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Showing posts with label Ransomware attack prevention. Show all posts
ransomware attacks
Cyber Attacks Cybersecurity awareness Gaming PC Microsoft Microsoft Security Response PC Ransomware attack prevention ransomware attacks

How to Protect Your PC from Ransomware with Windows Defender

 

Ransomware is a significant threat that can lock users out of their own files until a ransom is paid to recover the data. CBS News recently highlighted the devastating impact of ransomware, focusing on the Scattered Spider group, which caused millions in damage by targeting Las Vegas casinos. While personal computers are less common targets, it’s still crucial to take precautions. 

The best way to protect your system from ransomware is by avoiding sites or downloads likely to contain malware. However, using additional measures like modern antivirus software or built-in protections in Windows can enhance security. Microsoft Defender, integrated into Windows, offers ransomware protection, but users need to enable it manually. To activate ransomware protection in Windows, you must access the Windows Security app. This can be done by searching for “Windows Security” via the Start Menu or settings. Once inside the app, go to “Virus & threat protection” and activate Controlled folder access. 

This feature limits which applications can alter files in crucial folders, such as Documents, Pictures, and others. While trusted programs like Microsoft Office automatically retain access, unauthorized apps cannot modify or even see these folders until granted permission. This restriction is vital for stopping ransomware from encrypting sensitive files. An essential step to further enhance security is backing up your data. Windows Security facilitates this through integration with OneDrive. By logging into your OneDrive account, either through the Windows PC itself or directly in the OneDrive app, you can ensure automatic backups of your important files. 

This provides an additional layer of security, helping to recover encrypted data without paying a ransom. While OneDrive offers convenient cloud backup, it’s also recommended to keep offline backups. These backups are immune to ransomware that might affect your online accounts. Without an offline backup, relying solely on cloud services still leaves a vulnerability. Turning on ransomware protection comes with minor inconveniences, especially for those who save files in common folders. 

For instance, gamers might experience issues with save files being restricted, but this can be remedied by adding specific apps to the access list or adjusting where files are saved. Overall, securing your PC against ransomware involves enabling the built-in features in Windows, setting up OneDrive backups, and keeping an offline backup for extra safety. Taking these steps ensures you’re prepared in case your files are ever threatened by ransomware attacks.
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Ransomware attack prevention
Adlumin ransomware protection Cyber Security cybersecurity solutions Fog Ransomware Ransomware attack prevention

Adlumin Thwarts Fog Ransomware Attack Using Innovative Decoy Technology

 

In early August 2024, cybercriminals launched a ransomware attack on a mid-sized financial firm using compromised VPN credentials, deploying the “Fog” ransomware variant on both Windows and Linux endpoints. However, Adlumin’s cutting-edge technology successfully stopped the attack by employing decoy files as sensors to detect ransomware activity.

Fog is a variant of the STOP/DJVU ransomware family, first identified in 2021, known for exploiting VPN vulnerabilities to infiltrate networks, primarily targeting education and recreation sectors. Once inside, it employs advanced tactics like pass-the-hash attacks to escalate privileges, disable security mechanisms, encrypt critical files, and delete backups, forcing victims to consider paying a ransom. Encrypted files are marked with extensions such as ‘.FOG’ or ‘.FLOCKED,’ accompanied by a ransom note directing victims to a Tor-based negotiation platform.

Network Discovery and Lateral Movement: Attackers initiated network discovery using pings and advanced port scanning tools, mapping drives with compromised service accounts. The infiltration was traced back to an IP address in Russia, with lateral movement facilitated through domain trust relationships and credential harvesting using the ‘esentutl.exe’ utility.

Execution and Ransomware Propagation: The attackers used ‘Rclone’ to exfiltrate data and deployed ‘locker.exe’ to encrypt files, placing ransom notes on all infected endpoints and deleting shadow copies to hinder recovery efforts.

Adlumin’s Ransomware Prevention: As the attack escalated, Adlumin’s Ransomware Prevention feature automatically isolated affected machines, preventing data theft and locking out the attackers. Launched in April 2024, this patented technology uses scripts embedded within the Adlumin Security Platform Agent to monitor and respond to malicious activities in real time. By deploying decoy files, the system detects ransomware attempts early, isolating compromised endpoints to prevent further damage.

Recovery and Recommendations: Following isolation, security engineers restored the systems, eliminating the threat. Adlumin recommends measures such as multi-factor authentication, regular software updates, network monitoring, and employing comprehensive security platforms like Adlumin’s to protect against ransomware attacks. Organizations are also advised to establish incident response plans, limit administrative privileges, and regularly back up critical data in secure environments.
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