Zscaler is a global cloud security company that provides a comprehensive suite of security solutions that help organizations protect themselves from a wide range of threats, including ransomware attacks. Zscaler have provided a ransomware report for 2023
- Zscaler ThreatLabZ saw almost a 37% increase in ransomware attacks in the first half of 2023, compared to the same period in 2022.
- The most common ransomware families were LockBit 2.0, Conti, and BlackCat.
- Ransomware attacks are becoming more sophisticated and targeted, with attackers now using artificial intelligence (AI) to evade detection.
- Organizations need to be more vigilant than ever in protecting themselves from ransomware attacks.
Here are some of the reasons why ransomware attacks are on the rise:
- The increasing sophistication of ransomware attacks: Ransomware attackers are constantly evolving their techniques to evade detection and make it more difficult for organizations to recover from attacks.
- The growing use of remote work: The shift to remote work has made it easier for attackers to target organizations, as they no longer have to physically gain access to an organization’s network in order to launch an attack.
- The high cost of ransomware payments: Ransomware attackers are often demanding millions of dollars in ransom payments, which can be a major financial burden for organizations.
Organizations can protect themselves from ransomware attacks by taking the following steps:
- Have a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy: This includes having up-to-date security software, implementing strong password policies, and training employees on how to identify and avoid phishing emails.
- Back up data regularly: This will help organizations to recover from ransomware attacks if they do occur.
- Educate employees about ransomware: Employees should be aware of the signs of a ransomware attack and know how to report suspicious emails or activity.
- Have a plan in place to respond to ransomware attacks: This plan should include steps for identifying and isolating infected systems, restoring data from backups, and communicating with customers and partners. (zscaler stock)
How Can Zscaler prevent ransomware attacks :-
Cloud security platform: Zscaler’s cloud security platform can help to prevent ransomware attacks by inspecting all traffic entering and leaving an organization’s network. This includes traffic that is coming from the internet, as well as traffic that is being generated internally. Zscaler’s platform can identify and block malicious traffic, including ransomware, before it reaches an organization’s systems.
Web security: Zscaler’s web security solution can help to prevent ransomware attacks by blocking access to malicious websites. This includes websites that are known to host ransomware, as well as websites that are suspected of hosting ransomware. Zscaler’s web security solution can also help to prevent users from clicking on malicious links in emails or other forms of communication.
Data loss prevention (DLP): Zscaler’s DLP solution can help to prevent ransomware attacks by preventing sensitive data from being exfiltrated from an organization’s network. This includes data that is being stored on devices, as well as data that is being transmitted over the network. Zscaler’s DLP solution can identify and block sensitive data from being transferred to unauthorized locations.
Zero trust network access (ZTNA): Zscaler’s ZTNA solution can help to prevent ransomware attacks by providing granular access control to applications and data. This means that users only have access to the applications and data that they need to do their jobs. This can help to prevent ransomware attacks by limiting the damage that can be caused if a user’s device is infected with ransomware.
Threat intelligence: Zscaler’s threat intelligence solution can help to prevent ransomware attacks by providing organizations with information about known ransomware threats. This information can help organizations to identify and block ransomware before it reaches their networks.