Ransomware Myths
Ransomware is now the biggest cybersecurity concern for organizations and the most profitable type of attack for criminal gangs, so it’s unsurprising that it continues to evolve, with hackers utilizing a myriad of new techniques to target devices, industries and individuals.
Gone are the days of encrypting data until a ransom is paid in exchange for an encryption key. Cybercriminal gangs now favor the double extortion technique; exfiltrating data to use as leverage to pressure victims into paying extortionate ransoms. Snapshots of sensitive data are often published immediately to indicate intent, and if the victim refuses to cooperate more data is leaked and the ransom is doubled or even tripled.
American Lazer / CommSat uses BlackFog technology to protect businesses. Continue reading to learn about the top 5 ransomware myths according to BlackFog:
Fact or fiction, common misconceptions about ransomware attacks
Myth 1: Pay the ransom and get back to business
Paying the ransom to recover your data is only part of the equation. If data has been exfiltrated the attack must be considered a reportable data breach which has penalties and compliance guidelines that need to be adhered to. Business will be anything but normal after an attack regardless of whether or not a ransom has been paid. It can take months to recover from an attack and your expenses have only just begun. You will need to factor in the cost of insurance premium increases, business disruption, legal, compliance, and additional security processes and software.
Myth 2: The IT engineers can easily decrypt the data
Most modern ransomware attacks cannot be decrypted without receiving the decryption key. Hackers encrypt data with a combination of AES and RSA military grade encryption standards, and no supercomputers exist on the planet to decrypt the data in a reasonable timeframe.
Myth 3: I have a firewall and antivirus so we protected
Traditional perimeter defense techniques are no longer enough to protect you from a modern cyberattack. If a cybercriminal gang targets your organization they will eventually find a way in. The best approach is to assume that hackers will get in andfocus on preventing them from leaving with your data.
Myth 4: It only impacts the infected device
Infected devices are often preceded by months of work from cybercriminals and often lay dormant on devices before launching a full attack.
This is a myth is common among small to medium sized business in particular. The reality is that organizations of all sizes and all types are becoming victims every day, and all organizations are at risk.
Myth 5: My company doesn’t have any valuable data
This is a myth is common among small to medium sized business in particular. The reality is that organizations of all sizes and all types are becoming victims every day, and all organizations are at risk.
Even small companies can be duped by ransomware and can be easily extorted by exposing employee data, client lists or customer credit cards, social security numbers, etc.
When it comes to preventing cyberattacks many organizations are still focused on protecting the perimeter to keep the bad actors out. The bad news is that no matter how protected you think your network is, the reality is that attackers are finding their way in.
Preventing modern attacks requires a new way of thinking and a new approach including a data exfiltration strategy. By making the assumption that the bad actors are going to get in regardless of perimeter defense tactics, we can focus less on how they get in and more on what data they may be trying to steal.
If you’re concerned about ransomware, contact American Lazer /CommSat to learn how we use BlackFog technology to protect your company.
Contact us today 866-922-9003
About American Lazer
We provide the highest-quality MFPs printers/copiers, Network Security, Managed Print Services, and Managed IT Solutions to businesses in Eastern Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire.
Source: www.blackfog.com
