Ransomware isn’t something that just happens. Ransomware is used to infect devices and networks when there is an error in the system. You will know when ransomware attacks occur. It will be too late.
Ransomware attacks are likely to be detected quickly. Users will not be able to access their data, services may be interrupted or inoperable, and business associates will likely report difficulties in running regular operations. Chris Morgan, senior cyber threat intelligence analyst at Digital Shadows, stated this in an email interview.
Morgan explained that these alarm bells will likely ring along with the ransom notes that attackers will leave behind after their attack. To be completely clear, no system can protect against ransomware. There is no security system that can catch all ransomware attacks. Even if it could, human error could still give ransomware access to your data.
Red Flag Warnings in Your Environment
There are some red flags that may indicate that ransomware is coming to your infrastructure.
Mike Parkin, senior technical engineering at Vulcan Cyber, stated via email commentary that the most obvious sign is when files are encrypted and a ransom notice appears on the screen. Anyone who has access to server-side files will notice the issue when it occurs.
Security teams will also notice an increase of phishing emails, especially emails with domains that have not been detected before within their organization. Cybercriminals are running a phishing push to test your environment. A ransomware attack can also trigger security alerts, according to Bud Broomhead CEO at Viakoo.
These are the red flags that are hard to miss. But Broomhead pointed out that there are subtler indicators to look out for.
Red Flags that You Are at Risk from a Ransomware Attack
Even if you have ransomware-free environments, there are still signs that your environment could be vulnerable to an attack. Broomhead identifies the following signs that your network and data are at high risk of ransomware:
Insufficient training, especially in detecting phishing emails
Security controls that are not managed by IT (e.g. IoT devices) may have blind spots or exceptions.
Cybercriminals can access the entire network if it is breached. Use of Segmented networksBest practice is always the best.
Not having backups of data (and testing those backups to ensure that everything can be restored)
Ransomware gangs are just like all cybercriminals. They know that humans are your weakest link in your cybersecurity program. They will employ a variety of tactics to target victims. A significant number of them will exploit weaknesses in remote services and trick employees through social engineer.
Ransomware attackers are attracted to networks that have a large attack surface. Large corporations have always been prime targets because they offer many opportunities to gain access to the network. SMBs are now more at risk due to remote work.
Morgan said that employees need to be well-informed about safe working practices. This includes web browsing and only downloading approved programs. Shadow IT, also known as non-approved software, should not be allowed. Corporate devices should only be used for business purposes.
How to respond to red flags
Organizations must rely on defense in depth. Parkin advises that user education is a necessary first step to make users part the defense, not the attack surface. It should also be backed up by appropriate endpoint protections to deal with malware infections.
Multifactor authentication, which is a basic security measure, can be a great way to protect your credentials from being compromised and prevent a ransomware-related attack.
Parkin said that hybrid attacks are a shift in which threat actors exfiltrate data and use it for extortion, and that organizations need to take proactive steps to prevent data exfiltration.
Your organization’s security system and weaknesses are warning you that a ransomware attack could be imminent. You should be aware of these red flags, and take steps to correct them before they cause damage.
