US agency helps businesses prepare for ransomware

Byte-size Bulletin by Rachael Brown in Ransomware, Security on Sep 23, 2021

My Post-4

In a move that speaks to the scale of the ransomware threat, the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) launched a tool earlier this year that tests how well your network’s defences and procedures respond to a ransomware attack.

Note that this tool is designed to complement, not replace expert strategic advice from an IT provider.

This self-assessment tool is a module in CISA’s Ransomware Readiness Assessment (RRA) and is accessible via desktop software. Its assessment, which evaluates according to strict government and industry standards can be applied to both industrial control systems and IT networks.

The tool focuses on the basics first, giving users a foundation of knowledge to build from, before it moves into advanced questions, tutorials and standards.

CISA releases this tool as the National Cyber Security Council (NCSC) continues to be highly vocal about the importance of businesses investing in their security here in the UK. Evidently, both our governments are committed to investing time and money into trying to help businesses to think more deeply about ransomware defences.

CISA is strongly recommending all organisations take the Ransomware Readiness Assessment in order to test the security and safety of their networks.

Why?

Because Ransomware is a growing cyber security threat that has exploded due to the pandemic. This year, the global attack volume has increased by a shocking 151 percent, with the FBI warning over 100 different ransomware strains are circulating worldwide.

The criminals who specialise in this form of extortion are becoming more sophisticated, patient and rampant each day. And with SMEs struggling to keep up, ignoring the risks of ransomware could prove fatal for your business.

Tools like the RRA help support businesses in not only understanding their own cyber security posture but also protecting themselves against the threat ransomware poses to their business.

But the most critical thing a business can have when it comes to ransomware, is have a plan.

Photo by Mitchell Luo on Unsplash