8 Ways to Avoid Ransomware and WannaCry Exploitations.

“The file-less malware leverages advanced tactics and techniques to maintain persistence within a network and move laterally from system to system,” says security researchers at CrowdStrike in a January 25th blog. “This tool leverages persistence mechanisms and propagation techniques similar to those used by nation-state actors.”

“First, WannaMine uses credentials acquired with the credential harvester Mimikatz to attempt to propagate and move laterally with legitimate credentials. If unsuccessful, Ransomware and WannaMine attempts to exploit the remote system with the EternalBlue exploit used by WannaCry in early 2017,” they went on to explain.

Hackers are using a range of techniques from remote access hacking to phishing attacks to infect machines. And, given the hike in attacks, researchers are anticipating that the hackers behind WannaMine will soon evolve their capabilities to go undetected.

While the WannaMine attacks aren’t able to lock users out of their machines as NotPetya or WannaCry did, it does have the power to affect business operations and cause IT systems to crash. In fact, one CrowdStrike client noted that 100 percent of their IT environment capability was sucked up by over-utilizing CPUs.

To mitigate the threat to your business and personal devices, take preventative measures and beef up your anti-virus and cyber security tools. Even if you don’t own crypto coins or are part of the cryptocurrency scene, you are still at risk. Ransomware and WannaMine malware attacks attempt to acquire free use of your computer, whether you’re interested in crypto mining or not. Call your Managed Service Provider to see what they are doing to keep you safe, and if they aren’t meeting your needs, give the experts at Stability Networks a call today!

What Cybersecurity Solutions are Available?

Welcome to our blog post on protecting your business from ransomware! In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is a critical concern for businesses of all sizes. However, cybercriminals often target small businesses due to their limited resources and vulnerabilities. This article will discuss proven methods and best practices to safeguard your small business from ransomware and WannaCry attacks. Whether you are a sole proprietor or have a small team, these tips will help you strengthen your cybersecurity defenses and protect your valuable assets.

Are Ransomware and WannaCry Attacks Preventable?

Ransomware attacks have become increasingly common in recent years, and their impact can be devastating for businesses. These attacks involve malicious software that encrypts your files and demands a ransom to unlock them. Without proper protection and prevention measures in place, your business could suffer significant financial losses, reputational damage, and disruption of operations. Let’s dive into the key steps you can take to prevent ransomware attacks.

What Steps Should I take to Prevent Ransomware and WannaCry Attacks?

1. Backup your data regularly: One of the most effective ways to protect your business from ransomware is by regularly backing up your data. This ensures that even if your files are encrypted, you can restore them from a secure backup and avoid paying the ransom. Ensure your backups are stored offline or in a separate location to prevent attackers from accessing them.
2. Keep your software up to date: Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain unauthorized access to systems. By keeping your operating systems, applications, and plugins up to date, you can patch any security flaws and minimize the risk of ransomware infections.
3. Use strong and unique passwords: Weak passwords are a common entry point for cyberattacks. Ensure that all your accounts and devices have strong, unique passwords that are not easily guessable. Consider implementing multi-factor authentication for an added layer of security.
4. Train your employees: Human error is often the weakest link in cybersecurity. Educate your employees about the risks of ransomware attacks and provide training on detecting phishing emails, avoiding suspicious websites, and practicing safe browsing habits. Regularly remind them to be vigilant and report any unusual activity.
5. Install reputable antivirus software: Invest in reliable and up-to-date antivirus software. This can help detect and block ransomware infections before they can cause harm to your business. Configure your antivirus software to scan files and emails for potential threats automatically.
6. Limit user privileges: Restrict administrative privileges to essential personnel only. Limiting the number of individuals with full access to your systems minimizes the chances of an attacker gaining control over critical infrastructure.
7. Implement a strong firewall: A robust firewall is a barrier between your internal network and external threats. Ensure your firewall is properly configured to monitor and filter incoming and outgoing network traffic.
8. Regularly update your cybersecurity policies: Cyber threats are constantly evolving, so keeping your cybersecurity policies up to date is essential. Review and update your policies regularly to address emerging threats and ensure compliance with industry best practices.

Can You Provide Ransomware and WannaCry Prevention Techniques?

Preventing ransomware requires a multi-layered approach that combines technical measures, employee training, and proactive security practices. Here are some additional techniques you can implement to enhance your ransomware prevention strategy:

1. Conduct regular risk assessments: Identify and assess potential vulnerabilities in your systems and processes. This will help you prioritize your security efforts and allocate resources effectively.
2. Establish incident response procedures: Develop a clear and documented incident response plan that outlines the steps to be taken during a ransomware attack. This will enable your team to respond quickly and effectively, minimizing the impact on your business.
3. Employ email filtering and web gateway solutions: Use filtering tools to block suspicious emails and prevent malicious attachments from reaching your employees’ inboxes. Implement web gateway solutions to block access to known malicious websites.
4. Segment your network: Divide your network into separate segments to limit the lateral movement of ransomware. This will help contain infections and prevent the malware from spreading to critical systems.
5. Stay informed about the latest threats: Stay up to date with cybercriminals’ trends and tactics. Subscribe to reliable cybersecurity news sources and join industry forums to exchange information and insights with fellow small business owners.

Remember, ransomware prevention is an ongoing effort. It requires a combination of proactive measures, employee education, and regular monitoring to keep your business safe. By implementing the best practices and techniques discussed in this article, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to a ransomware attack and protect your business.

We hope you found this article helpful in understanding the importance of protecting your small business from ransomware and WannaCry cyber attacks. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our cybersecurity experts. Stay safe and stay cyber-secure!