Infographic: How Does Ransomware Spread in a Network?

Ransomware attacks might be the most famous type of cyberattack as they hold large corporations, governments, and other entities hostage from their data in hopes of a large lump of cash. They’re one of the most common forms of cyberattacks so it’s critical that businesses of all sizes know how they work, how to defend against them, and what to do in the event of an attack.

Mitigating the Risks of Ransomware

The best way to mitigate the risks of attacks like ransomware is to be prepared by having defenses in place to stop attacks that can fully deploy malware across your network.

Get a detailed look at the attack timeline and tactics for ransomware as outlined by the Mitre Att&ck matrix for enterprise businesses.

Here are some proactive approaches to cybersecurity that businesses should implement to stop malware attacks before they start:

- Establish Firewalls as a Front Line: Utilize the latest firewall software to protect your front line. Firewalls help filter out unwanted or malicious traffic before it enters your network.

- Train Your “Human Firewall” in Security Best Practices: One of your strongest lines of defense is your people. Make sure they’re trained on the latest cybersecurity best practices, cyberthreats, and more so they have a better chance of identifying and reporting attacks before clicking on those dreaded phishing emails.

- Protect Your Credentials: Establish strong protocols for the storage of login information so it never falls into the wrong hands.

- Password Management: In that same vein, store passwords with secure password management software and establish strong password creation protocols so that everyone in your organization has long complex passwords or passphrases. Even consider using passwordless authentication options or multi-factor authentication to add another layer of security.

- Update and Patch Antivirus Software: Having the best software is great, but making sure you’re always running the latest versions of that software is equally as important. Keep up with patches and updates to stay protected against the newest threats.

How an MSSP Helps Protect Businesses from Ransomware Attacks

Keeping your staff trained, software updated, and network monitored consistently can be a big task for smaller teams or businesses without dedicated cybersecurity or IT departments. That’s where a managed security services provider (MSSP) like DOT Security can come in. We have all the people, technology, and expertise necessary to be your dedicated security team.

Learn more about protecting yourself from ransomware and how you can build a recovery plan to keep your business running in the event of an attack.