Did you know that by 2031, ransomware attacks will cost businesses an average of $265 billion each, according to a prediction by Cybersecurity Ventures?
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts your files, holding them hostage until you pay a ransom to regain access, and it is a growing threat in today’s world.
These attacks can be devastating for both individuals and businesses, causing significant financial loss and data disruption.
As someone who has spent countless hours working on my computer, I know how devastating it would be to lose all my files and data to a ransomware attack.
The thought of paying a hefty ransom to regain access to my work is not only frustrating but also alarming.
That’s why I’ve dedicated myself to learning about the best defence strategies against ransomware.
In this article, I’ll share my findings with you.
Let’s get started!
Understanding Ransomware Attacks And How They Work
Ransomware is a growing concern for individuals and organizations alike just like I said above. According to a report, ransomware attacks have increased by over 300% since 2015, with estimated losses exceeding $1 billion annually.
A ransomware attack is like a digital kidnapping, where your files are taken captive and you’re forced to pay a ransom to get them back.
Here’s how it typically goes down:
First, the ransomware sneaks onto your device or network through a vulnerability or a clever disguise (like a phishing email or a fake software update) that you will need to click, download or store on your device or network.
Once it’s inside, it quickly gets to work encrypting your files, making them inaccessible to you.
Next, the ransomware displays a menacing message demanding payment in exchange for the decryption key. The message often includes a ticking clock, threatening to delete or destroy your data if you don’t pay up within a certain timeframe.
However, there are ways you can mitigate the risk of being attacked with the use of ransomware. First, you have to understand the different types of ransomware attacks, which are as follows:
- Encrypting Ransomware Attack: This is the most common type we see daily in movies with hacking exploitation. In this type of attack, the attackers will insert ransomware into your files, leaving them scrambled and held hostage until you pay the ransom they asked for, with a clock clicking on your screen and threatening to delete the files.
- Doxing Ransomware Attack: This type of attack takes a more sinister approach, threatening to expose your sensitive data publicly if you don’t pay up within a timeframe and it’s automated—they all are, making ransomware even more dangerous.
- Locker Ransomware Attack: This type of attack locks you out of your entire device or system, preventing you from accessing any data or applications. For this type of attack, the attacker will inject ransomware into your system, just like you saw in the movie “The Beekeeper,” where the woman was asked to input some pins to recover her files. Unfortunately, she grants the attackers access to all her bank accounts.
These attacks often start with a vulnerability or a trick, like phishing emails that trick you into downloading malware, software vulnerabilities that allow hackers to sneak in, malicious websites that infect your device with ransomware, and unsecured remote access tools that give hackers an open door.
The Best Defence Against Ransomware
Imagine someone breaks into your house, locks you and your stuff in a room, and demands a ransom to let you back in.
That’s kind of what ransomware does to your computer. It encrypts your files, like photos and games, making them unusable unless you pay the ransom.
However, there are ways to protect yourself, like building a super strong fort to keep those digital kidnappers out.
1. Always back up your stuff.
Think of your favourite games, photos, and documents and how much you cherish them—not to lose any of them.
Think about those hidden company files, such as passwords to your bank account and all your secrets you don’t want anyone to know about and all of a sudden someone is threatening to delete or release them to the public.
Backing them up regularly is like having a hidden treasure room; even if the bad guys lock up your computer, threatening to delete them, your files are safe but the reverse is the case if the attacker is threatening to release them publicly.
The 3-2-1 rule is your best bet when it comes to backing up your files. 3 copies of your data, on 2 different drives (like an external hard drive), with 1 copy stored off-site (like a cloud storage service).
That way, even if your computer gets fried in a storm (or something even crazier! ), you can access your files from anywhere.
The cool thing is that backing up is super easy these days. Most computers and phones have built-in backup features, or you can use free cloud storage services to get started.
2. Patch up the holes and always update your computer
Imagine tiny holes in your fort walls—those are like weaknesses in your computer’s software.
Hackers can sneak through these holes and unleash ransomware.
Patching your system with the latest updates is like plugging those holes, making it much harder for the bad guys to break in.
Whenever you see an update notification, don’t ignore it; it’s like your fort sending out a repair crew!
Think of it as free security; software companies are constantly finding new weaknesses and releasing patches to fix them.
By keeping your software updated, you’re making it super tough for hackers to find a way in.
3. Using antivirus and anti-ransomware
Having a guard dog at your fort is pretty smart, right?
An antivirus and anti-ransomware program is like your digital guard dog.
It sniffs out suspicious files and programs that might be trying to lock up your stuff.
These programmes also keep an eye out for new tricks hackers might use, so they’re like super-smart guard dogs that can adapt to any situation.
Even the sneakiest hacker will have a hard time getting past a good antivirus program.
Remember, just like you wouldn’t get a chihuahua to guard your fort, make sure your antivirus has a good reputation and can handle the toughest threats.
4. Be careful online.
Just like you wouldn’t let strangers into your fort without checking them out first, be careful about what you click on online.
Phishing emails are like fake invitations from strangers; they might look real, but they could be a trap set by hackers to trick you into downloading ransomware.
Don’t click on suspicious links or attachments, especially in emails from unknown senders or ones that pressure you to act quickly.
If something looks too good to be true online, it probably is!
Think of it this way: if someone offered you free candy outside your fort, you wouldn’t just take it, right? Be cautious and ask a grownup if something seems suspicious.
5. Tell Someone If Something Seems Wrong
If someone tries to break into your fort, you’ll sound the alarm, right?
If you see something suspicious on your computer, like weird pop-up messages or unknown programmes running, tell an adult you trust!
They can help you investigate and make sure your computer stays safe.
Maybe your computer has gotten a virus or there’s some weird setting enabled.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help; it’s better to be safe than sorry!
6. Network Segmentation and Isolation
Network segmentation and isolation are powerful techniques for containing ransomware outbreaks.
This is mostly done by professionals in cybersecurity, and if you aren’t one, it will be hard for you.
However, it can be achieved by dividing the network into smaller segments, each with limited access, preventing lateral movement in case of an infection.
This can be done by making use of firewalls, access controls, and network isolation to restrict communication between segments, and by considering implementing a VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) structure to further segregate your network.
If it is done properly, it will limit the spread of ransomware, giving you time to respond and contain the attack.
For example, if you have different rooms in your home, each door has a different padlock. Even if an attacker can open the first door, before they can open another one, you could apprehend them. That’s the same for network segmentation and isolation.
7. User Education and Awareness
If you aren’t the only one using your computer, the remaining users are your first line of defence against ransomware.
All you need to do is educate them about the dangers of ransomware, safe computing practices, and the importance of reporting suspicious activities.
To achieve this, conduct regular training and awareness programmes to keep them informed about the latest threats and tactics.
Encourage them to report suspicious emails, links, or attachments, and provide clear guidelines on how to handle potential ransomware incidents. This will reduce the risk of being vulnerable to ransomware.
8. Incident Response Planning
If you’re a business owner and have very important files online or on your system, having an incident response plan (IRP) is very important for your ransomware defence strategy.
Develop a comprehensive IRP that outlines the steps to take in case of a ransomware attack, including containment, eradication, recovery, and post-incident activities.
Define roles and responsibilities, establish communication protocols, and identify key stakeholders. Regularly review and update your IRP to ensure it remains effective and relevant.
With a well-planned IRP, you’ll be able to respond quickly and effectively in the event of a ransomware attack, minimising downtime and data loss.
For example, in May 2019, the City of Baltimore was hit by a ransomware attack known as RobbinHood, which encrypted data on several city servers.
However, due to their robust defence strategies and incident response plan, the city was able to minimise the impact and avoid paying the ransom.
9. Implement a zero-trust model.
A zero-trust model assumes that all users and devices, whether inside or outside your network, are potential threats.
This approach verifies the identity and permissions of all users and devices before granting access to resources.
To achieve this, use authentication, authorization, and accounting (AAA) protocols to ensure secure access and limit access to sensitive data and systems based on user roles and needs.
10. Use encryption.
Encryption is a powerful tool in the fight against ransomware.
This can be achieved by encrypting sensitive data both in transit (e.g., HTTPS) and at rest (e.g., disc encryption), ensuring that even if data is compromised, it will be unreadable to unauthorised parties.
Use strong encryption algorithms, manage keys securely, and consider implementing a data encryption policy that outlines the requirements for encrypting sensitive data.
With encryption, you’ll add an extra layer of protection to your data, making it significantly more difficult for ransomware attackers to access and exploit.
11. Limit user privileges
Limiting user privileges is an essential aspect of ransomware defence, mostly used in cybersecurity.
It is done by restricting user access to only necessary resources and privileges, enabling you to prevent lateral movement in case of an infection.
Use least privilege principles to limit user access, and regularly review and update user permissions to ensure they align with job requirements.
Consider implementing a role-based access control (RBAC) system, which assigns privileges based on user roles rather than individual users.
Final Words
These are the various ways you can mitigate ransomware on your system. However, there are other methods used by professionals in cybersecurity but with the above mentioned you have a higher chance of not experiencing ransomware attacks.