Protect Yourself from Email Ransomware

Today’s digital age is enough proof that we can mistake anything for nobody and send email with ransomware. Bankrupting companies and demanding tens of thousands in ransom, these hacks can be very disruptive. This blog post will be covering the basics of ransomware, one frequently used propagation vector – email – some real-life examples to get a hands-on feel about how it works in action as well and measures you can take to prevent falling victim into this type malware attacks, which are more likely than not going around the Internet now.

Understanding Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware that restricts access to an infected computer system in some way and demands that the user pay a ransom for the restriction to be removed. Normally an attack is followed by a promise to return the data for money, but no assurance that their files will be decrypted again.

Ransomware Key Attributes

• Encryption: Ransomware encrypts the data of the victim so that he is unable to use it.
• Ransom Demands: Usually in the form of a cryptocurrency payment to avoid being traced.
• Scare Tactics: Attackers can pressurize the victim to pay by employing psychological pressure.

Email Attack Vectors for Ransomware

Because it is one of the easiest and most common ways to deliver ransomware, email continues to be a key infection vector. Phishing – The attack usually start with a phishing email that makes the recipient click on malicious link or download infected attachment.

Standard Email-Based Attack Techniques

• Phishing: Malwares spread through emails, which looks like genuine one.
• Spear Phishing: Emails targeting specific individuals or organizations.
• Malicious Attachments: Attachments that execute malicious code when opened.
• Malicious Links: Even if they do not distribute the ransomware directly, they instead use links that are capable of exploiting vulnerabilities to download and install a certain type of malware.

Case Study: The WannaCry Attack

WannaCry ransomware spreading via email is a notable example of ransomware that occurred in 2017. WannaCry took advantage of a Windows bug and was able to propagate across networks with blinding speed. All with the threat of a devastating email ransomware attack on businesses, healthcare facilities and local government entities.

Email Ransomware Attack Real-World Examples

This is why it also crucial to understand previous attacks and be ready the next time. For example;

Locky Ransomware

Incident Description

The attached document was a Microsoft Word file, and Locky ransomware emails were used heavily for businesses in 2016. Ransomware then encrypted their files once macros were enabled by recipients.

Outcome

The outages caused a multitude of businesses downtime and some went as far to pay the ransom in order to regain access back into their data. The attack also once again pointed to the importance of applying more macro security settings and being another strong example of why employees need training, too.

Ryuk Ransomware

Incident Description

Often delivered through attachments or links in phishing emails, Ryuk has been active since 2018. After being activated, it encrypts data and spreads across the network in a horizontal movement too (creating chaos within various folds of the system).

Outcome

Ryuk has been identified to nearly break disaster, demanding sums in the millions and impacting more than a few organizations monetarily. This incident shows once again the paramount importance of not only good network security but also routine backups.

Prevention Measures

A well-rounded cybersecurity program to prevent email ransomware attacks will include technology that can weed out unwanted (and potentially harmful) emails, employee training and best practices.

Technological Measures

• Employ Firewalls: Use firewalls to filter malicious emails and unauthorized access.
• Deploy EDR Solutions: Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions are able to detect ransomware attacks in progress as well as respond real-time without reliance of signatures.
• Email Filtering Solutions: Consider implementing email filtering tools that are able to recognize phishing emails and attachments, preventing them from reaching employees.
• Patch and Update Systems as Needed: Keep operating systems and software up to date, patching when necessary.

Organizational Measures

• Employee training: Organize periodic training sessions to educate employees on phishing and how they can protect their emails.
• Back up often: Make sure you back-up regularly, and store it in on external disk off line. The above mentioned ritual works the charm when you want to recover data without having to pay a ransom.
• Ask for readiness and develop proficiency in Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA is used to provide an additional layer of security by requiring user identification using multiple forms of authentication.
• Phishing Simulation Scenarios: Test employees often by employing phishing campaigns to drive the message home.

Policies and Procedures

• Incident Response Plan: Create and maintain an incident response plan for ransomware.
• Access Controls: Implement fortified access control policies to reduce exposure and impact of ransomware within the organization.
• Email Policies: Implement a policy on the opening of email attachments and links.

Case Study: Successful Employee Training

However, a manufacturing firm that regularly trained its workers to avoid phishing emails caught on and thwarted a ransomware attack. Another employee noticed a sinister email and reported it to the IT services, stopping ransomware in its tracks. The incident highlights the need for regular employee training on ways to prevent occurrences like this.

Conclusion: Remaining Safe From Ransomware

Ransomware attacks via email are increasingly common in various industries. Understanding ransomware, Made in India Ransomware and how it spreads through email can be helpful for organizations to make themselves ready.

Responsiveness in System and Data Backup With Employees being Skilled

• Backup Data on a Regular Basis: Take backups of important data, as ransomware may target backup files.
• Employee training: Regular staff awareness and updated skills programs will be made so employees can identify suspicious emails well ahead to save being the prime targets.

The Rental – Rather Than the Ownership of Security Solutions

Renting firewalls, servers, routers and other security solutions can definitely help enrich the cybersecurity posture of businesses without any incurring major capital expenses. This way rental allows enterprises all opportunities, the more advanced technology right away and to increase their defenses in numbers of times when its necessary even without investments.

Final Thoughts

Protecting email accounts from ransomware is a multi-layered process that involves technology, people training and proactive policies. An ounce of prevention and lessons learned can go a long way in proactively reducing risk or withstanding cyber threats.