Ransomware is one of the greatest security concerns ever to exist, it can strike at any time — even on the most seemingly resilient of systems. All it takes is one wayward click combined with inadequate security controls to lock down your network and potentially lose critical business information.
According to Cybersecurity Ventures, a new organisation will fall victim to ransomware every 14 seconds in 2019, and every 11 seconds by 2021.
Why is this cyber threat on the rise? Simply put, ransomware remains an ever-growing problem because it is an extremely lucrative criminal enterprise. Targeted organisations often believe that paying the ransom is the most cost-effective way to get their data back — and, unfortunately, this may also be the reality. The problem is that every single business that pays to recover their files is directly funding the development of its next generation. As a result, it is evolving at an alarming rate with new and more sophisticated variants. This makes defending your organisation’s data more critical than ever.
Cybersecurity Ventures predicts ransomware attacks will cost the global economy $6 trillion annually by 2021.
Ransomware has also become more pervasive, in part, thanks to the following:
- Ongoing digital transformation: As more organisations digitise their operations, the number of potential entry points (email, mobile devices, apps) increases exponentially. If a breach happens, infections can spread quickly since it’s more than likely these critical systems are connected.
- The rise of cryptocurrency: Currency, like Bitcoin, enables easy and virtually untraceable payments to anonymous cybercriminals.
- The emergence of Ransomware-as-a-Service (Raas): Ransomware kits can be purchased for a small fee, making it accessible for practically anyone, even non-technical criminals, to use and profit from easily.
Plus, attackers are getting smarter. They know we’re distracted. And where are we more likely to be the most distracted? On our phones! In the 2019 Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report, Verizon found that users are much more vulnerable to social attacks that they receive on mobile devices.
But where do you start?
Lots of questions come to mind. With the ability to penetrate organisations in multiple ways, fighting this threat effectively requires more than one product.
Cisco cloud security offers an integrated approach that provides protection from these cyber attacks for all office locations and users, even when users are off the virtual private network (VPN). Backed by unmatched threat intelligence from Cisco Talos, Cisco’s unified security architecture brings together complementary cyber security products including domain name system (DNS)-layer, web, email, endpoint, and network security.
Email Protection
Cisco Email Security Gateway for Email Security stops ransomware attempting to enter the network through spam or email phishing scams. With industry-leading URL intelligence, AMP for Email keep your users inboxes safe from ransomware.
Internet Protection
Ransomware attacks use DNS to connect to attacker servers and compromise your network. Cisco Umbrella with DNS and IP layer enforcement stops ransomware over all ports and protocols. You can stay protected with Umbrella whether you are on or off the network.
Endpoint Protection
Cisco AMP (Advanced Malware Protection) for Endpoints stops ransomware files from taking your system hostage. While you can’t completely prevent risky cyber behaviour, you can enhance the security of your endpoints and servers.
Want results like these?
“Before Umbrella, I was attacked seven times by ransomware. Since the installation, I have not had one [attack].”
Kevin Hood, IT Director, Habush Habush & Rottier
Take action
Need guidance? Check out our updated Ransomware Defence For Dummies eBook – freshly revised with the latest trends and techniques for stopping ransomware attacks as you enter 2020 and beyond. In five short chapters, you’ll learn how this cyber crime operates, best practices for reducing risk, and practical steps you can take to deploy a new best-of-breed security architecture.
CommuniCloud Cyber Security Solutions
If all of this is sounding a little overwhelming, don’t worry. Here at CommuniCloud, we are experts in cyber security solutions and partner with industry leading vendors such as Cisco, Jazz Networks, Agari, InfoTrust and Splunk. Together, we can create a Cyber Security Ecosystem of both technology and professional services, tailored around your business needs.
If you have questions on how to create a safe remote working environment for your firm or business, contact CommuniCloud.
We offer a broad range of safe solutions that help your business, safeguarding your future and minimising risk.
Credit: Rachel Ackerly |