Data loss is one of the most common issues in corporate information management. In addition to the various causes of this problem, numerous types of malware have emerged, designed to steal or extort information by infecting systems. To combat these threats, backup and recovery services in Bolivia, like the ones offered by ITD Consulting, provide mechanisms to anticipate and respond to these attacks.
One of the most widespread and dangerous types of malware is ransomware. This threat has grown significantly in recent years, managing to infiltrate even highly secure databases, such as governmental systems. Ransomware is now one of the main security challenges, not only because of its severity but also due to the relentless attacks on its victims. Whether you manage your backup and recovery in-house or opt for a managed service like ITD Consulting’s backup and recovery solutions, having tools in place to defend against this threat is crucial.
General Characteristics of Ransomware to Protect Yourself with Backup and Recovery
Ransomware is a type of malware characterized by encrypting files and deleting the originals, thereby blocking access to data until a ransom is paid. This malicious software is usually operated by a group of hackers responsible for identifying their victims, executing the infection, and extorting them. In these types of extortion schemes, payment is often demanded in bitcoins. For this reason, some companies have allocated part of their budget to holding bitcoins to cover the costs of such attacks.
Due to the frequency and unpredictability of these cyberattacks, it is essential not to rely on a single database but to have a backup and recovery system in place that ensures access to data in case of an eventuality like ransomware. Additionally, investing in managed backup and recovery services, like those offered by ITD Consulting, or opting for self-managed backup and recovery systems can help reduce the high costs generated by ransomware.
According to Oswaldo Palacios, Senior Account Executive in Mexico and NOLA at Guardicore, the average cost of ransomware attacks amounts to $84,000. Furthermore, the latest report from Hornetsecurity highlights that in 2022, 24% of companies experienced a ransomware attack, a four-percentage point increase from the previous year. For this reason, implementing security strategies, such as ITD Consulting's backup and recovery services, has become a vital tool for many companies.
Types of Ransomware According to Their Attack Mechanisms
- Lockers
This type of ransomware focuses on completely locking the system and displaying a message on the screen demanding payment for the ransom to recover the data. In some cases, the hackers identify themselves as law enforcement authorities and extort their victims with false threats of imprisonment. Given the possibility of having the equipment rendered useless, it is crucial to safeguard the information we constantly work with, whether through a self-managed backup and recovery service in Bolivia or by hiring a managed backup and recovery plan that covers us against these eventualities. At ITD Consulting, we offer this type of solution and can provide guidance.
- Encryptors or Filecoders
Encryptors, or filecoders, perform an encryption process on the names and/or content of the infected system. Whether through symmetric cryptography or secret key methods, or asymmetric cryptography using public and private keys, these systems immobilize their victims. As a result, many affected individuals pay the ransom to continue their operations. To counteract this potential paralysis, it is essential to have a backup and recovery system in Bolivia, such as the one provided by ITD Consulting, so that we do not rely on a single source for managing our information and operations.
- Hybrids
Hybrid ransomware utilizes both encryption and system locking to extort its victims. This attack mechanism can be considered more sophisticated and challenging to combat for those affected. In this regard, the backup and recovery system in Bolivia should be managed with short intervals, allowing us to face such threats without causing significant damage to companies and their operations. At ITD Consulting, we can assist you with the implementation of this solution.
Infection Mechanisms to Protect Against with Backup and Recovery
- Malicious Emails, such as Phishing
These emails are sent to manipulate users, persuading them to download and execute a malicious attachment that contains ransomware disguised as a harmless file, such as a PDF, a Word document, or another type of file. Additionally, these emails may contain invitations to visit malicious websites. According to the IBM Cyber Resilient Organization Study 2021, this type of malware attack accounted for 45% of ransomware attacks. Therefore, since the cause of infection is related to human error or negligence, it is advisable to safeguard data security with a solid backup and recovery system in Bolivia, such as the one offered by ITD Consulting.
- Credential Theft
Many hackers focus on stealing the credentials of authorized users, either by purchasing them on the dark web or decrypting them. This way, they can directly access the system and infect it with ransomware. This mechanism particularly targets systems that use remote management. Therefore, it is prudent to have a well-managed backup and recovery system in Bolivia to prevent such eventualities and remember that the ITD Consulting team can support you with this type of solution.
- Drive-By Downloads
Hackers can use risky websites to infest systems with ransomware. Malvertising, or malicious advertising, involves legitimate digital ads that have been corrupted by hackers and can infect devices with ransomware even if the user does not click on the ad. Given that this is a recurring human error, it is essential that security becomes a primary concern for users, and that appropriate protocols, such as regular backup and recovery in Bolivia, are implemented. As ITD Consulting, we can currently provide you with guidance.
If you are interested in more information on how to protect yourself from malware with backup and recovery to keep your business secure, contact us at [email protected].
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