Ransomware: Every day, the need and importance of corporations to invest in the safety and protection of their digital files become more evident since the slightest failure in data security can cause immense damage.
When criminals attempt to invade systems, it is essential to have an efficient backup system and thus avoid substantial damage. But that is only useful if your backup has mechanisms to protect against ransomware.
The Data Hijacking
Ransomware is malicious software that aims to invade systems and hijack vital information for companies and public bodies.
In attacks of this type, criminals lock data through encryption to make it inaccessible to its owners, then charge a ransom to return the material.
The word “ransom” derives from English and is the equivalent of our word “kidnapping”: a robbery that still requires the victim to pay to recover what was taken from him.
IPG, for example, did not have the necessary preparation and security for this attack and had to pay the kidnappers to recover their data since, once encrypted, it is impossible to recover them. Already in the invasion of the STJ, which took place at the end of 2020, fortunately, there was a backup against ransomware.
Ways To Protect Your Information From Ransomware
Ransomware can lodge itself in computers after the user clicks on infected files, which can be in links sent by email, attached files and even on sites that, for lay people, can be considered entirely harmless.
So, the first way to prevent data hijacking attacks is to implement stricter security protocols in companies. Training employees to identify suspicious documents and links is an excellent first step. Still, it is not the only measure to be taken, as even the best student can become a victim.
Securing the network with systems capable of identifying, blocking and ending threats before they can create problems is also paramount, as is using data encryption at rest and in transit.
But even with all that, the attacker can succeed, so the importance of a backup system arises. In cases where security barriers fail, copies can restore the integrity of sequestered materials.
Why Use The Backup?
Virtual attacks are getting better planned. Some types of ransomware even require clicks or downloads of executable files.
Criminals already use JavaScript documents, which bypass security measures without issuing suspicious file alerts or even needing administrator permission to run. Fortunately, protection tools are constantly updated and can usually keep up with cybercrime innovations. But what about when they are not enough?
In these cases, backup is the last resort, protecting against cyberattacks, accidents, or human error. It allows the files to be recovered in case of attacks, thus avoiding more significant losses and unexpected stops in the system and the company’s workflow.
How To Protect Your Backup
The increase in cases of intrusions by cybercriminals does not change the old backup requirements, but it emphasizes the need to maintain practices for protecting and recovering essential files.
The perennially and constancy in the backup with single recording and multiple readings help to keep the data intact since, when using this resource, the data cannot be erased, altered or replaced.
In addition, enforcement and retention policies ensure that there is no possibility that someone could maliciously delete files. Additionally, maintaining security best practices also make it difficult for hackers to gain access to retained data.
How To Improve Backup Strategy
In the backup strategy against ransomware, for example, it is advisable to have a network perimeter under high protection, constant data saving in multiple locations, and recovery plans in cases of data hijacking or other disasters.
There are several options for this type of strategy, but the possibilities need to be analyzed carefully. The distance from the storage location to the company and the bandwidth quality for transferring files, for example, need to be evaluated so that they do not become obstacles when recovering files.
Also Read: Cloud Security Is Essential For Organizational Growth
