Ransomware Prevention
Protecting your business from ransomware attacks and ensuring business continuity.
Understanding Ransomware
Ransomware encrypts your business files and demands payment for decryption. Average ransom: $570,000. Average downtime: 21 days. 60% of small businesses close within 6 months after an attack.
How Ransomware Spreads
Phishing Emails
Malicious attachments or links in emails that appear legitimate. Most common infection vector (90% of cases).
Remote Desktop Protocol
Brute force attacks on exposed RDP services with weak credentials. Often automated by bots.
Software Vulnerabilities
Exploiting unpatched systems, outdated software, or known security flaws in applications.
Malicious Websites
Drive-by downloads from compromised legitimate sites or fake software update prompts.
Prevention Strategies
Implement Robust Backups
3-2-1 rule: 3 copies, 2 different media types, 1 offsite. Test restoration regularly. Immutable backups prevent encryption.
Email Security
Advanced threat protection, attachment sandboxing, link scanning. Train employees to identify phishing.
Endpoint Protection
Next-gen antivirus with behavioral detection, EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response), application whitelisting.
Patch Management
Automated patch deployment within 48 hours of release. Priority patching for critical vulnerabilities.
Network Segmentation
Isolate critical systems. Limit lateral movement. Separate guest, employee, and server networks.
Disable RDP
Use VPN with MFA for remote access. If RDP required, use strong credentials and restrict to VPN only.
Least Privilege
Standard user accounts for daily work. Admin rights only when necessary. Separate admin accounts.
Security Monitoring
24/7 monitoring, SIEM for log analysis, automated alerts for suspicious activity, incident response plan.
If You're Infected
Isolate Immediately
Disconnect infected systems from network. Disable Wi-Fi and unplug Ethernet. Power off if spreading.
Don't Pay Ransom
No guarantee of decryption. Funds criminal operations. FBI recommends against payment. Report to authorities.
Contact Experts
Cybersecurity incident response firm. Law enforcement (FBI IC3). Cyber insurance provider.
Attempt Recovery
Check No More Ransom Project for free decryptors. Restore from clean backups. Rebuild compromised systems.
Strengthen Defenses
Identify attack vector. Patch vulnerabilities. Enhance monitoring. Update incident response plan.
Cyber Insurance for Ransomware
- Coverage for ransom payment (if you choose to pay)
- Forensic investigation costs
- Legal fees and regulatory fines
- Business interruption losses
- Data recovery and system restoration
- Public relations and crisis management
- Requires strong security controls for coverage approval