File-encrypting ransomware is now one of the main UK cybersecurity threats. Rather than stealing sensitive corporate data, criminals have taken to locking it with powerful encryption to prevent businesses from performing day to day functions. Without access to data, business often grinds to a halt.
Ransomware is nothing new, but over the past few years it has become much more popular with cybercriminals who are increasingly targeting businesses. If criminals can succeed in breaching businesses’ security defenses and locking critical files, a ransom can be demanded in order to supply security keys to unlock the encryption. If no viable backup copy exists, businesses may be left with no alternative but to give in to attackers’ demands. Those demands include sizable payments in Bitcoin – A virtually anonymous currency.
Ransomware attacks in the United States have attracted the headlines, but across the pond, ransomware attacks on UK businesses have also been increasing. According to the latest research from ESET, ransomware is now one of the main UK cybersecurity threats accounting for more than a quarter of threats. In the week of April 19 to 26, 26.16% of threats involved ransomware.
How to Block Ransomware Infections
Unfortunately, there is no single method of blocking ransomware infections that is 100% effective, although by using a multi-layered approach, small to medium-sized businesses can greatly reduce the probability of ransomware being installed on their computers and networks.
Ransomware is installed via a number of different methods, although one of the most common methods of ransomware delivery is spam email. Spam email is used to send out malicious attachments that install malware, which in turn installs ransomware on computers. One of the most common methods of infection is Word documents containing malicious macros.
Attackers also use emails containing malicious links. End users are enticed to click those links using social engineering techniques. One click is often all that is required to install ransomware. While it is possible to train employees to be more security aware, all it takes is for one member of staff to install malware for a network to be encrypted. The latest strains of ransomware are capable of encrypting files on single computers, connected USB drives, and network drives. It is important to provide staff training, but a software solution should also be used to block spam emails and prevent them from being delivered.
SpamTitan can keep an organization well protected from malware and ransomware infections. SpamTitan uses two leading anti-virus engines – Bitdefender and ClamAV – to block the vast majority of spam email. SpamTitan detects and blocks 99.98% of spam email, which prevents end users’ spam and phishing email detection skills from being put to the test.
SpamTitan blocks malicious emails, infected email attachments, and links to phishing websites and sites where drive-by downloads of malware take place. This single software solution can help organization mitigate the risk from many of the main UK cybersecurity threats.
If you want to block ransomware and malware and reduce the time your employees spend sifting through spam email, contact the sales team today for further information or sign up for a free SpamTitan trial.