Ransomware Protection is a layered set of cybersecurity controls designed to prevent, detect and recover from attacks that encrypt your business data and demand payment for restoration. Modern ransomware attacks target operational downtime, not just data, making ransomware protection an important part of business continuity and cybersecurity planning.
Core ransomware protection controls:
- Immutable backup and recovery: Immutable backups cannot be altered or deleted, even by an attacker with admin credentials, helping businesses recover data without paying a ransom.
- Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR): EDR software continuously monitors endpoint activity and identifies suspicious behavior, such as unauthorized encryption or unusual file activity, before an attack spreads.
- Patch management: Security updates help close known software vulnerabilities. If critical patches are delayed, then attackers may exploit those weaknesses to gain access to business systems.
- Phishing awareness training: Email phishing is the most common ransomware delivery method. Staff training reduces the risk that a single click opens the door to a network-wide attack.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA): MFA and access controls help prevent unauthorized access to email, cloud platforms and remote access tools, which are common ransomware entry points.
To understand how ransomware enters a network, visit our Ransomware Protection page or read our answer to this related question: How does ransomware usually get into a business network?
