For the second year in a row, cybersecurity leaders interviewed for the Fortinet 2023 Global Ransomware Report said their top challenge in preventing attacks was the growing sophistication of the threat landscape. While this factor is beyond their control, the next four challenges relate to their organizations’ people and processes.
1. A lack of cybersecurity awareness among end-users
2. Lack of clarity on properly securing their networks against a ransomware attack
3. No clear chain of command in addressing ransomware attacks
4. Difficulty stopping employees from falling for social engineering
With half of enterprises falling victim to a ransomware attack in the last 12 months, MSSPs need to educate their clients on strengthening their security postures and taking the following steps to remediate threats.
1. Invest in cybersecurity training
The adage, “Knowledge is power,” is particularly relevant when it comes to preventing ransomware attacks. Look for training programs that cover essential topics such as recognizing phishing emails, avoiding suspicious links and creating strong passwords.
2. Outsource cybersecurity services as needed
While demand for cybersecurity expertise far exceeds supply, Fortinet offers resources to help bridge the gap. Take advantage of incident readiness and response services and, on an ongoing basis, services such as managed detection and response (MDR) and SOC as a Service (SOCaaS) can help overburdened security teams take full advantage of their implemented technologies.
3. Create a strong incident response plan
A slow or poorly executed incident response plan can exacerbate the damage caused by a ransomware attack. Help your clients develop a solid game plan that includes clear roles and responsibilities, communication protocols and steps for containing, eradicating and recovering from an attack. Conduct periodic incident response drills to ensure the plan is up-to-date and your clients are familiar with its procedures.
4. Implement least-privilege policies
Weak access controls can leave your clients vulnerable to ransomware attacks, as attackers can exploit overly permissive access to spread malware. Work with your clients to implement the principle of least privilege, ensuring that users only have the minimum necessary access to perform their jobs. Be sure to set up multi-factor authentication and regular access reviews to ensure employees who have departed your client’s organization no longer have access to their network.
5. Implement regular patching
Outdated software and unpatched vulnerabilities are common entry points for ransomware attacks. Establish a robust patch management process to ensure that your clients’ software and systems stay up to date. Prioritize critical patches and automate patch deployment where possible.
Take advantage of Fortinet’s free cybersecurity training, which includes broad cyber awareness and product training. As part of the Fortinet Training Advancement Agenda (TAA), the Fortinet Training Institute also provides training and certification through the Network Security Expert (NSE) Certification, Academic Partner and Education Outreach programs.