Blog

The Newest Forms Of Ransomware & How To Protect Your Business From Them

The Situation

Ransomware is now one of the top security concerns for businesses and organizations of all sizes. The City of Atlanta was hit with a ransomware attack called SamSam in March, crippling some important departments like their court system, sewer infrastructure requests, and water billing department.

The attackers who deploy SamSam are known for clever, high-yield approaches. This, combined with the City’s lack of preparedness, explains why the infection was so debilitating.

Experts are telling us that SamSam will strike again. Unlike many forms of ransomware that spread via phishing attacks where individuals inadvertently invite the attack, SamSam exploits IT system vulnerabilities and cracks weak passwords. These ransomware attackers have made $1 million in less than six months.

Keeping all your systems patched, storing data in enterprise-based cloud backups, and having a ransomware preparedness plan can offer real protections against SamSam and other ransomware infections.

Unfortunately, ransomware attacks are on the rise, and as hackers use more sophisticated encryption technology, the threat is constantly evolving. According to malware security firm Barkly, a company is hit with a ransomware attack every 40 seconds. They also identified ransomware as the most prevalent form of malware, with “4.3x new ransomware variants in Q1 2017 than in Q1 2016.”

This eBook details how dangerous ransomware is, how it could harm your business, and what you should do to protect your data.

Part 1. What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) that blocks access to a computer that infects, locks or takes control of a system and demands a ransom to unlock it. It’s also referred to as a crypto-virus, crypto-Trojan or crypto-worm. It then threatens that your data will be gone forever if you don’t pay using a form of anonymous online currency such as Bitcoin.

Most forms of ransomware are spread via spam using unsolicited phishing email or an attachment. Phishing attacks use emails disguised to look like they’re from someone you know and are more likely to trust.

Some ransomware-based applications disguise themselves as police or a government agency, claiming that your system is being locked down for security reasons and that a fine or fee is required to reactivate it. Then it typically asks you to click on a link or attachment to perform a routine task such as updating records or account details. If you do this, a worm or malware is downloaded, infects your system and locks it by encrypting your files.

Ransomware, like SamSam, can also infect your IT system using vulnerabilities in your computer’s browser. It does this when you click on a malicious code hidden in online ads or free software.

Ransomware targets small to medium-sized businesses because they are particularly vulnerable due to limited IT resources. They are also more likely to pay the ransom in the hopes that they’ll get access to their data, although the FBI warns that this isn’t necessarily so.

“Paying a ransom doesn’t guarantee an organization that it will get its data back—we’ve seen cases where organizations never got a decryption key after having paid the ransom. Paying a ransom not only emboldens current cybercriminals to target more organizations, but it also offers an incentive for other criminals to get involved in this type of illegal activity. And finally, by paying a ransom, an organization might inadvertently be funding other illicit activity associated with criminals.”

Paying the ransom only guarantees that the malicious actors receive your money, and possibly even banking information. Also, decrypting files does not mean the malware infection itself has been removed.

No one is immune.

• Temporary or permanent loss of sensitive or proprietary information,
• Disruption to regular operations,
• Financial losses to restore systems and files, and
• Potential harm to your organization’s reputation.

The lack of awareness and cybersecurity training is a leading cause of ransomware.

Part 2. Ransomware Comes in Many Forms.

Ransomware comes in many different forms, but essentially, it’s a type of malware that denies access to your computer devices unless you pay a ransom. The ransomware malware encrypts your data. Once it does this, it can travel throughout your network and encrypt other mapped and unmapped network drives. Because of this, it can bring your organization to a halt.

The ever-evolving nature of these threats makes ransomware very difficult to keep track of. Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) makes it easy for cybercriminals to set up a lucrative hacking scheme. It is provided as a vendor platform on the Dark Web. Unlawful vendors offer hackers and criminals a tool to use to lock down computer files, information or systems and hold them hostage.

Ransom32 is a type of “Ransomware-as-a-Service” that provides any cybercriminal, even those without technical knowledge, the ability to create their own form of ransomware. What makes Ransom32 so dangerous is that it uses JavaScript, and can be used on computers that run Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.

Over 2,900 types of ransomware have been reported, and they’re growing. Here are just a few:

Bad Rabbit 

Bad Rabbit has infected organizations in Russia and Eastern Europe and is spreading throughout the world. It does this via a fake Adobe Flash update on compromised websites. When the ransomware infects a machine, users are directed to a payment page demanding .05 bitcoin (about $285).

Cerber

This ransomware encrypts your files using AES encryption and demands a ransom of 1.24 bitcoins (worth $500). It communicates via a text-to-speech voice message, a recording, a web page, or a plain text document. There’s no way to decrypt files that are encrypted by Cerber unless you pay the ransom.

Cryptolocker

CryptoLocker infects computers that run Microsoft Windows. Like other forms of ransomware, you must pay the hackers to decrypt and recover your files. CryptoLocker spreads via fake emails (phishing) designed to mimic legitimate businesses.

CryptoWall

This form of ransomware has been around since 2014, but new variants are still circulating, including CryptoBit, CryptoDefense, CryptoWall 2.0, and CryptoWall 3.0. Like CryptoLocker, CryptoWall is distributed by spam or exploit kits.

CryptXXX

CryptXXX used additional capabilities including network-share encryption. This means that even if you can decrypt your files, it can still cause significant downtime by encrypting files on your network shares.

FakeBsod

FakeBsod uses a malicious piece of JavaScript code to lock your web browser. It displays a fake warning message and tells you to go to a particular webpage (that contains the ransomware). The message says to “contact Microsoft technicians” about an “Error 333 Registry Failure of the operating system – Host: Blue screen Error 0x0000000CE.” When you call the phone number, you’ll be asked to pay a fee to fix the problem.

Lockscreen

This form of ransomware isn’t new and has been in use for quite a while. It attacks Android devices. However, now there’s a new version that is more powerful and much more resilient. It used to lock your screen using a hardcoded passcode, but with the right code, you could unlock your device. Today the new version is impossible to reverse-engineer the passcode since it uses pseudorandom passcodes. Because of this, you can’t unlock your device and must pay the ransom.

Locky

If your computers are infected by Locky, it will rename all of your important files and prevent you from opening them. It does this through encryption and using the file extension–locky. Now, only the cybercriminals have the decryption key, and you must purchase it from them to retrieve your files. To do this, you have to go to the Dark Web and pay $400+ in Bitcoin.

NotPetya

This is a strain of Petya and was first seen in 2016. Today, experts believe NotPetya’s sole purpose is to destroy data instead of obtaining a ransom.

Petya

Petya is especially dangerous because it encrypts entire computer systems, and overwrites the master boot record, so you can’t reboot your operating system.

Spider

Spreads via spam emails. It’s hidden in Microsoft Word documents and installs the ransomware on a computer when it’s downloaded. The Word document (typically disguised as a debt-collection notice) executes macros that encrypt your data.

TeslaCrypta

This uses an AES algorithm to encrypt files and is specifically designed to attack Adobe software vulnerabilities. TeslaCrypta installs itself in the Microsoft temp folder.

TorrentLocker

TorrentLocker spreads via spam email campaigns and targets specific geographic regions. It also uses the AES algorithm to encrypt files. It collects email addresses from your address book to spread malware to your business contacts, friends and family members.

WannaCry

WannaCry has hit over 125,000 organizations in over 150 countries. It currently affects Windows machines through a Microsoft exploit known as EternalBlue.

WannaCrypt

This computer attack began locking down data on May 12, 2017. It affects Microsoft Windows Operating systems. WannaCrypt encrypts all the data in on your computer and holds it hostage.

ZCryptor

This form of ransomware uses a worm-like tactic to self-propagate and encrypt files and external drives so that it can attack other computers.

Part 3. How Ransomware Infects Your Computers

Ransomware attacks are increasing, and so are the ransoms to recover your data.

You’ll know when ransomware infects your computer because the hackers display a message telling you how much to pay to unlock your files. These ransoms typically run in the $300-$500 range. But, some businesses are having to pay upwards of $1,000 per computer. If you have 25 computers that are infected, that’s $25,000.

Hackers primarily use the following attack vectors to infect computers:

Phishing Emails

This is the most common scenario. A realistic-looking email is sent to you with a link or attachment that contains the ransomware. Hackers will often send a number of these links or attachments to hide the one with the malware. Once it’s clicked the malicious software loads itself and the ransomware infection spreads throughout your files, locking them until you pay the ransom.

Drive-by-Downloads

If you unknowingly visit a realistic-looking website containing ransomware, it can load itself onto your computer. If you use an old browser, out-of-date software, or third-party applications, you’ll be most vulnerable. A hacker can detect a vulnerability and exploit it. When a software vendor discovers this, they’ll release a patch to repair the issue, but by this time the criminal has already done their dirty work. Examples include unpatched versions of Adobe Flash, a bug in Java or an old web browser, or an unpatched operating system.

Free Software

A lot of us download free versions of software. Some are legitimate, but others contain ransomware. They are especially prominent in broken versions of expensive games, free games, porn content, screensavers or bogus software. By convincing the user that they should download the software, they can get past firewalls and email filters. You might not even know that you’ve done this until the ransomware activates weeks later.

Unpatched Software

According to the U.S. Computer Readiness Team (CERT) using unpatched and unsupported software may increase the risk of proliferation of cybersecurity threats, such as ransomware. Microsoft provides a guide to help you keep your software up to date. They recommend that you use feed update functionality to stay informed about new ransomware variants and what you should do to protect your data.

Part 4. What to Do If Your Files Get Encrypted.

Tell your employees to let you know if they experience the following:

• They can’t open their files, or they get error messages saying a file is corrupted or contains the wrong extension.
• A window pops up with a ransomware program that they can’t close. This window may contain a message about paying a ransom to unlock files.
• A message says that a countdown has started for a ransom to decrypt files and that it will increase over time.
• They see files in all directories with names like “How to decrypt files.txt or decreypt_instructions.html.”

Ransomware isn’t easy to find while it’s at work encrypting your files. So, you might not know that it’s happening until the hacker sends you a message. By this time, the infection has completed its job. The best thing you can do at this point is to contain the virus from spreading throughout your network.

Unplug the infected computer from your network. You may also need to turn off all network access for all your computers until you know the virus is contained. Set your Basic Input Output System (BIOS) time back if the ransomware has started a countdown. This will hopefully give you more time to recover your critical files and try to eliminate the malware. You can access your BIOS time through the BIOS Setup Utility on the computer.

Restore your files from your last backup. This is why it’s important to regularly backup your files to a safe, offsite cloud location. Just make sure your most recent backup wasn’t infected as well. If you use a Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) solution, you should be able to do this and quickly “spin up” the DR image on your computer. By spinning up the image in a self-contained virtual machine (VM), you can inspect the DR image without exposing it to your entire network.

Alert the FBI. Don’t pay the ransom. This is a mistake because you still may not get your files back and the criminal will continue to extort you for money.

Unfortunately, recovery from ransomware can be difficult as cybercriminals fine-tune their tactics and become more sophisticated.

Part 5. How to Protect Your Data From Ransomware

ood news is that there are best practices you can adopt to protect your business. The Small Business Administration has these 14 recommendations. Your Technology Solutions Provider can help you with these.

1. Implement an awareness and training program. Because end users are targets, employees should be aware of the threat of ransomware and how it is delivered.
2. Enable strong spam filters to prevent phishing emails (an attempt to obtain sensitive information electronically) from reaching employees and authenticate inbound email using technologies like Sender Policy Framework (SPF), Domain Message Authentication Reporting and Conformance (DMARC), and DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) to prevent email spoofing.
3. Scan all incoming and outgoing emails to detect threats and filter executable files (used to perform computer functions) from reaching employees.
4. Configure firewalls to block access to known malicious IP addresses.
5. Patch operating systems, software, and firmware on devices. Consider using a centralized patch management system.
6. Set anti-virus and anti-malware programs to conduct regular scans automatically.
7. Manage the use of privileged accounts based on the principle of least privilege: no employees should be assigned administrative access unless absolutely needed and those with a need for administrator accounts should only use them when necessary.
8. Configure access controls—including file, directory, and network share permissions— with least privilege in mind. If an employee only needs to read specific files, the employee should not have write access to those files, directories, or shares.
9. Disable macro scripts (toolbar buttons and keyboard shortcut) from office files transmitted via email. Consider using Office Viewer software to open Microsoft Office files transmitted via email instead of full office suite applications.
10. Implement Software Restriction Policies (SRP)s or other controls to prevent programs from executing from common ransomware locations, such as temporary folders supporting popular Internet browsers or compression/decompression programs including the AppData/LocalAppData folder.
11. Consider disabling Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) if it is not being used.
12. Use application whitelisting, which only allows systems to execute programs known and permitted by security policies.
13. Execute operating system environments or specific programs in a virtualized environment.
14. Categorize data based on organizational value and implement physical and logical separation of networks and data for different organizational units.

In Conclusion

The increased incidence and rapid evolution of ransomware have raised concerns and stakes for both small and large businesses. Of everything we’ve discussed here, the two most important things to do to protect your business is to use a solid enterprise-grade cloud backup solution and to provide professional Cybersecurity Awareness Training for your employees. In both cases, your Technology Solutions Provider is your best friend. They’ll help you fight and prevent ransomware and cybercrime of all kinds. Don’t wait. Contact them today.

They are the next best thing to hauling your laptop around to school and on flights, and they’ve become the weapon of choice for parents with fussy toddlers in public spaces. But while tablets have earned their accolades in recent years, that’s not to say choosing one to take home is an easy task. With endless options to select from, it will take some time and research to determine which tablet is best for your unique needs.

What constitutes a great tablet depends on several factors. Aside from function, things like versatility, user-friendliness, and affordability all play a role in how well a tablet is received by the masses. Versatility carries so much weight, in fact, that many of today’s top tablets come with keyboards to offer an experience similar to that of a desktop. These 2-in-1s are all the rage, and if you’re hoping to pick up a new one, you’ve got your fair share of picks. Here are some of our favorite tablets to help you navigate your options.

Apple iPad

The Apple iPad is one of the most revered tablets to date, and the newest version spares no expense when it comes to cool features. Compatible with the new Apple Pencil, the tablet is easy on the eyes with a 9.7-inch Retina display and a small, but mighty A10 Fusion processor for all the power you could want in a tablet. Plus, Apple now carries plenty of options for immersive AR experiences, and at its most affordable price point yet, you can be sure this tablet is one to covet for business and entertainment alike.

HP Envy x2

HP’s Envy x2 model, hot off the heels of the debut of the Snapdragon 835 processor, allows for stronger performance and a load of other features. Fast-charging capabilities, optional LTE connectivity, and a 15-hour battery life are just a few things users have to look forward to in this tablet. From a digital pen to a sleek backlit keyboard, the Envy x2 is versatile and durable, and definitely not one to be looked over if a solid tablet is on your wish list.

Acer Chromebook Tab 10

Created in collaboration between Acer and Google, the Acer Chromebook Tab 10 is a 9.7-inch slate tablet perfectly fitting of its target K-12 education market. The first tablet to be powered by Chrome OS, it features a 2,048 x 1,536 resolution display, and a textured design for easy handling on-the-go. It also comes complete with an EMR stylus, which fits conveniently in its own slot. This tablet was definitely built for convenience.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S3

With a 2048 x 1536 resolution AMOLED display, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 is primed for immersive entertainment. Inside you’ll find a powerful quad-core Snapdragon 820 CPU and a sufficient 4GB of RAM. Its 600mAh battery is good for up to 12 hours of power, whether you’re hoping for gaming or Netflixing. It also comes with a bundle featuring the new S-Pen, which is ideal for creatives hoping to use this tablet for work. All in all, between its power and its potential, the Galaxy Tab S3 is among the best money can buy.

HP Chromebook x2

The HP Chromebook is heavy on both looks and performance. This 12.3-inch tablet is touted as the first detachable Chromebook and comes complete with a base hinge for keyboard attachment. It runs on Google’s Chrome OS and can download apps from Google’s Play Store. Aside from an impressive QHD display, it offers both front and rear facing cameras and includes the new HP Active Pen to make tasks like sketching that much easier.

Dell Latitude 5290 2-in-1

This 2-in-1 is pricey, to be sure, but that’s not to say it isn’t worth the money if power is what you’re after. Weighing in at just 2.64 pounds, the tablet boasts an eighth-gen Intel Core i7 processor and a crisp, clear screen ideal for work or play. Gorilla Glass 4 for durability and an adjustable kickstand are just a couple of the perks you’ll find on this hybrid, and that’s not all. There is also an optional keyboard to make typing a breeze.

Lenovo Miix 630

The Lenovo Miix 630 has a unique advantage over its competitors. It can stay connected all day via LTE, which is enabled by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor. It’s a fresh option for Windows devices, courtesy of a partnership between Qualcomm and Microsoft. And with this Snapdragon processor also comes an extended battery life, upwards of 20 hours. So if you happen to be looking for a tablet to replace your laptop for business, the Lenovo Miix 630 is a suitable option, indeed.

Surface Pro 4

Equal parts tablet and laptop, the Surface Pro 4 gets right a lot of what the original Surface Pro got wrong. Its 12.3-inch screen offers more than enough space for clear, crisp pictures, and its configuration capabilities are nothing to scoff at. From its dual cameras to its loudspeakers and extraordinary picture quality, the Surface Pro 4 is the best of both worlds.

Xplore XBOOK L10

One thing’s for sure: durability isn’t an issue with the Xplore XBOOK L10. Waterproof, dustproof, and drop proof for up to six feet, this tablet is one with plenty going on. It’s got a plethora of ports, including USB-C, USB-A, and Ethernet, with its powerful performance courtesy of an eighth-gen Intel Core i5/i7 processor. And with an ultra-bright display, there isn’t much this tablet can’t do.

Google Pixel C

The Google Pixel C, which many call a solid alternative to the Apple iPad, has a unique design that sees its optional Bluetooth keyboard double as the tablet’s cover. Its made from durable compact aluminum, and boasts a lightning fast performance plus a bold, bright screen bound to make your favorite games that much more enjoyable. If Android is what you’re after, this is simply one of the best.

Phishing is just one of many tools in a hacker’s repertoire and happens to be one of their most effective.  Through phishing, hackers dangle their bait in front of preoccupied employees who would never dream that their PC could provide an open door for a hacker.  That’s why it is so important that employees understand how phishing works, how costly it can be, and what they can do to avoid letting themselves become an unwitting accomplice to a hacker’s attack on their company.

The Nature of Phishing

Phishing involves a malicious entity that sends out emails that look like they are from reputable, well-known companies (maybe even the employee’s own employer) – but these emails are not what they seem.

Sometimes the purpose of a phishing email is to trick the recipient into revealing information such as logins, passwords, or personal information. Other times, phishing emails are used to install malware on the recipient’s computer. Once the hacker behind the phishing attack has succeeded in infiltrating the target system via login information or malware, the damage they cause quickly escalates.

Phishing Can Be Very Costly

So how expensive can phishing be?  Well, consider what happened to a bank in Virginia that fell victim to two phishing attacks in just eight months. Their disaster began when an employee received and opened a phishing email which succeeded in installing malware on company computers.  The malware was able to use the victim’s computer to access the STAR Network, a site used to handle debit card transactions.  Through the STAR Network, the hackers behind the malware were able to steal $569,000 in that one incident alone.

But that wasn’t the end of the matter.  Eight months later, even after hiring a cybersecurity forensics firm and following their advice to better secure their system, the same bank was victimized again through another phishing email.  This time, the hackers again gained access to the STAR Network, but then used the bank’s Navigator system.  Through those systems combined, the hackers were able to credit money to various bank accounts and then withdraw the money using hundreds of different ATMs.  Losses from this incident amounted to almost $2 million.

To make matters even worse, the bank’s cyber insurance provider denied coverage and the bank is now forced to pursue a lawsuit to recover their losses.

The Very Real Dangers Of Phishing Attacks

Phishing wouldn’t be so effective if it wasn’t so easy for busy employees to fall victim to seemingly legitimate emails or innocent-looking attachments.  The malware that was used to initiate the first attack on the bank discussed in this article was embedded in a Microsoft Word document.  Most of us have worked with thousands of Word documents during our careers and have never been victimized by one – but it only takes one time to cost a business millions of dollars.

In this case, once that document was opened, the malware was installed and the group behind it had access to what they needed. The bank in question hired Verizon to investigate both incidents. It was finally determined that the same group of Russian hackers were likely responsible for both attacks.

Common Sense Required

Even the most powerful of cyber security systems is still susceptible to attacks that take the form of phishing or social engineering. As long as people continue to subscribe to the view that firewalls, anti-virus, and anti-malware systems provide all the protection against cyberattacks that a company needs, then successful phishing attacks will continue. Education is one of the forgotten keys to foiling phishing attacks.

Employees need to be taught how to recognize a suspicious email and be given real-world examples of how convincing phishing emails can appear.  They need to be encouraged to view both emails and attachments with a critical eye.  Employees must also understand that, under no circumstances, is there a legitimate reason for someone to ask for their password.

Another aspect of this type of education is making sure that people realize that the targets of phishing are not C-suite executives or IT technicians, but employees from all levels.  Through a connection to the company’s network, any employee’s computer could serve as a launching pad for an industrious hacker’s plan of attack.

Conclusion

Phishing attacks are a reality that must be addressed if a company wants to avoid becoming a victim.  These attacks often result in very expensive losses that may not be covered by insurance.  While the importance of a rigorous cyber security system is never to be overestimated, neither is the importance of employee education.  Too many employees have unwittingly become accomplices in costly cyberattacks because they didn’t recognize a phishing email and never thought they could be the target of one.  The first line of defense against phishing isn’t a network firewall, but a trained employee who knows how to recognize a suspicious email or a questionable attachment.