Dealing with a ransomware attack
A ransomware attack is one of the biggest threats facing online users. In this article, we explore what happens during a ransomware attack, and the steps you need to take to secure your organization in the aftermath.
What is a ransomware attack?
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts an organization’s data so it can no longer be accessed. A ransom is demanded the average is $570,000 and upon payment, the decryption keys should be issued so the organization regains access. Although ransomware can affect any vertical industry, a malevolent actor would usually select a company to attack based on two factors:
Weak infrastructure: for instance, if the company is a data-rich enterprise, but has a limited security staff, or lacks IT resources.
Possible financial benefit: companies like government organizations or attorneys need speedy access to their files and are more inclined to promptly pay a ransom.
Bad actors can gain access to organizational data via various tactics, including:
Phishing: Phishing is the practice of deceiving people into doing something, like clicking a malicious link in an email, by employing social engineering techniques.
Remote access: This involves finding open ports on the internet, such as those used for remote desktop protocols, and obtaining working login credentials that the remote access software can verify.
Compromise of privileged accounts: using administrator accounts to gain access to additional systems and private information.
Vulnerabilities in known software or applications: taking advantage of known flaws in which fixes were available but were not used.
How to deal with a ransomware attack
Ransomware attacks are a huge threat to organizations because 90% impact their ability to operate, and on average it takes a month to recover from the attack. They’re highly disruptive to business, and it is a threat vector on the rise. By 2031 it is expected that businesses will fall victim to a ransomware attack every other second (up from every 11 seconds in 2021)
What to do in the event of a ransomware attack
When you discover that your device has been compromised by ransomware, it’s important to isolate it immediately. Typically, you’ll see a large message on the screen indicating the attack. To prevent the ransomware from spreading, remove any USBs, dongles, network and data cords, and turn off WIFI and Bluetooth connections.
It’s important to remember that in high-stress situations like a ransomware attack, adrenaline, along with feelings of shock, anger, and fear, can surge in the first few seconds. It’s crucial to stay calm and composed as you assess the situation. One way to do this is by having businesses practice how to respond to a ransomware attack through simulated exercises. This will help everyone become familiar with how to quickly and calmly minimize the impact of the breach.
Paying the ransom
Cyber security professionals and federal law agencies would advise not to pay for ransom. There’s no assurance that you will be able to access your computer or data again even after ransom payment. research shows that just 3 out of 5 firms were able to restore access to systems and data. Furthermore, even if you manage to retrieve your data, there’s no assurance that it will be secure – 18% of victims of ransomware who complied with the demand nevertheless had their private information compromised by unscrupulous people on the dark web.
Report the attack
Once your business is back online you should report the ransomware attack to the relevant authorities – for example, the CISA in the US, the ASD’s ACSC in Australia or the NCSC in the UK. This intelligence is invaluable to helping agencies track how ransomware attacks are developing to stop the cybercriminals, assist with remediation tools, and prevent the spread further.
Contact Opto Intelligence for Ransomware Recovery
Although each ransomware assault is distinct and varies in sophistication, however it is possible to recover data. Opto Intelligence has created a unique set of exclusive techniques for data recovery; as of right now, we can encrypt 138 different kinds of ransomware and are constantly monitoring 271 versions. With labs spread across the globe, our experts are on hand around the clock to offer assistance and support in the worst-case situation.