It is the news that no one wants to hear, much less in your company or work environment, but what do you do when the attack has already happened and cannot be avoided? It’s time to recover. He says the ability to recover after an attack is a good yardstick of an organization’s strength. Here I tell you what are the key points to know if you are prepared to recover from a ransomware attack.
If you are hit with a ransomware attack, the consequences can be dire, whether you are a small business or a large one. Regardless of its size or level of security, no one is completely safe from this threat, which accumulates more and more victims in the digital world every day. But all is not lost; With good preparation, businesses can minimize the impact and recover effectively. Here I tell you how to deal with a ransomware attack and protect your company’s data.
What is a ransomware attack?
Ransomware is a form of malware that encrypts a company’s data and blocks access to it until a ransom is paid. This threat, which continues to increase year after year, takes advantage of vulnerabilities in systems and sometimes human errors. The attackers’ objective is clear: to obtain money from the affected companies. Therefore, preparing and knowing how to act if you suffer one of these attacks is essential to reduce the damage and guarantee the continuity of the company.
Key steps to recover from a ransomware attack
In the face of a ransomware attack, staying calm and following a structured plan is essential to minimize damage and speed recovery.
Isolate affected systems
The first thing you should do when you notice a ransomware attack is to disconnect the affected system from the network. This will help stop the spread of malware to other devices in the company. You can do this by turning off WiFi, disconnecting network cables, or even turning off the device if there is no other option.
Identify the type of ransomware
Knowing what type of ransomware you are dealing with can be very helpful in finding specific decryption tools. There are cases where there are free solutions for some types of ransomware. Therefore, identifying malware is the next logical step before taking other measures.
Report the attack to those responsible
It is essential that your IT team or information security person is aware of what is happening so that they act according to response protocols. Additionally, many jurisdictions require notifying authorities in the event of cyber attacks, as ransomware is considered a crime. Don’t forget that informing authorities can help you access additional resources to mitigate the attack.
Assess the extent of the damage
Once the attack is controlled, it is time to assess the damage. This involves seeing what systems, files and data have been affected so you can plan the restoration. This initial assessment is key to prioritizing resources and focusing recovery efforts.
Restore from backups
Having updated backups is the best defense against a ransomware attack. If you have recent and secure backups, restoring your systems will be easier and faster. Make sure these copies are not contaminated with malware before performing the recovery.
Measures to prevent future attacks
Recovering is important, but preventing further attacks is even better. Here are some tips to strengthen security and prevent a similar attack from happening again.
Keep everything up to date
One of the most common entry points for ransomware is vulnerabilities in outdated software. Therefore, be sure to update your systems and programs regularly to close any possible entry doors for attackers.
Strengthens cybersecurity
A good cybersecurity strategy includes two-step authentication, strong passwords, and the implementation of robust security software. These basic measures help create a first line of defense against ransomware.
Educate your team
Human error is one of the main causes of ransomware attacks. Training employees to recognize phishing signs and cybersecurity practices is critical to protecting your business from future threats.
Apply the 3-2-1 backup rule
This rule consists of having three copies of your data on two different types of media and one of them off-site. This strategy ensures that even if the ransomware affects a portion of the data, there will always be safe copies to recover from.
Recovering from a ransomware attack is not easy, but having an action plan can make all the difference. Isolating the attack, assessing the damage and restoring systems quickly and safely is possible if we have everything prepared in advance. Do not wait until you are the victim of an attack to implement these measures. Staying alert and acting quickly is the key to protecting your business from ransomware and its devastating consequences.
