What to Do If Your Organization is The Victim of Ransomware

In the event of a breach, what can you do if you are the victim of ransomware?

This top-level guide aims to provide clear, actionable steps to follow if you find your organization has become the victim of ransomware.

Ransomware, the malicious software that encrypts data and demands payment for its release, has become a prevalent threat for institutions worldwide, and falling victim can be a stressful and challenging experience for security teams and organizations alike.

It must be stated, however, that preparation is the key to not falling victim to a ransomware attack and that having security measures in place before any breach is, by far, the best policy for ransomware mitigation—with investment in time and funds well worthy of consideration for any modern organization.

Basic Anatomy of a Ransomware Attack

Before diving into the response mitigation steps, it’s crucial to understand what ransomware is and how it works. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts files on a device, making them inaccessible, and demands a ransom, typically in cryptocurrency, for the decryption key. It can enter your system through phishing emails, malicious downloads, or vulnerabilities in your network.

Immediate Steps to Take:

1. Disconnect from the Network: As soon as you realize you’re a victim, disconnect the affected devices from your network to prevent the further spread of the ransomware.
2. Identify the Ransomware: Try to identify the ransomware variant. The ID Ransomware tool, an open-source and user-friendly option, can help to swiftly pinpoint the type of ransomware you’re facing. Attackers typically leave a ransom note with payment instructions and may threaten to leak data in a method known as double extortion. This note often includes contact details like an email or webpage, aiding in ransomware identification. Ransomware often encrypts files with a distinctive extension. Identifying this extension can help narrow down the ransomware type. If necessary, delve into more sophisticated identification methods like analyzing the malware’s code style or specific strings. An IT professional or a ransomware recovery expert can assist in pinpointing the ransomware family. Certain actions, such as deleting system files, data exfiltration, or disabling security measures, are common behaviors of ransomware and can be clues to its identity.
3. Report the Incident: As a victim of ransomware, it is your obligation to report the attack to law enforcement agencies such as the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) or your country’s relevant cybercrime unit.

Assessing the Situation:

1. Determine the Scope: Understand how much of your network is affected. Is it just one device or the entire network?
2. Identify Compromised Data: Assess which files are encrypted and how critical they are to your operations or personal use.

To Pay or Not to Pay the Ransom:

• Consider the Risks: It is the general belief that paying cybercriminals only reinforces the effectiveness of ransomware tactics, and there’s no assurance that you’ll receive the necessary decryption key in return.

“In 2023, nearly 73% of companies (worldwide) paid ransom to recover data; however, only 8% of organizations that paid a ransom were able to recover all of their data.” [Statistica]

Global statistics show that paying the ransom does not guarantee that an organization will get its data back, and there is the added risk that it will be targeted again if cyber attackers are aware that the victim of ransomware is susceptible to extortion.

• Seeking Professional Advice: Before deciding, it may be advisable to further consult with cybersecurity professionals who are accustomed to dealing with victims of ransomware and their specific situations, and with specific groups of ransomware attackers, and may have experience with which groups or specific ransomware may be receptive to releasing data after payment, so can further offer guidance based on the specifics of your organization’s situation.

Restoring Your Data:

1. Remove malware/ransomware: Ensure first to eliminate the ransomware from your system to prevent recurrent system locking or file encryption. It is probable that a dependable antivirus program, such as Bitdefender Antivirus, Norton 360, or Kaspersky Internet Security, can effectively handle this task.
2. Use Backups: If you have backups, use them to restore your encrypted files.
3. Decryption Tools: Check if there are decryption tools available for your specific ransomware variant. Try org, by Europol; the Dutch National Police, McAfee, and Kaspersky, who consolidate a variety of decryption tools for different ransomware variants and offer a comprehensive resource for finding specific decryptors.

Strengthening Your Defenses:

Prior planning, as they say, prevents poor performance.

1. Update and Patch Systems: Ensure that your software and systems are up-to-date with the latest patches.
2. Implement Security Measures: Use antivirus software, internal firewalls, consider zero-trust adoption with nano-segmentation or microsegmentation, protection against zero-day attacks, and email filters to strengthen your defenses against future attacks.
3. Regular Backups: Maintain regular backups of your critical data and ensure they are stored securely and separately from your network.
4. Raising Awareness and Training: Educate employees and conduct training sessions to recognize the signs of phishing attempts and malicious downloads, and conduct regular cybersecurity testing and red team exercises. Encourage safe browsing practices and the use of strong, unique passwords.

Creating a Response Plan:

• Develop a Clear Strategy: Having a ransomware response plan in place is crucial. This plan should outline specific steps to take in the event of an attack, roles and responsibilities, and contact information for key personnel and external support.
• Regular Testing and Updates: Regularly test and update your response plan to ensure its effectiveness in a real-world scenario.

Legal and Regulatory Considerations:

• Understand Legal Implications: Be aware of the legal implications of a ransomware attack, especially if sensitive or personal data is involved. Ensure you comply with relevant data protection cybersecurity standards and regulations, and report breaches as legally and ethically required.
• Communicating the Incident: Communicate clearly with your team about the nature and extent of the attack, and the steps being taken to resolve it. If necessary, inform your customers, partners, and stakeholders about the breach. Be transparent, but avoid sharing technical details that could exacerbate the situation.

Seeking External Help:

• Hire Cybersecurity Experts: If in-house expertise is lacking, consider hiring external cybersecurity experts to help with recovery and prevention.
• Consult Legal and PR Professionals: Engage legal counsel for navigating legalities and public relations professionals to manage communication.

Post-Recovery Analysis:

• Conduct a Post-Incident Review: After resolving the incident, conduct a thorough review to understand what happened, how it was handled, and what could be improved. Examine the data logs of any breach and consider what could have been done differently and where the gap lies in your organizations’ protection. Post-attack analysis, replaying cybersecurity incidents, and detailed reporting features aid in understanding attack vectors and bolstering defenses against future ransomware threats.
• Implement Lessons Learned: Use the insights gained from the review to strengthen your cybersecurity posture.

Building a Resilient Future:

• Invest in Cybersecurity Infrastructure: Consider investing in advanced cybersecurity solutions and infrastructure to better protect against future attacks, while consolidating technical debt. Such platforms can integrate seamlessly with existing security infrastructures and EDR agents, enhancing the overall effectiveness of cybersecurity measures without the need for extensive overhauls.
• Foster a Culture of Security: Cultivate a workplace culture that prioritizes cybersecurity and encourages vigilance.

Ransomware attacks can be devastating, but being prepared and knowing how to respond can significantly mitigate their impact. You can navigate this challenging situation by taking the right steps immediately after an attack, consulting professionals, using backups and strengthening future defenses with the right cybersecurity solutions.

Remember, the key to not becoming a victim of ransomware lies in preparation, education, the right tools, and a robust, proactive cybersecurity strategy.