In a recent report by Fortinet, it has been revealed that ransomware activity has significantly increased since the beginning of 2023. The report indicates that ransomware detections have experienced a staggering 13-fold rise in comparison to previous months. This surge in ransomware activity can be attributed to the prevalence of Ransomware-as-a-Service, a model that allows cybercriminals to easily access and deploy ransomware variations.
The increase in ransomware activity is a cause for concern for organizations worldwide, as it poses a significant threat to their operational viability. According to a study conducted by an undisclosed organization, 65% of companies identified ransomware as one of the top three threats to their businesses. Furthermore, for 13% of these organizations, ransomware is considered the most significant threat they face.
To combat the rising threat of ransomware, several guides and checklists have been made available to organizations free of charge. These resources aim to provide organizations with the necessary knowledge and steps to prevent and respond to ransomware attacks effectively. One such guide is the “#StopRansomware guide,” developed by the Joint Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Multi-State Information Sharing & Analysis Center (MS-ISAC). This guide includes two primary resources: Ransomware and Data Extortion Prevention Best Practice, and Ransomware and Data Extortion Response Checklist.
The National Cyber Security Centre UK has also released guidance on mitigating malware and ransomware attacks. This guidance offers actionable steps that organizations can take to prevent malware infections and provides a roadmap for dealing with ransomware if an infection occurs.
Another valuable resource is the “Definitive guide to ransomware” provided by IBM Security X-Force. This document offers guidance to organizations on how to prepare for and respond to ransomware attacks. Given the continuous evolution and growing sophistication of ransomware variants, this guide aims to equip organizations with the knowledge and strategies needed to address this ever-present threat.
In partnership with the DACG, ANSSI has published a practical guide titled “Mapping the ransomware landscape.” This guide is primarily targeted at general and IT managers in the private sector and local authorities and offers insights into preventing ransomware attacks and responding to incidents.
Additionally, a ransomware response checklist has been created to assist organizations in the event of a ransomware incident. This checklist covers identification, containment, remediation, and system(s) recovery and is recommended for organizations to review and familiarize themselves with before an incident occurs.
For organizations that have fallen victim to a ransomware attack, a survival guide titled “Ransomware survival guide: Recover from an attack” provides valuable insights and best practices for coordinating a response and making strategic decisions throughout all phases of a ransomware attack.
To educate individuals on the threat of ransomware, a comprehensive guide titled “The ultimate guide to ransomware” has been made available. This guide explains the mechanics of ransomware, how it operates, and provides steps on removing it and protecting oneself from future attacks.
Small businesses can also benefit from resources specifically tailored for them, such as the “Cybersecurity for small business: Ransomware” guide. This guide offers essential information on protecting small businesses from ransomware attacks and includes a quiz to test the knowledge gained.
Addressing the international dimension of ransomware, the Cybercrime Convention Committee has recently adopted a guidance note on ransomware. This note highlights how the provisions of the Convention on Cybercrime and its new Second Additional Protocol can be utilized to criminalize, investigate, and prosecute ransomware-related offenses. It also emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in combating this form of cybercrime.
In conclusion, the alarming increase in ransomware activity poses a significant threat to organizations worldwide. However, the availability of free guides and resources provides organizations with the necessary tools to prevent, respond to, and recover from ransomware attacks effectively. By utilizing these resources, organizations can take proactive measures to protect their operational viability and safeguard sensitive data from ransomware threats.