Keeping your organization’s data safe and secure is likely one of the most important things on your mind. This is with good reason, and you’re not alone: cyber incidents such as a ransomware attack or data breach are the number one risk to businesses worldwide.
There is so much that can go wrong, where do you start?
We’ve put together the Top 5 data concerns for security professionals.
1. Ransomware Now Also Exfiltrates Data
Ransomware attacks have taken a nefarious turn by incorporating data exfiltration into their modus operandi. In addition to encrypting data and holding it hostage, cybercriminals now exfiltrate sensitive information before deploying the ransomware. This double jeopardy not only escalates the financial impact but also triggers severe regulatory and insurance consequences. Organizations must be prepared for this dual threat to avoid hefty fines, damaged reputations, and loss of customer trust.
So-called double extortion ransomware is increasingly prevalent. A recent such attack includes the one on “Save The Children,” where over 7TB of data was stolen.
Law enforcement agencies are targeting leak sites such as Ragnar Locker’s, but this could be more of a case of whack-a-mole than getting to the root of the problem.
2. Lack of Visibility and Control in the Event of a Ransomware Event
When a ransomware attack strikes, one of the most significant challenges is not knowing what data was compromised. Without adequate visibility and control, it’s nearly impossible to assess the extent of the damage or understand the potential risks. This lack of insight can lead to costly missteps in incident response and delay recovery efforts.
This also complicated cyber insurance efforts, where ransom-related claims rose sharply in the first half of 2023.
3. Lack of Control Over Files Taken by Ransomware Perpetrators
Ransomware attackers hold an organization’s data hostage until a ransom is paid. In such a scenario, organizations often find themselves with limited control over their data. The threat actors decide the fate of the compromised information, and there is no guarantee that they will return it even after a ransom is paid. Organizations need robust data protection measures that can deter these attackers and regain control over their files without negotiating with cybercriminals.
Many people think that once a file is taken, it is now out of their control. The truth is that using the right data protection solution, you can keep control even when a file is beyond the boundaries of your organization (more on this below).
4. Catching Ransomware Attacks in Time
Ransomware attacks can happen quickly and quietly. Without a proactive defense system in place, organizations may not realize they are under attack until it’s too late. Traditional anti-virus solutions are no longer sufficient to catch the sophisticated tactics of modern ransomware. To prevent data compromise, it’s essential to have advanced threat detection and response mechanisms that can identify ransomware attacks in their early stages.
5. Effectively Protecting Sensitive Files
While organizations often have measures in place to protect their data, the most sensitive and valuable files are often the prime targets for ransomware. Without a robust data protection strategy specifically designed to safeguard sensitive files, these assets can remain vulnerable. Many organizations wish for a “Fort Knox” type of secure vault, but in a virtual way for their sensitive files. The good news is that with the right data security partner, this is possible.
Safeguard Your Data Against These Threats
The evolving threat landscape has made data protection more challenging than ever before. Ransomware attacks that exfiltrate data present a formidable danger to organizations, both financially and reputationally. To safeguard against these threats, organizations need to invest in comprehensive data protection solutions that provide visibility, control, and advanced threat detection capabilities. Only by addressing these five critical issues can businesses ensure the safety of their most valuable asset: their data.
This is where ITsMine’s agentless Managed Data Protection MDP comes in. It specifically covers each one of these scenarios, providing organizations with the top-of-the-line data protection, including against the latest ransomware threats. Here’s how:
Real-time alerts: when an attacker opens a leaked file, wherever it might be
Complete visibility: administrators can know exactly what happened, who took the files, what was taken, from where, and when
Control: critical files can be “killed” remotely, making them unusable for the attacker or anyone else
ITsMine is completely agentless. It can be implemented in minutes thanks to its API-based architecture, and provides advanced features such as:
- SoftwareMines™
- Virtual Vault
- FileGPS
- FileTimeBomb
- Protection for your files from scanning and indexing including the likes of ChatGPT
To learn more about how ITsMine can immediately benefit your business, get in touch with a data protection expert today.