Ransomware Recovery In Fort McMurray
Your company's data is one of your business's most valuable assets. Cybercriminals know this, so they install ransomware and hold an organization's data hostage. With the ever-increasing frequency of cyberattacks, it's vital for organizations to take the necessary precautions to protect their networks and reduce their risk of becoming ransomware victims.
What Is Ransomware?
Ransomware is malware installed on your system by a malicious actor. Once installed, the ransomware encrypts the victim's data, leaving their files, databases, and apps unusable. The cybercriminal then threatens to destroy your data or make the information public unless a ransom is paid within a specified time frame. Cybercriminals often set deadlines to destroy an ever-increasing amount of data unless their demands are met.
There are many types of ransomware, and the malware continuously evolves as cybercriminals search for new ways to target ill-prepared victims. While it can be challenging, if not impossible, to decrypt files without the decryption key from the hacker, paying a ransom does not guarantee a solution. Often the decryption key leaves data corrupted, and the ransomware usually has persistent features that can hide in your system.
Ransomware is designed to spread through a network rapidly, searching for databases and file servers to target. As the malware spreads from its point of entry, it restricts your staff's access to the files, databases, and apps they need to conduct business. As a result, ransomware can paralyze your organization.
Does My Business Need Ransomware Protection in Fort McMurray?
Ransomware is a global issue that has grown exponentially over the past few years. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), ransomware complaints from January to July of 2021 increased by 62 percent over the previous year. Data shows that ransomware accounts for over 10 percent of all cyberattacks. Additionally, over 37 percent of all businesses around the globe were victims of ransomware attacks in 2021.
Cybercrime is a booming business that shows no signs of slowing anytime soon. According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), ransomware payments reached over $400 million globally in 2020. In contrast, in 2021, the average amount of reported ransomware transactions per month was $102.3 million.
Cybersecurity experts are warning organizations of all sizes that ransomware attacks are increasing around the globe and are more frequently targeting small to medium-sized organizations. The DOJ reports that in 2021, roughly 75% of all ransomware cases involved small businesses.
2021 also saw the continuation of an alarming trend. There is growing evidence that many ransomware attacks are being carried out by malicious nation-states and their affiliated attack groups, creating a new threat for today's business leaders.
While most ransomware attacks are against small businesses, several significant attacks grabbed the headlines in 2021. These attacks are noteworthy not only because of the size of the ransom demanded and the amount of data exposed and also because they are the suspected work of malicious nation-states or their affiliated cyberattack groups. A few of last year's ransomware attacks associated with hostile nation-states include:
- Planned Parenthood Los Angeles was attacked, compromising the sensitive health information of over 400,000 patients, including names, insurance information, date of birth, and clinical information, such as diagnosis, procedure, and prescriptions.
- Colonial Pipeline was shut down for 11 before paying a reported $5 million ransom. The pipeline is responsible for delivering nearly 45 percent of the fuel used on the East Coast.
- JBS Foods, the world's largest meat supplier, paid a reported $11 million ransom to cybercriminals who attacked servers supporting JBS's operations in North America and Australia.
- The Toronto Transit Commission experienced an attack that disrupted services and put the personal data of thousands of employees at risk.
Federal agencies, officials, and security experts expect current trends to continue and urge organizations to expect and prepare for potential cyberattacks. The U.S. government has initiated a program to help protect American businesses in response to the increasing threat of ransomware attacks. The U.S. Government has developed the Stop Ransomware website to provide information and guidance to organizations. In addition, the website enables individuals and organizations to assess their ability to defend against and recover from ransomware incidents as well as report attacks.
Ransomware Recovery and Ransomware Protection for Organizations in Fort McMurray
Recovering from a ransomware attack is challenging. At Corporate Networks, our cybersecurity experts are committed to protecting your business from cyberattacks and potential damage. We have the experience and knowledge needed to protect you from a ransomware attack and help you recover if you are the victim of an attack. In addition, our team can provide you with the solutions you need to keep your network operating and secure.
A ransomware attack can cause widespread operational and logistical issues for your organization. Removing ransomware from affected network systems is a multi-step process that involves:
Isolation of Infected Devices
The key to quickly stopping a ransomware attack is isolating any infected devices. Every ransomware attack has a point of origin. The attack begins with one device, disabling it before spreading through the network, searching for more targets. You can limit the potential damage by isolating affected devices and shutting down those not yet corrupted.
Identify the Malware
Our cybersecurity experts use forensics to determine the origin and type of ransomware used in the attack. Determining the virus type enables us to develop a strategic response plan to address the issue.
Further Investigation
Our cybersecurity experts will determine what files were corrupted and their location. Thorough investigation creates a high visibility level, enabling your organization to limit data loss and remediate persistent threats.
Recovering Files
Ransomware removal from equipment is a critical part of the recovery process. While removal is challenging, once completed, the focus switches to the most challenging component of ransomware recovery, file recovery.
Prevention of future attacks
While recovering from a ransomware attack is possible, it can be challenging and time-consuming. In addition, while you wait for your system to become operational again, you are losing business. Therefore, the best way to deal with ransomware attacks is to be prepared and protect your network.
Corporate Networks: The Leader in Ransomware Recovery and Ransomware Protection in Fort McMurray
At Corporate Networks, our cybersecurity experts use the most advanced technology and processes to ensure that your system operates as it should. We have been serving the Fort McMurray area for over thirty years and take pride in our ability to create cost-effective IT solutions that meet our client's needs. Contact us today to learn more about our cybersecurity solutions and how we can help protect your data and network.
