{"id":335505,"date":"2021-09-06T15:39:04","date_gmt":"2021-09-06T12:39:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/ransomware-attacks-are-evolving-heres-how-to-protect-yourself\/"},"modified":"2021-09-06T15:39:04","modified_gmt":"2021-09-06T12:39:04","slug":"ransomware-attacks-are-evolving-heres-how-to-protect-yourself","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/ransomware-attacks-are-evolving-heres-how-to-protect-yourself\/","title":{"rendered":"#Ransomware attacks are evolving \u2014 here\u2019s how to protect yourself"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_85 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a3493b1d5c61\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #dd3333;color:#dd3333\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a3493b1d5c61\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/ransomware-attacks-are-evolving-heres-how-to-protect-yourself\/#The_rise_of_Ransomware_as_a_Service\" >The rise of Ransomware as a Service<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/ransomware-attacks-are-evolving-heres-how-to-protect-yourself\/#What_to_do_if_your_company_gets_hit_with_a_ransomware_attack\" >What to do if your company gets hit with a ransomware attack<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/ransomware-attacks-are-evolving-heres-how-to-protect-yourself\/#Why_vigilance_could_save_you_from_the_next_ransomware_attack\" >Why vigilance could save you from the next ransomware attack<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p>&#8220;<strong>#Ransomware attacks are evolving \u2014 here\u2019s how to protect yourself<\/strong>&#8221;<br \/>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/img-cdn.tnwcdn.com\/image?fit=796%2C417&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn0.tnwcdn.com%2Fwp-content%2Fblogs.dir%2F1%2Ffiles%2F2021%2F08%2Fhacker2.jpg&amp;signature=ba4efd22ecad0c477a5756b8f8c3843e\" \/><\/p>\n<div><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A digital epidemic is sweeping across the world at a record pace. Its name? Ransomware.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This year alone hackers cut off heating to homes across the US East Coast after<\/span><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.vox.com\/recode\/22428774\/ransomeware-pipeline-colonial-darkside-gas-prices\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hacking an oil pipeline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, ending in a <\/span><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/technology\/2021\/may\/19\/colonial-pipeline-cyber-attack-ransom\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$4.4M ransom payment<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Another group attempted to<\/span><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/news\/world-us-canada-55989843\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">poison water systems<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in Florida. From smart factories to self-driving cars, we\u2019re becoming more vulnerable than ever to security breaches as companies move towards AI and the cloud.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cybersecurity experts predict that ransomware costs will reach <\/span><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pbs.org\/newshour\/nation\/why-ransomware-attacks-are-on-the-rise-and-what-can-be-done-to-stop-them\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$20B by the end of the year <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and balloon to <\/span><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.zdnet.com\/article\/the-cost-of-ransomware-around-the-globe-to-go-beyond-265-billion-in-the-next-decade\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$265B by 2031<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. As these cyberattacks become more frequent, businesses, institutions, and individuals are at risk. How can we keep our systems safe in the face of ever evolving cyberattacks?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With financial institutions having been one of the first targets hackers began attacking, banks have advanced security systems and teams that have been studying the evolution of cybersecurity threats over the years. We spoke with Lalit Bhakuni, Head of Global Cyber Intelligence Center at ABN AMRO, about how the cybersecurity threat is evolving in 2021, what businesses should do if they\u2019re hit with a ransomware attack, and steps both businesses and individuals should take to stay safe.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_rise_of_Ransomware_as_a_Service\"><\/span><b>The rise of Ransomware as a Service<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Like other types of malware, ransomware attacks use a file or code to infect and steal data. But it goes a step further. Bhakuni tells The Next Web that ransomware is especially dangerous because of its im<a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/social-mediaa\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"1\" title=\"Social Media\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">media<\/a>te and long-term damage to a company\u2019s security and reputation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s double extortion. They\u2019re not only encrypting your system, but they\u2019re also extorting you because they\u2019ve already taken your data and say, \u2018If you don\u2019t pay us, we\u2019ll publicize everything.\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This can deliver a huge blow, not just financially, but also in terms of user or customer confidence.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The rise of digital connectivity and remote working during the Covid-19 pandemic has provided cybercriminals with many opportunities to attack vulnerable systems. It\u2019s no coincidence that the recent spate of ransomware attacks has targeted large organizations with an extensive reach. According to Bhakuni, \u201cCrime groups have been conducting small phishing campaigns targeting employees to get their credentials.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These increasingly sophisticated attacks are the result of cybercriminals banding together as a larger group to target businesses and institutions. Bhakuni says, highlighting a recent cybercriminal trend, \u201cThey have transformed ransomware into a corporate style supply chain. We call this \u2018ransomware as a service.\u2019\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to <\/span><a rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.cbsnews.com\/news\/ransomware-as-a-service-business-model-booming\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CBS News<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, groups like DarkSide (the hackers behind the Colonial Pipeline attack) are even providing what\u2019s being called RaaS, ransomware as a service. These sophisticated cybercrime groups operate like a normal company, complete with marketing teams and customer service. They even have negotiators who can handle comms with the victims on behalf of their clients.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_to_do_if_your_company_gets_hit_with_a_ransomware_attack\"><\/span><b>What to do if your company gets hit with a ransomware attack<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, in the worst-case scenario of a devastating ransomware attack, should you pay the ransom? The answer is a defiant \u201cNo,\u201d from Bhakuni, who says paying cybercriminals could set a dangerous precedent for repeat attacks. He also warns against negotiating with attackers and says the best response is preventing an attack in the first place.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Any organisation has to consider that either today or tomorrow, they could be a victim.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Preparing for a ransomware attack is the best form of defense, according to cybersecurity experts. \u201cBusinesses need to prepare backup solutions and make sure that all these things are tested,\u201d suggests Bhakuni. \u201cThey have to follow a standard operating protocol which should be built into their policies because the policies will [act as a] guide.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bhakuni says there are several ways to protect yourself from a potential ransomware attack as a computer user at home. Antivirus software is an excellent initial line of defence, alongside other measures. \u201cIf you have no other means, make sure that your personal and sensitive files are encrypted and password-protected, and not something like \u2018my favorite password\u2019 or \u2018password123\u2019 because those are easily crackable.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reducing the risk of data exposure is one way to prevent cyber attackers from grabbing your most valuable digital assets, according to Bhakuni. \u201cThese days, a lot of home users store their critical files or photos in a separate NAS storage.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_vigilance_could_save_you_from_the_next_ransomware_attack\"><\/span><b>Why vigilance could save you from the next ransomware attack<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the growing threat of ransomware, businesses and individuals can\u2019t afford to rest on their laurels. Being proactive rather than reactive is necessary in today\u2019s climate. Understanding the magnitude of the threat is vital in the fight against cybercrime.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cOne of our priorities is to understand our threat adversaries and to build a defence against it,\u201d Bhakuni explains. \u201cIt\u2019s exciting because we have more than 400+ people in our CISO department with the same objective. It\u2019s a continuous learning <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/download-scripts-themes-apps\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"9\" title=\"Download Scripts &amp; Themes &amp; Apps\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">app<\/a>roach. You have to continuously develop new tools, and continuously know who your adversary is and how they\u2019re going to target you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Although cybercriminals are becoming more advanced in extorting victims, cybersecurity professionals are also innovating in their approach. <\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/technology\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"4\" title=\"Technology\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Technology<\/a> is advancing on both sides, so it\u2019s a cat and mouse <a href=\"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/category\/game\/\" data-internallinksmanager029f6b8e52c=\"7\" title=\"Game\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">game<\/a> that we\u2019re playing.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bhakuni says technologies like machine learning will be helpful in the future fight against ransomware attacks. \u201c<\/span>I see it on a global scale, especially on a lot of products, but machine learning also has disadvantages because these criminals are also learning these things, and they will certainly find some sort of loopholes in that as well.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Self-healing cybersecurity software, based on the human body\u2019s immune system, is another new technology ABN AMRO, along with several other partners, have recently deployed to fight cybercrime.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staying knowledgeable about new attacks and continuing to develop an understanding of the ransomware landscape is a necessity. Even when you think you\u2019re covered, Bhakuni says it\u2019s best to confirm and avoid any nasty surprises down the road. <\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes I see organisations claim, \u2018Yes, we have the world\u2019s best class security.\u2019 But did you ever test that security? If not, who knows?<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It comes down to using the tools that are available, staying alert, continuing to develop your strategy, and making sure you stay ahead of the cyber criminals. While the scale of the situation might be different in your circumstance, the same principles can still apply. Safety first \u2013 especially online.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<blockquote><p><strong><span style=\"color: #ff6600;\">If you liked the article, do not forget to share it with your friends. Follow us on\u00a0<span style=\"color: #ff0000;\"><a style=\"color: #ff0000;\" href=\"https:\/\/news.google.com\/publications\/CAAqBwgKMLG0nwswvr63Aw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Google News<\/a><\/span>\u00a0too, click on the star and choose us from your favorites.<\/span><\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">For forums sites go to <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/forum.buradabiliyorum.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Forum.BuradaBiliyorum.Com<\/a><\/span><\/strong>\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<blockquote>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><strong>If you want to read more like this article, you can visit our <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/en.buradabiliyorum.com\/technology\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Technology category.<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p><span style=\"color: black;\"><a style=\"color: #ff9900;\" href=\"https:\/\/thenextweb.com\/news\/ransomware-attacks-are-evolving-heres-how-to-protect-yourself\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;#Ransomware attacks are evolving \u2014 here\u2019s how to protect yourself&#8221; A digital epidemic is sweeping across the world at a record pace. Its name? Ransomware.\u00a0 This year alone hackers cut off heating to homes across the US East Coast afterhacking an oil pipeline, ending in a $4.4M ransom payment. Another group attempted topoison water systems&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":335506,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"https:\/\/img-cdn.tnwcdn.com\/image\/tnw?filter_last=1&fit=1280,640&url=https:\/\/cdn0.tnwcdn.com\/wp-content\/blogs.dir\/1\/files\/2021\/08\/hacker2.jpg&signature=09a78b6469e45bba318f50f16e6053a7","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-335505","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-technology"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/335505","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=335505"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/335505\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/335506"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=335505"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=335505"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/buradabiliyorum.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=335505"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}