3 Novel Strategies to Fight Ransomware

CIO Applications| Tuesday, January 28, 2020

Companies now need to look beyond the conventional strategies to save themselves from paying enormous sums in ransom.

FREMONT, CA: Nobody wants to pay large sums in order to access sensitive information stored in their own systems. However, when bad actors gain access to storage devices and encrypt or lock down the resources, companies have to shell out the ransom that is demanded of them. Ransomware can be pretty crippling for any company. Thus, awareness of safeguarding against ransomware attacks has become fairly common today. But attackers always find ways to override measures. To prevent ransomware from creating disruptions, companies need to take extra, unconventional measures. In combination with the usual safeguards, the below-mentioned measures can help any company fortify computers against bad actors.

• Don’t Just Backup the Data, Segment the Access

In addition to backing up data in the cloud to ensure the minimum impact of a ransomware attack on business operations, companies should also segment the access. By utilizing access control tools, companies should make access to resources dynamic. Due to the different criteria for access, a single attack will not compromise entire systems.

• Don’t Depend Only on Anti-Virus and Anti-Malware, Use Spam Filters

There are several channels through which malware can get to infect a company’s systems. Firewalls and anti-virus programs are essential to prevent ransomware attacks but are not enough. Additional filters that can block malicious emails or pop-ups can provide other layers of security against attacks. Even attachments and software downloads might lead to ransomware attacks. Efficient filters are thus crucial to optimize protection against ransomware risks.

• Don’t Just Ignore, Block Potential Attackers

Many companies suffer from ransomware attacks because of inaction against proven threats. It is not feasible to wait for a threat to result in an attack. Rather, companies should undertake a proactive approach and block unknown email addresses that try establishing contact. Many service providers offer services to block potential spammers.

Investing in the right set of solutions and being mindful of potential ransomware threats can go a long way in preventing attacks. The gaps that remain thereafter can be filled up using the strategies listed above.