Ransomware Removal and Prevention | Cookeville, TN

Know how a ransomware attack happens to be best prepared

Ransomware attacks are not just random events. They target specific companies. When a business falls victim to a ransomware attack like Ryuk, a criminal has already done research on the organization and found weaknesses. They then abuse those weaknesses and force the company to send them money. And they won’t go away quietly!

Once cybercriminals pick their target, they usually launch an “advanced persistent threat.” They will send multiple attacks using advanced tools, often over days or weeks. They will search different parts of your business and test any weaknesses they find.

If they see an opening, they will use a blend of ransomware to enter your network and plant “bots” wherever they can. Then they probe undetected while they look for the best data to steal.
An important takeaway: You and your IT department may be unaware you are a target until an attack is underway.
You may only know for sure when you get an email demanding a ransom. The intruder will send proof they’ve entered your network, downloaded a copy of your data and encrypted your original data (if it still exists).

An important takeaway: You and your IT department may be unaware you are a target until an attack is underway.

You may only know for sure when you get an email demanding a ransom. The intruder will send proof they’ve entered your network, downloaded a copy of your data and encrypted your original data (if it still exists).

How do you remove ransomware from your system?

By the time you discover you have ransomware, you have only a few choices:

1. Fix the problem. Isolate the infected systems from your network. Don’t shut them down. Have an IT security expert find the issues, correct them and remove all the ransomware parts. Restart your systems and restore your data from a clean backup copy.

2. Pay the ransom. Even if you pay though, the crooks still may not unlock your data. They could just sell it on the dark web.

Ransomware prevention is key.

A good prevention program has many parts. These practices are not only good for security hygiene, but they also enhance your IT network’s performance, reliability and resilience.

Benefit from having one of our security experts help develop the right ransomware prevention program for your company. Here are the main parts of a prevention program:

3. Find and assess risks: Evaluate each system component. Create a baseline for each device, system and software on your network.

4. Retire outdated devices: Upgrade any end-of-life systems or obsolete software that cannot cope with today’s environment.

5. Patch and upgrade: Ensure all devices have the latest operating software, current security versions and virus definitions.

6. Enhance training and awareness: Many ransomware and security breaches start with an employee’s mistake. They may click a link in an email or give access to the wrong person. Employee training must be an ongoing program, not just once or twice a year.

7. Perform backups: Ensure your systems and data protections back up your data often. Backups are critical for restoring your data if a breach does occur.

8. Enact business continuity and disaster recovery plans: Investing in a good continuity plan will help you prepare for unexpected events. It’s crucial to lessen a breach’s impact and reduce recovery time.

9. Plan for incident response: Despite all your efforts, you only have to get it wrong one time. Have a tested method to detect, respond and recover from a problem quickly.

10. Test and practice: These include penetration tests and social engineering exercises. You need to maintain a steady program to verify that your protections are working and to keep your team alert for potential new threats.