[Author] Zhu Xiangdong, Senior Engineer of Zhongyuan Bank
In today's digital age, ransomware has become a serious threat to businesses and individuals. Ransomware attacks can cause data loss, system paralysis, and financial losses. In order to protect yourself and your organization's interests, it is crucial to take a series of preventive measures. The following are some key measures to help you consider taking measures to prevent ransomware attacks from multiple dimensions such as network, storage, application, desktop, and management.
1. Network security measures
1. Strengthen network security protection and implement firewalls, intrusion detection and intrusion prevention systems to prevent unauthorized access and malicious attacks.
2. Encrypt communication, using encryption protocols and virtual private networks (VPN) to ensure the security and integrity of data during transmission.
3. Strengthen access control and adopt measures such as identity verification, multi-factor authentication and access rights management to limit data access rights.
2. Storage security measures
1. Data backup and recovery, back up important data regularly, and ensure the integrity and availability of the backup data so that data can be restored in a timely manner in the event of a ransomware attack.
2. Storage encryption: Encrypt and protect sensitive data stored in the system to prevent unauthorized access.
3. Strengthen identity authentication and access control, restrict physical and logical access to storage devices, and ensure that only authorized personnel can operate.
4. Set security policies. Snapshots can prevent accidental deletion and modification of data, as well as prevent ransomware viruses from tampering with data. If a file is deleted or modified, a snapshot file will be automatically generated, and the original file can be restored from the snapshot.
5. Set up a disaster recovery strategy, establish a disaster recovery environment, and set up a dual-center data replication and backup strategy. The main computer room end is in a readable and writable state, and the backup computer room end is in a non-readable, writable and invisible state.
3. Application security measures
1. Security audit and access control, implement strict access control mechanisms, limit users’ access to systems and data, and monitor and audit user behavior. Ensure that only authorized users have access to sensitive data and detect abnormal activity promptly.
2. Strengthen identity authentication, adopt strong password policies, encourage users to use complex passwords, and change passwords regularly. Consider using multi-factor authentication, such as fingerprint recognition, tokens or SMS verification codes, to increase the security of identity authentication.
3. Security vulnerability management, regular vulnerability scanning and security assessment, and timely patching and updating of vulnerabilities in application systems. Ensure the security of applications and related components to reduce the opportunity for attackers to exploit known vulnerabilities.
4. Strengthen data encryption and encrypt and protect sensitive data, including encryption during data transmission and storage. Use strong encryption algorithms and security protocols to prevent unauthorized access and data leakage.
5. Regular backup and disaster recovery: Establish a complete data backup and recovery mechanism, regularly back up application systems and data, and store backup data offline and in a safe place. Ensure the integrity and availability of backup data so that data can be restored promptly in the event of a ransomware attack.
6. Keep application systems updated and upgraded: Install security patches and updates for applications and operating systems in a timely manner, and fix known vulnerabilities and weaknesses to reduce the risk of ransomware attacks.
4. Desktop security measures
1. Install reliable security software, use proven and reputable security software, such as anti-virus software and firewalls, ensure they are updated in a timely manner, and conduct comprehensive system scans and real-time file monitoring to detect and block potential ransomware attacks.
2. Update the operating system and applications in a timely manner, and regularly install security patches and updates for the operating system and applications to fix known vulnerabilities and weaknesses and reduce the risk of ransomware attacks.
3. Open emails and attachments with caution, and avoid opening attachments from unknown senders or suspicious emails, especially attachments containing executable files, macros or scripts, as this may be one of the ways the ransomware spreads.
4. Click links with caution: Avoid clicking links from unknown or untrusted sources, especially links sent via email, social media, or untrusted websites, as they may lead to malicious websites or the download of malware.
5. Back up and restore data, back up important data regularly, and store backup data in an offline and safe location to prevent data loss. At the same time, ensure the integrity and reliability of backup data so that data can be restored in a timely manner in the event of a ransomware attack.
6. Strengthen passwords and authentication, use strong passwords, and change passwords regularly. At the same time, enable multi-factor authentication, such as fingerprint recognition, token or SMS verification code, etc., to improve account security.
7. Enhance security awareness: Educate and train users on how to identify and avoid potential ransomware attacks, such as not opening suspicious links and attachments, not downloading unverified software, etc. Improving users' security awareness and vigilance is very important to prevent ransomware viruses.
5. Management measures
1. Formulate and implement security policies, formulate clear security policies and specifications, and ensure that all employees understand and comply with security policies. This includes provisions for password policies, access controls, data backup and recovery, update and patch management, and more.
2. Establish a security team and organize a dedicated security team responsible for monitoring, evaluating and responding to security threats, including ransomware. The security team can be responsible for implementing security measures, conducting security training and awareness raising, and conducting regular security audits.
3. Provide employee training and awareness raising, provide regular employee security training, and educate employees on how to identify and respond to ransomware attacks. Employees should understand how ransomware works, common transmission routes, and defense methods to develop safe behaviors.
4. Implement security auditing and monitoring, establish a security audit mechanism, and conduct regular security audits and monitoring of systems and networks to discover potential security vulnerabilities and abnormal behaviors. Real-time monitoring can detect signs of ransomware attacks early and take appropriate countermeasures.
5. Establish an emergency response plan, develop and test an emergency response plan to respond to ransomware attacks. The plan should include steps to recover data, isolate infected systems, notify relevant personnel and authorities, etc. so that quick action can be taken in the event of an attack.
6. Conduct regular drills and penetration tests. Conduct regular security drills and penetration tests to verify the effectiveness of security measures and discover potential vulnerabilities. This helps correct security issues in a timely manner and improves the organization's resistance to ransomware attacks.
7. Cooperate with security experts and professional security agencies or consultants to conduct security assessments, threat intelligence sharing and security service provision. These collaborations can provide deeper security expertise and technical support, helping organizations build stronger security defense capabilities.
Summarize
By taking these key precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of ransomware attacks and protect yourself and your organization’s data and systems. Remember, prevention is better than cure, and preventing ransomware attacks is everyone’s responsibility. Always remain vigilant and work with your team to ensure the security of your business's digital assets and institution.