In 2021 alone, ransomware attacks cost businesses over 20 billion. In just ten years, that number is projected to climb upwards of over 250 billion, according to industry trends. What’s more, of the roughly 30% of victims that pay the ransom, only about 60% get their data back. If only there were a way to prevent ransomware, and mitigate the damage it can cause. There is, and at InterVision we are calling it Ransomware Protection as a Service™, or RPaaS™.

So what is a ransomware attack, really? Can you protect against ransomware? And what are the best ransomware practices? We answer all of that and more in the following blog.

 

Do Backups Protect Against Ransomware?

Data backups don’t prevent ransomware attacks from happening, but they can help mitigate the damage. The point of a ransomware attack is to infiltrate your data, encrypt or lock it, and then hold it hostage until you pay the ransom. Think kidnapping plots from your favorite action movies–that’s what ransomware does with your data. Once your data is encrypted, it is essentially impossible for you to access it or use, let alone ensure its safety.

However, if your data is backed up, or stored in more than one location, then the ransomware is essentially ineffective because you still have your data. The next step requires having a plan to access and use that data. Think of it like this. Let’s say you needed a house key to get in your home. Then someone steals your house key and says they will sell it back to you for S100. That’s a pretty steep price for a key, but if that’s your only one you might be tempted to buy it back. If you have a spare key somewhere else, however, then you can still get in your house without buying the original key back, and then take additional security measures after the fact. That is why backups are one of best ways to protect against ransomware.

How to Protect Backups from Ransomware?

Having a data backup is great, unless it too falls victim to ransomware. So, in order to protect your backups from ransomware attacks, follow some of these ransomware backup best practices.

1. Have at least three copies of your data, or in other words, backup your backup.
2. Store your backups on different media, including at least one off-site copy.
3. Have at least one backup stored off-line.
4. Back up your data early and often, avoiding long lapses in backup cycles.

 

What is the Best Defense Against Ransomware?

Before you get to a point of needing to use your backups, try using a holistic approach to defend against ransomware. If you want to prevent ransomware, these best practices can help guide your strategy.

1. Use ransomware protection services to manage your backups, data archiving, and disaster recovery processes.
2. Use Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) methods and tools to identify where your security is weakest, monitor potential threats, and continuously update security measures.
3. Restrict user permissions to avoid anyone accidentally (or intentionally) downloading anything from the internet onto their work devices. Even the most seemingly innocuous links or downloads could contain ransomware.
4. Train your employees on the most up-to-date trends and practices in ransomware protection. It’s crucial they understand what potential scams might look or sound like, and how to avoid some of the most sophisticated tactics ransomers are using.

 

In addition to these practices, no ransomware approach would be complete without a few more components. That’s why our RPaaS offerings at InterVision include the following:

• Security Operations as a Service (SOCaaS): Our security team intercepts suspicious activity and prevents ransomware attacks before they happen. Using methods like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and regular immutable backup processes that prevent any outsider from altering your files, we ensure you’re covered 24/7.
• Strategic Support with vCISO: Ransomware adapts fast, so do we. When you use our RPaaS solution, we help your team devise a cyber security roadmap to mitigate business technology risks. During a ransomware event, this same team will be with you every step of the way during the launch of your response strategy execution.
• Ransomware Recovery Services: Disaster recovery is an important component of the ransomware protection process. In the aftermath of an attack, our team works tirelessly to identify and contain malicious activity to prevent further damage and recover what has been lost.

 

When it comes to protecting your business from ransomware and hedging your risk, it’s important to get it right before it’s too late. At InterVision, we have the tools, the people, the expertise, and the desire to help you develop a comprehensive ransomware strategy. Our cutting-edge, comprehensive RPaaS™ lets you outsource ransomware protection to a partner you can trust. We free you up to spend time focusing on your business and less time on phishing emails and spam calls. See what solutions are right for you or contact us today to get started.