Businesses large and small are under threat from increasingly aggressive and brutal ransomware attacks. Loss of access too critical files, followed by a demand for payment can cause massive disruption to an organisation’s productivity. But what does a typical attack look like? And what security solutions should be in place to give the best possible defense?
Ransomware – a brief introduction
Ransomware is one of the most widespread and damaging threats that internet users face. Since the infamous Crypto Locker first appeared in 2013, we’ve seen a new era of file-encrypting ransomware variants delivered through spam messages and Exploit Kits, extorting money from home users and businesses alike.
The current wave of ransomware families can have their roots traced back to the early days of Fake AV, through “Locker” variants and finally to the file-encrypting variants that are prevalent today. Each distinct category of malware has shared a common goal – to extort money from victims through social engineering and outright intimidation. The demands for money have grown more forceful with each iteration. And the financial consequences can be severe. The Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Centre reportedly paid 40 Bitcoins (R351 778) to regain access to its files, while the Kansas Heart Hospital despite paying an undisclosed sum, was faced with a second ransom demand and not given access to all of its files.
Nine best security practices to apply now
Staying secure against ransomware isn’t just about having the latest security solutions. Good IT security practices, including regular training for employees are essential components of every single security setup. Make sure you’re following these nine best practices:
1. Backup regularly and keep a recent backup copy off-line and off-site There are dosens of ways other than ransomware that files can suddenly vanish, such as fire, flood, theft, a dropped laptop or even an accidental delete. Encrypt your backup and you won’t have to worry about the backup device falling into the wrong hands.
2. Enable file extensions The default Windows setting is to have file extensions disabled, meaning you have to rely on the file thumbnail to identify it. Enabling extensions makes it much easier to spot file types that wouldn’t commonly be sent to you and your users, such as JavaScript.
3. Open JavaScript (.JS) files in Notepad Opening a JavaScript file in Notepad blocks it from running any malicious scripts and allows you to examine the file contents.
4. Don’t enable macros in document attachments received via email Microsoft deliberately turned off auto-execution of macros by default many years ago as a security measure. A lot of infections rely on persuading you to turn macros back on, so don’t do it!
5. Be cautious about unsolicited attachments The crooks are relying on the dilemma that you shouldn’t open a document until you are sure it’s one you want, but you can’t tell if it’s one you want until you open it. If in doubt leave it out.
6. Don’t give yourself more login power than you need Don’t stay logged in as an administrator any longer than is strictly necessary and avoid browsing, opening documents or other regular work activities while you have administrator rights.
7. Consider installing the Microsoft Office viewers These viewer applications let you see what documents look like without opening them in Word or Excel. In particular, the viewer software doesn’t support macros, so you can’t enable them by mistake!
8. Patch early, patch often Malware that doesn’t come in via a document often relies on security bugs in popular applications, including Microsoft Office, your browser, Flash and more. The sooner you patch, the fewer holes there are to be exploited.
9. Stay up-to-date with new security features in your business applications for example Office 2016 now includes a control called “Block macros from running in Office files from the internet”, which helps protect against external malicious content without stopping you using macros internally.