4 Ways to Stay Ahead of a Ransomware Threat

If you’ve been keeping up with the news lately, you’ve probably noticed the spike in ransomware attacks. And trust, this stuff is no joke. It really doesn't matter whether you're a small business in Los Angeles or a large enterprise, ransomware doesn’t discriminate.

So today, let’s talk about how to stay ahead of the ever-evolving ransomware game. With some of the most notorious groups (I’m talking LockBit, Play, BlackBasta, Akira, and 8Base) taking the cyber world into their own hands, you need to stay sharp. These cybercrime syndicates are not messing around, and they’re coming for businesses of all sizes.

Let’s break down what’s happening and what you can do to protect yourself.

The Usual Suspects: Ransomware Groups to Watch Out For

1. LockBit These guys are like the Avengers of the ransomware world—they’re organized, resourceful, and they hit hard. Their latest variant, LockBit Green, targets both Windows and Linux systems. The more platforms they can attack, the more industries they can disrupt. Pro Tip: Ensure your backups are segmented and untouchable, especially for cross-platform environments. If you’ve got Linux and Windows servers, don’t leave one more exposed than the other!
2. Play They’re opportunists who love taking advantage of outdated systems and weak employee training (watch out for those phishing emails!). They steal your data before they even encrypt it, hitting you with a one-two punch. Pro Tip: Implement advanced endpoint detection (EDR) and patch your systems. Oh, and maybe give your employees a little refresher on spotting suspicious emails. One click is all it takes for Play to ruin your day.
3. BlackBasta They’ve got a particular fondness for hitting high-impact industries like healthcare and finance. And they love using dual-extortion techniques—encrypt your data and leak it if you don’t pay up. Pro Tip: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is your friend here. If you’re not using MFA, it’s like leaving the door unlocked and the welcome mat out.
4. Akira This group is focused on small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), exploiting weaker security. SMBs are often overlooked but easy prey for groups like Akira. Pro Tip: Lock down your Remote Desktop Protocols (RDP) and monitor your network for unusual activity. Trust me, the sooner you catch it, the better off you’ll be.
5. 8Base New but super aggressive, 8Base is all about hitting as many targets as possible. Their ‘spray and pray’ technique means they’re not picky—they’ll go after anyone they can. Pro Tip: Constantly update your software and security configurations. Just because you’re small doesn’t mean you’re safe.

So, How Do You Stay Ahead of Ransomware?

The thing about ransomware is that it’s always evolving, and that means your defense strategy has to evolve too. Here are some top tips to help you stay ahead of these bad actors:

1. Cross-Platform Security: If you’re running both Windows and Linux, you need to ensure that both are equally secured. Ransomware groups like LockBit are targeting both, so don’t leave one side exposed.

2. Advanced Endpoint Detection: Invest in EDR solutions that can catch ransomware in the early stages. The faster you detect data exfiltration or encryption attempts, the faster you can act.

3. Patch Management: No one likes patching (it’s like flossing for IT systems), but it’s crucial. Make sure your systems are up to date, especially when it comes to remote access protocols like RDPs and VPNs.

4. Supply Chain Vigilance: SMBs, you’re not off the hook! In fact, you’re prime targets because your defenses might not be as strong as larger companies. Don’t let that be your weak link.

Need Help?

Ransomware isn’t going anywhere, but that doesn’t mean you have to face it alone. If you need a hand setting up better defenses or just want to make sure your company isn’t next on some hacker’s hit list, give us a shout. STG Infotech has your back.

Let’s make sure you’re not just playing defense but staying ahead of the game.

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