Best practices to prevent ransomware attacks
Ransomware is a type of malware that prevents or limits users from accessing their system, either by locking the system's screen or by locking the users' files until a ransom is paid. As more people are working remotely due to the global pandemic, business environments have evolved and cybercriminals are capitalizing on the opportunity to attack systems outside the corporate firewall. Mobile Computer Services, a managed IT services company, shares a few practices that can help prevent a ransomware attack.
1. Create a back-up
Using the 3-2-1 backup rule is usually the most effective way to save data in the event of a ransomware attack. The idea is to keep at least three separate versions of data on two different storage types with at least one version being offsite. Moreover, immutable backup options such as Object Lock functionality for backups allow storage of objects using a Write Once, Read Many (WORM) model, which means after it’s written, data cannot be modified. With Object Lock, no one can encrypt, tamper with, or delete the protected data for a specified period, creating a concrete line of defense against ransomware attacks
2. Educate end-users
Regular training of employees on the identification of common ransomware pitfalls such as malvertisements, and phishing emails, and the ways to avoid them is an effective means of preventing this threat.
3. Patch vulnerabilities
Reducing the vulnerabilities in the operating systems, browsers, and other applications by regularly updating them is a must. Organizations must install the latest security updates issued by software vendors of the OS and applications. An early and frequent patch to eliminate known vulnerabilities in operating systems, browsers, and web plugins is the best bet against these attacks.
4. Use an intrusion detection system
An intrusion detection system (IDS) flags inbound and outbound malicious traffic, so the IT personnel stays informed and can take proactive steps to safeguard the network. Any potential ransomware attacks can be halted in their early stages using this continuous monitoring to detect signs of anomalous or malicious activity in real-time.
5. Install email filtering
Blocking malicious executables, spam, phishing emails, and other methods ransomware is known to use is one of the common ways to prevent this threat from materializing.
6. Whitelist applications
Application whitelisting is the practice of specifying an index of approved software applications or executable files that are permitted to be present and active on a computer system. This method helps protect computers and networks from potentially harmful applications.
7. Limit access
The more the users and the more the access, the higher the threat is. Organizations should use robust access management to restrict unwarranted access and reduce the number of access points. Provide the lowest system permissions that users need to accomplish their tasks and completely turn off admin rights for users who don’t require them. Write permissions on file servers must be restricted as much as possible.
8. Segregate networks
Logically isolating networks according to different departments or tasks can mitigate data loss in the event of a ransomware attack. This segregation of networks and limiting network shares is a great defense against ransomware that can propagate itself across networks and shared spaces.
Why Mobile Computer Services?
Mobile Computer Services is a professional IT services company that works with small and medium-sized businesses in Wake Forest. The services include:
- Managed IT services - 24x7 proactive monitoring and management of the company's IT infrastructure.
- Network services: Comprehensive care for the network systems provided by certified technicians.
- Business continuity planning: Get the business back on its feet swiftly during and after disasters.
- IT consulting: High-caliber advice from professional consultants to help achieve business goals.
- Security: Safeguard business from malicious hackers and cyber attacks.
- On-demand services: Day or night, the dedicated support staff is always available to assist.
- Office move: Professional office relocation and network cabling services.
- VoIP: Reduce telecom expenses and improve communications with powerful phone systems.
- Email protection: Protect mail systems from spam and malware.
Contact Mobile Computer Services, Inc. at Wake Forest today at (919) 230-2900 for IT support, services and solutions.
