A comprehensive guide on preventing ransomware attacks perpetrated by cyber criminals

In a time where digital assets are everything, protecting against ransomware attacks is critical. Due to their constantly changing strategies, cybercriminals are a serious threat to both individuals and companies. The purpose of this book is to provide you with proactive tactics to stop ransomware attacks before they start. We go into practical methods to strengthen your defences against cyber enemies, from strong data backup procedures to strict email security measures. You may lessen your chance of becoming a victim of ransomware attacks and shield your priceless digital assets from nefarious exploitation by putting these preventative steps into practice.

Fortunately, you can guard against ransomware infections with a variety of methods. To ensure that you and your company are never at risk of ransomware attacks, it's critical to adhere to fundamental cybersecurity procedures and have a proactive mindset, given the dynamic nature of technology.

Backup Your Data

Creating a cloud server or external hard drive backup is one of the simplest ways to reduce risk. The user can completely clean the machine and reinstall the backup files in the event of a ransomware attack. Organizations must back up their most crucial information at least once every day.
A common strategy is to adhere to the 3-2-1 rule. Aim to maintain three distinct versions of your data—one offline and one on two different types of storage. By adding a second copy to an indelible (which cannot be erased) or immutable (which cannot be changed) cloud storage server, you might further complicate the procedure.

Keep All Systems and Software Updated

Always make sure the most recent version of your operating system, web browser, antivirus program, and any other software you use is installed. As viruses, ransomware, and malware are always changing and releasing new versions that can get past your outdated security measures, you should make sure that everything is patched and up to date.
Larger companies that depend on antiquated legacy systems that haven't been updated in a while are often the targets of attackers. The WannaCry ransomware assault, which devastated large organizations worldwide in 2017, is arguably the most notorious ransomware attack. It even compelled Spanish telecom giant Telefónica, British National Health Service hospitals, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), a supplier of Apple chips, to cease operations for four days. Over 230,000 PCs were impacted worldwide in total.

Install Antivirus Software & Firewalls

The primary methods for safeguarding against ransomware are comprehensive antivirus and anti-malware programs. These software solutions are adept at scanning, detecting, and responding to cyber threats effectively. Nevertheless, configuring your firewall is equally imperative. Unlike antivirus software, which operates internally and detects attacks only after they infiltrate the system, firewalls serve as an initial defense line against external threats, thereby fortifying your overall security posture.

When an external attack comes, firewalls are frequently the first line of protection. Both hardware- and software-based assaults can be defended against by it. A firewall is a necessary component of any private or business network because it can filter and prevent malicious data packets from entering the system.

Email Protection

• Malware infections have historically been mostly caused by email phishing assaults. According to 54% of managed service providers (MSP), phishing was the most popular way for ransomware to be distributed in 2020. Phishing schemes were the leading cybercrime in 2020, according to a separate Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) estimate, with over US$4.2 billion in losses or theft.
  A user can become infected with ransomware via email in a few distinct ways:
  Downloading dubious attachments from emails

  • Selecting links that direct users to malicious websites.

• Social engineering, which deceives people into disclosing private information
  You can take extra safety measures in addition to using antivirus software by utilizing procedures or tools such as:
• Avoid opening emails from senders you are not familiar with – Steer clear of attachments, files, or links that come from unidentified senders or unknown addresses.
  • Update email client software frequently: Prevent hackers from exploiting security flaws in outdated technologies.

Application Whitelisting

Which programs can be downloaded and run on a network is determined by whitelisting. In the unlikely event that a user or employee unintentionally downloads a malicious application or visits a compromised website, access to any unauthorized software or website that is not whitelisted will be restricted or denied.  

Endpoint Security

Growing enterprises should prioritize endpoint security. There are an increasing number of endpoints (servers, laptops, smartphones, etc.) that require security as businesses grow and their end users rise. Criminals could potentially gain access to private data or, worse, the main network through each remote endpoint.
Regardless of whether you operate your business from home or are employed by a larger organization, you should deploy endpoint detection and response (EDR) or endpoint protection platforms (EPP) for every network user.