NO! says Fujifilms to Ransom Demands – Find out how to keep your business protected from Ransomware
The famous Photographic film company, Fujifilm Corporation has confirmed that it had suffered from a Ransomware attack that disrupted it’s business operations. On 1st June 2021, the company took a decision to shut down all networks and servers in the US, Europe, Africa and the Middle East to investigate the extent and scale of the Ransomware attack.
Though details of the amount demanded by the Ransomware gang have not been revealed, Fujifilm Corporation decided not to pay any ransom demand. When asked if the company had sufficient backups in place to restore, the Fujifilm spokesperson said: “Fujifilm does have backups in place as a part of it’s normal operation procedure aligned with its policy.”
Fujifilm’s decision to not pay the ransom demand is not a light decision to take. Ransomware gangs often threaten companies to sell data if payments are not made. Though it’s not clear if the gang had stolen Fujifilm data from the affected network, it’s important to learn and recognise that Fujifilm’s brave decision to stand up against the Ransomware gang was down to the fact that they had a back-up plan.
When companies are caught in Ransomware attacks, out of panic, it’s very easy for owners to pay Ransomware demands. But there are things businesses can do to ensure that they never have to fear for their data being leaked, or disruptions to business operations in the event of a Ransomware attack.
Tips on how to keep your business data Ransomware Proof
1. Secure Email and Web gateways
Firewall and Endpoint security solutions are the first line defenders in preventing Ransomware from gaining access to your organisation. Having multiple layers of protection will make it difficult for unauthorised access.
2. Introduce Constant Monitoring
When introducing protective solutions you will also need to audit them on a regular basis to assess any potential gaps. It’s important to scan for vulnerabilities, and patch them up quickly before Ransomware can seep in.
3. Introduce Security Awareness Training
Whilst Firewalls and Anti-Virus protection can only go so far. Introducing Security Awareness training into the organisation significantly reduces the risk of your staff making mistakes. There are many security awareness solutions that can turn staff into a Human Firewall.
4. Back up and Recovery processes
Always back up your business data on the cloud. If devices get locked as a result of Ransomware, at least your business will be able to operate with latest back ups that are on the cloud. By having backups in place, it also means you never have to worry about paying ransom demands.
5. Use Multi-Factor Authentication
Always protect your accounts with complex passwords that are protected by an extra layer of Multi-Factor authentication. This having multi-factor authentication in place, it will make things harder for attack to obtain and use stolen credentials.
Ransomware attacks can disrupt business operations, make critical infrastructures unusable and damage any businesses’ reputation. However, by taking steps to prepare any business to prevent, detect and respond to Ransomware will help you in the long run.