered such attacks in the last 12 months.
In 2021, high-profile ransomware attacks were prominent in Singapore and overseas, targeting large corporations, government agencies, and critical infrastructure. These attacks not only stop operations but also have far-reaching economic consequences.
In this article, we will learn how to stay ahead of cybercriminals with advanced security measures, the importance of regular data backups, and employee training, among other strategies to prevent ransomware attacks.
What Are Ransomware Attacks?
A ransomware attack is a type of cybercrime where attackers encrypt the victim’s data or systems and demand a ransom in exchange for the decryption key.
Ransomware can infiltrate your systems in various ways. Some common examples of ransomware occur via phishing emails, compromised websites, or unpatched software vulnerabilities. Once it breaches a system, ransomware encrypts files, databases, or even entire systems.
The impact of ransomware isn’t just monetary. The collateral damage includes operational downtime, irreversible data loss, and potential legal repercussions. This makes understanding and preventing ransomware attacks a critical component of business risk management.
Defending Against Ransomware Attacks
The cornerstone of preventing ransomware is a combination of advanced technological solutions and human vigilance. By adopting these strategies, businesses can enhance their overall cybersecurity posture.
1. Advanced Threat Intelligence Monitoring
When it comes to preventing ransomware attacks, it’s about having the right information at the right time.
Advanced threat intelligence monitoring acts like a radar that scans the digital environment for potential threats. The goal is to understand the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) of cyberattackers, allowing organisations to foresee and prepare for potential attacks before they unfold.
At the core of this process is the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). These technologies are used to analyse vast amounts of data, ranging from discussions on the dark web to samples of malicious software and established attack patterns. These advanced systems can identify subtle signs of an impending attack, often invisible to conventional cybersecurity measures.
Adopting this level of monitoring enables your IT team to shift from a reactive to a proactive and strategic approach. It equips them with actionable intelligence to strengthen defences, refine incident response strategies, and reduce the risk of a successful ransomware attack.
2. Multi-Layered Security Approach
A multi-layered security approach is founded on the principle that no single security measure is foolproof.
Network Security Layer
Network security forms the foundational layer, incorporating firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and network segmentation. These components work together to monitor and control network traffic, block unauthorised access, and segment your network into separate zones to contain potential breaches.
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
EDR systems go beyond traditional antivirus solutions by providing visibility into endpoint threats and enabling swift responses. They continuously monitor endpoints, collecting data to identify threat patterns and indicators of compromise. In the event of a ransomware attack, EDR offers detailed forensic insights to identify affected files and trace the source of the attack.
Endpoint Protection Platform (EPP)
EPP solutions detect, prevent, and respond to endpoint threats using advanced techniques like file scanning, heuristics, and ML. They are proactive, stopping cyberattacks before they occur, and often include features like device control and application whitelisting to further mitigate risk.
3. Offsite Cloud Backup Solutions
Digital illustration of a cloud computing concept that represents global data connectivity and network infrastructure, emphasising strategies for preventing ransomware.
The reality of cyber threats, especially ransomware, has made it imperative for organisations to safeguard their data. Offsite cloud backups involve storing data at remote locations, separate from your primary business premises.
Here’s how it can benefit your organisation:
Data Redundancy: Offsite cloud backups create copies of your data in multiple locations. This redundancy is vital for disaster recovery, ensuring that if one backup is compromised, others are available to restore your systems.
Enhanced Security Measures: Cloud backup providers have advanced security measures that may be challenging to implement in-house. These measures include stringent encryption protocols, secure data transfer methods, and constant security monitoring.
Business Continuity and Recovery: In the aftermath of a cyberattack like ransomware, offsite cloud backups mean you can quickly restore your data and reduce operational downtime.
4. Enhanced Email Security Measures
Phishing attacks are a common entry point for ransomware. Advanced phishing protection systems scan incoming emails for signs of phishing, such as suspicious sender addresses, deceptive links, and unusual language. By identifying and flagging these emails, they prevent employees from clicking on a link or downloading an attachment.
For additional email security, implementing tools like Sender Policy Framework (SPF), DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM), and Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance (DMARC) help authenticate emails. These protocols authenticate emails received from legitimate sources and not from imposters trying to infiltrate your systems.
5. Continuous Employee Cybersecurity Training
Building a culture of security awareness is about developing an understanding and mindfulness regarding the role each employee plays in the organisation’s cyber health. Regular training sessions, updates on the latest cybersecurity trends, and clear, accessible communication about security policies contribute to preventing ransomware attacks.
Cybersecurity Awareness training courses should cover a wide range of topics, from recognising phishing emails and safely handling data to proper password management and reporting suspicious activities.
For example, simulated ransomware attack drills are an effective way to test and reinforce this. These drills should mimic scenarios and tactics used by real-world attackers. This way, employees get practical experience on how to respond to an actual ransomware attack.
6. Ransomware Legal Compliance and Reporting
Neon blue outline of a checklist on a clipboard, symbolising legal compliance to prevent ransomware in organisations.
Organisations should have comprehensive incident response plans before any cybersecurity incident occurs. It’s important to recognise that a ransomware attack is not only a technical challenge but also a legal matter.
When a ransomware attack happens, organisations can refer to the Cyber Security Agency’s (CSA) ransomware response checklist. This resource provides step-by-step guidance on how to identify, contain, remediate, and recover from such incidents.
If you do encounter cyberattacks in Singapore, you are strongly encouraged to report them to SingCERT. Reporting helps in the collective fight against cyber threats and includes a range of incidents, such as:
- In case of phishing, extortion, or scam emails
- Phishing websites
- Ransomware attacks
- Website defacements
- Malware hosting/Command and Control Servers
- Unauthorised attempts (either failed or successful) to disrupt or gain access to a network, system, or its data
7. Create a Cybersecurity Disaster Recovery Plan
A cybersecurity disaster recovery plan serves as a blueprint for how your organisation will respond to and recover from a cyberattack.
It plays a crucial role in establishing clear recovery objectives, including Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPOs). These metrics establish the maximum acceptable time for restoring normal operations and the allowable extent of data loss.
After any cybersecurity incident, conduct a post-incident review. This is a learning opportunity to assess what went well and if any improvements are needed.
Preventing Ransomware Is Everyone’s Responsibility
How prepared is your organisation in defending against ransomware attacks? At FirstCom Academy, our Cybersecurity Awareness course can help you better prepare your defences and create a ransomware-resistant business environment.
Through this course, you’ll gain insights into effective threat prevention techniques and acquire the skills to securely manage online accounts. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in a collaborative brainstorming session focused on developing strategies to enhance cybersecurity awareness.
Enrol and join us to create a safer digital world where cybersecurity is a shared mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is ransomware prevented or removed?
Monitoring applications, regular file backups, anti-malware software, and cybersecurity awareness training can effectively prevent ransomware attacks. While no cybersecurity measures can eliminate the risk, they reduce the likelihood of successful attacks.
What is the biggest risk when it comes to ransomware attacks?
A major risk involves potential financial setbacks and lacking the funds to meet these demands. Furthermore, the threat of data loss is another risk. Ransomware can encrypt important files, making them inaccessible and effectively useless.
