What is Ransomware?

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) defines ransomware as “A type of malicious software—or malware—that prevents you from accessing your computer files, systems, or networks and demands you pay a ransom for their return.”

Ransomware attacks can cause costly disruptions to operations and the loss of critical information and data.

How Ransomware Attacks Are Deployed?

Ransomware attacks come in various forms, from sophisticated attacks to broad attempts. Cybercriminals often scour networks for vulnerabilities that can provide a foothold. Once inside, attackers may linger for weeks or even months, stealthily moving through systems, escalating their privileges, stealing data, and deploying malicious software. In 2021, the average dwell time for ransomware attacks was a concerning 11 days. This window offers defenders a critical opportunity to detect and thwart intruders before they can execute their destructive plans.

A typical ransomware attack has the following form:

1. Gain entry by exploiting vulnerability in unpatched software or by Malware such as Emotet or Trickbot.
2. Escalate Privileges until they are administrator – once in the system malicious actors exploit system vulnerabilities to gain privilege levels that let them bypass security software.
3. Bypass security software. If for some reason they are unable to do so, they attempt to breach the security management console and disable security systems completely.
4. Deploy Ransomware – Installing a program that encrypts the victim’s files. Attackers also use network and host vulnerabilities or basic file sharing protocols to compromise other systems on the network.
5. Leave a ransomware note demanding payment in order to provide the key or passphrase to decrypt the files. Usually, it comes in the form of an email or a popup window once all files are encrypted and the hackers have enough leverage to demand a ransom.
6. Wait for the victim to follow the specific instructions provided in the ransomware note and contact them via email or a dark web website.
7. Collect ransom and (not) deliver key or passphrase to decrypt the files.

Most exploited vulnerabilities in 2024  

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) manages the “Known Exploited Vulnerabilities Catalog” and shares it on their website – https://www.cisa.gov/ – to help cybersecurity specialists, network and system administrators to prevent exploits.

While the attackers are changing their exploit targets on system-by-system and case-by-case basis, the number one vulnerability exploited in 2024 remains Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) – it played a part in at least 83% of cyberattacks. RDP and desktop sharing tools like Virtual Network Computing (VNC) are legitimate and highly useful features that allow administrators to access and manage systems remotely. Unfortunately, without proper safeguards, ransomware actors commonly exploit these tools.

Some other ways for malicious actors to gain access and deploy ransomware are:

• Missing or misconfigured security equipment – firewalls
• Missing or misconfigured network equipment – switches, routers, Wi-Fi access points
• Missing or misconfigured endpoint security
• Unpatched servers, endpoints and other office equipment
• Elevated access privileges given to non-administrator users

Staying Ahead of Ransomware: Prevention Strategies

Ransomware threats are a continuous battle, and basic security software alone won’t cut it. Here’s how your organization can stay ahead of the curve:

• Patch like clockwork: Patching software vulnerabilities early is critical. In 2021, nearly half (47%) of cyberattacks exploited unpatched weaknesses. Regularly update endpoints, servers, mobile devices, and applications to minimize potential entry points.
• Backup religiously, store securely: Backups are your lifeline – 73% of IT managers restored ransomware-encrypted data with backups in 2022. Back up data frequently, encrypt it for added protection, and store at least one copy offline and offsite for maximum security.
• Secure your backups: Ensure that your backup system is air gap capable and enable it.
• Introduce endpoint security to your network: Make sure anti-virus and anti-malware solutions are set to automatically update and run regular scans.
• Enable file types: Windows hides file extensions by default. Enable them to easily recognize potentially risky formats like JavaScript (JS) files, especially in unexpected emails.
• View JS files with caution: Open suspicious JS files in Notepad. This prevents malicious scripts from running and allows you to inspect the file content safely.
• Say no to macros: Macros in email attachments are a common infection tactic. Microsoft disabled auto-execution for a reason – keep it disabled!
• Think twice before clicking: Phishing emails often rely on curiosity and urgency. When in doubt about an attachment, err on the side of caution and don’t open it.
• Control network access: Close unnecessary network ports and implement strong authentication measures like two-factor authentication (2FA) for Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) access.
• Embrace strong passwords: A weak password is a cybercriminal’s dream. Create unique, complex passwords with a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information like names, birthdays, or pet names.
• Limit admin privileges: Regularly review who has administrator rights and remove access for those who no longer need it. Avoid staying logged in with admin privileges and don’t engage in regular tasks while having admin rights.
• Prepare for the worst: Develop Ransomware Incident Response as part of your Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plan in case your business or organization is the victim of a ransomware attack, and exercise it.

If You’re a Victim

1. Disconnect from the internet: This will prevent the ransomware from spreading to other devices on your network.
2. Get all the right people in a room: In your Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plan you should have a list of people responsible for the solution of every incident.
3. Do not pay the ransom: Paying a ransom often doesn’t guarantee you’ll get your data back and can encourage more attacks.
4. Report the incident: Contact your local law enforcement agency and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) at gov
5. Contact your Cyber Security Policy Provider: Most Cyber Security policies cover ransomware damage, and provide help overcoming the obstacles. Speak with your agent and let them know about the security incident.
6. Assess the damage: What systems and data have been affected? Do you have backups of the encrypted data across all affected systems, and how long will it take to restore it?
7. Execute your Ransomware Incident Response from your Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plan.
8. Seek professional help: Consider hiring a cybersecurity firm to help you recover your data and secure your system. At ATIS-USA we will help you recover from the incident, strengthen your IT Security by analyzing and diagnosing your company’s IT infrastructure and building resilience against threats like Viruses, RansomSware, and Spyware.
9. Learn from the experience: Implement preventative measures to protect yourself from future attacks, such as regularly backing up your data to an external device, keeping your software up-to-date, and being cautious of suspicious emails or attachments.

How can we help?

1. Help your company recover from a ransomware attack: We know how stressful such security breach can be, and we are here to help. We will lead your firm through every strep of the process – from pulling the network plug to recovering your data, securing the system and documenting all lessons learned along the way.
2. Comprehensive BCDR with Cybersecurity and Backup & Disaster Recovery support: ATIS-USA is proactively protecting your company’s data and IT infrastructure with an industry-leading Endpoint Security Solutions from Sophos, and helps you keep your data safe even in the case of ransomware with the Backup and Disaster Recovery Solutions from leading providers such as Axcient and Barracuda.
   Furthermore, even if your last line of defense is breached, our Partner’s solutions ensure businesses can retrieve their deleted data without ever paying a ransom. AirGap technology separates data deletion requests from the mechanics of data deletion to prevent malicious and accidental deletions from being permanent. AirGap is just one piece of a layered security approach that includes MFA, strong password policies, firewalls, spam filtering, phishing detection, and data redundancy.
3. Strengthen your company’s IT Security posture: Studies have shown that 78% of organizations that suffered a ransomware attack, are hit by a second ransomware attack. Recovering from ransomware is not enough. Evaluating and strengthen all weak spots of your defenses, patching your systems, and updating your software on regular basis will prevent a second ransomware encounter. Let us establish Configuration and Patch Management practices and systems for your firm, implement sturdy and resilient Endpoint Security and Backup & Disaster Recovery systems, and make your network impenetrable.
4. Establish Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plan: Does your company have the means to respond to a security breach or ransomware attack, and still ensure business continuity?
   In certain cases, the FBI or other law enforcement agencies may seize equipment for investigation after a ransomware attack, and this might put your firm in the situation of not being able to conduct business or conduct business in limited capacity. Let us put guardrails in place, and make sure your business can continue operations no matter what.

Wrapping up

Ransomware remains a persistent threat to organizations of all sizes. By understanding how ransomware attacks are executed, implementing robust prevention strategies, and having a well-defined incident response plan, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to this malicious software.

Don’t wait for a crisis. Protect your business today with ATIS-USA. Our comprehensive cybersecurity solutions, including endpoint security, backup and disaster recovery, and incident response services, can help you safeguard your data and minimize the impact of ransomware attacks.

Contact ATIS-USA today to learn more about how we can help you stay ahead of the curve and protect your business from emerging threats.