Ransomware attacks have become increasingly sophisticated in recent years, with criminals not only encrypting files but also exfiltrating sensitive data from victim organizations. Ransomware as a service (RaaS) has made it easier for criminals to access the latest tools and services to carry out these attacks, putting organizations at risk of not only losing their data but also facing regulatory consequences under GDPR.
While ransomware grabs the headlines, the real concern should be how criminals are able to breach organizations in the first place. Phishing emails and social engineering are the most common methods used by criminals to gain access to sensitive information. Exploiting unpatched systems and weak credentials are also common avenues for attackers to exploit.
To detect malicious activity before it becomes a disaster, organizations need to have a layered approach to security. This includes implementing intrusion detection systems (IDS), endpoint detection, data loss prevention (DLP), and network traffic analysis. By having these controls in place, organizations can better detect when criminals are already inside their systems.
One crucial step for organizations to take before a ransomware attack occurs is to have a communication policy in place. This means having discussions with senior management about whether or not to pay a ransom, how to handle sensitive communications with customers, partners, regulators, and law enforcement, and under what conditions it becomes acceptable to pay the ransom.
Ultimately, the ability of an organization to prevent or respond to a ransomware incident is directly related to the preparation and planning that takes place beforehand. By having the necessary security controls in place and clear communication policies established, organizations can better protect themselves from falling victim to ransomware attacks.