10 Best Practices of Ransomware Protection and Prevention

Ransomware protection, as well as ransomware prevention, are considered key components of contemporary cybersecurity solutions. Why? 

Ransomware attacks and breaches have risen 11 to seconds USD globally to 4.88 million the cost average, which is a 10% increase from the previous year, according to IBM’s 2024 Data Breach Report. This sharp increase affects an organization’s financial and business operations, especially in sectors such as healthcare, where the costliest breaches have been estimated to be $9.77 million.

The growing complexity of cyber-attacks, exemplified by the phenomenon of “double extortion,” which combines data encryption and theft, highlights the necessity for robust cybersecurity measures. Thus, risks can be prevented with strategies such as multi-layered defenses, including endpoint detection, network detection, and offline backups. 

In the future, the application of immutable storage, proactive metadata-based file monitoring, and cooperation with law enforcement will be considered new ways to prevent ransomware attacks.

How Does Ransomware Attack

Ransomware attacks often penetrate networks using vectors such as phishing emails, remote desktop protocol (RDP) vulnerabilities, and malicious websites. 

Phishing emails are still the primary way of entering a network, and attackers’ emails are becoming increasingly realistic. The intention is to make the victim click on the link or open the attachment that contains the malware. These attacks prey on trust and are, therefore, potent against employees who may not be well versed in security measures that are put in place​. 

On the other hand, RDP vulnerabilities are another significant attack route, where unsecured or improperly configured RDP ports provide attackers with direct access to organizational systems. For instance, brute-forcing weak RDP credentials often serves as a gateway for ransomware like REvil.

Additionally, websites that contain exploit kits are another way of infecting users through drive-by downloads or unpatched browsers that install ransomware, such as Maze. 

Now, let’s look at some examples from the recent ransomware attacks to demonstrate the destructive nature of ransomware. 

In 2023, the Clop ransomware gang took advantage of vulnerabilities in the MOVEit Transfer software, which affected many organizations in the financial services, healthcare, AEC and other sectors​. Likewise, LockBit, which is considered to be the most active ransomware operator, struck the industrial sectors and led to a shutdown that required millions of dollars to restore.

About Ransomware Protection and Prevention

Ransomware protection and prevention are distinct but complementary strategies aimed at safeguarding data and systems. Protection focuses on minimizing damage during an attack, while prevention aims to block threats before they infiltrate.

By details, ransomware protection includes measures like maintaining offline, encrypted backups and deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions.

These safeguards ensure critical data can be restored quickly without paying ransoms, reducing average breach costs by millions​. In one example, CryptoSpike integrates directly with storage systems to block malicious file access, offering last-chance protection when other defenses fail​.

Meanwhile, ransomware prevention focuses on proactively addressing vulnerabilities that ransomware exploits. This includes regular patching, disabling unused RDP ports, and educating employees about phishing risks.

Advanced strategies, such as zero-trust architecture, limit attackers’ ability to move laterally within networks, while automated tools like AI-driven detection systems shorten response times, mitigating potential damage​.

Benefits of Ransomware Protection and Prevention

Protecting Business from Rising Threats

The benefits of ransomware protection and prevention include shielding businesses from the surging frequency and cost of attacks.

According to IBM’s 2024 report, ransomware incidents now occur every 11 seconds globally, with an average breach costing USD 4.88 million. Operational disruptions, which can paralyze critical services for weeks, compound this financial strain.

Small businesses are especially vulnerable to the surging frequency and cost of ransomware attacks. To better understand these risks, you can explore “Common Cybersecurity Threats for Small Businesses: What Need to Know for actionable strategies to protect your operations.”

So, organizations lacking robust defenses face heightened risks of extortion and reputational damage, especially as attackers employ sophisticated tactics like double extortion​. That’s why protection measures such as automated threat detection and offline backups reduce these vulnerabilities.

Compliance Requirements

Protecting and preventing ransomware is vital to ensuring compliance with GDPR and HIPAA standards. Failure to comply will result in severe penalties, including fines of up to 4% of annual revenue under GDPR.

Meeting these requirements is not just about avoiding fines. It is essential for strengthening data governance and building customer trust. Implementing measures such as zero-trust architecture and AI-driven monitoring ensures compliance by guaranteeing the security of sensitive information. 

Avoiding Downtime

Ransomware protection ensures uninterrupted business operations by mitigating the impact of attacks. Downtime from breaches averages 22 days, costing businesses millions in lost productivity and customer trust​. Preventive measures like endpoint detection systems and regular patching block entry points, minimizing disruptions.

Backup solutions and rapid recovery frameworks further enhance resilience, enabling organizations to restore systems without prolonged outages. With industries like healthcare, AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction), and finance relying on 24/7 availability, ransomware defenses play a critical role in maintaining service continuity.

Best Practices for Ransomware Protection and Prevention

Complete File Encryption

Complete file encryption is one of the most effective strategies for protecting and preventing ransomware, as it secures information in the network regardless of the intrusion. File encryption involves using encryption algorithms like AES-256, where files are converted into strings of codes, making it difficult for anyone to read them.

The Queensland Government’s ransomware guidelines state that encrypted files remain safe even during double extortion, thus minimizing the chances of data being used against the organization. Encryption also helps in meeting compliance requirements such as GDPR and protects the company’s intellectual property, which is estimated to be valued at $173 per record if leaked, as noted in IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2024.

Conduct Regular IT Risk Assessments

Conducting regular IT risk assessments allows organisations to identify vulnerabilities that ransomware exploits, such as unpatched systems or exposed RDP ports. Risk assessments, recommended by CISA and the Australian Cyber Security Centre, often uncover outdated practices and weak credentials, which are frequent entry points for ransomware​.

These ransomware prevention strategies also evaluate the effectiveness of existing defences, like endpoint detection systems and backup configurations. IBM reports reveal that breaches involving stolen credentials took an average of 292 days to identify and contain, highlighting the need for proactive assessments.

Backup Critical Data Frequently

Backing up critical data frequently is one of ransomware protection best practices, ensuring that businesses can restore operations without paying ransom. IBM’s 2024 report notes that businesses face average recovery costs of over USD 4.88 million. Now, consider this: if there is no backup, is the loss bigger or smaller?

Deploy Endpoint Protection Solutions

Deploying endpoint protection solutions helps detect and prevent ransomware at its entry point. Modern solutions integrate advanced detection methods, such as behavioural analysis and machine learning, to identify threats before they spread. For example, organisations using endpoint detection and response (EDR) reduce average breach costs by millions, as noted in IBM’s 2024 report​.

Strengthen Email Security

Strengthening email security protects businesses from phishing, which is a big part of ransomware attack vectors​. Email gateways with spam filters, attachment scanning, and domain authentication protocols like DMARC significantly reduce exposure to malicious emails. According to the #StopRansomware Guide, robust email defences are critical for preventing malware from reaching employees.

Patch and Update Systems Regularly

Patching and updating systems regularly addresses vulnerabilities that ransomware exploits, such as unpatched software flaws. The Queensland Government’s ransomware guidelines emphasise that timely updates prevent attackers from exploiting known issues. For example, prioritising critical patches for internet-facing systems significantly reduces risks.

Enable Network Segmentation

Enabling network segmentation limits the spread of ransomware within an organisation’s systems. Dividing the network into smaller, isolated segments restricts attackers’ lateral movement, reducing their ability to encrypt or exfiltrate critical data. For instance, implementing separate zones for sensitive databases and public-facing applications enhances security.

IT Security Awareness Training for Employees

Providing employee IT security awareness training is one of the ransomware prevention strategies to reduce the risk of ransomware by addressing human error, a common entry point for attacks. Training programs that include simulated phishing exercises have been shown to decrease susceptibility significantly over time.

Use DNS and Web Filtering

Using DNS and web filtering prevents users from accessing malicious websites, blocking one of the primary ransomware vectors. According to the #StopRansomware Guide, these tools analyse and restrict connections to domains known for distributing malware​. Filtering also prevents drive-by downloads, which occur without user interaction on compromised sites.

Advanced filtering systems integrate threat intelligence to identify evolving threats and suspicious domains. This proactive measure reduces the likelihood of ransomware infiltrating systems through web-based channels.

Incident Response Plan

Incident response plan prepares organisations to act swiftly and effectively during ransomware attacks, minimising damage and recovery times. A structured plan includes clearly defined roles, communication strategies, and steps for isolating affected systems. The Queensland Government highlights that organisations with an incident response plan recover faster and reduce costs significantly.

Regular drills and updates ensure the plan remains effective against evolving threats. Statistics from IBM indicate that organisations without tested response plans experience longer downtimes and higher recovery costs​.

Using Ransomware Protection and Prevention Services

Using cybersecurity services is the most practical way to fulfil comprehensive ransomware protection and prevention needs.

These services specialise in addressing sophisticated threats, such as phishing attacks, RDP vulnerabilities, and malicious websites, while ensuring compliance with critical data protection standards like GDPR and HIPAA. A professional service consolidates solutions, such as endpoint protection, DNS filtering, regular system updates, and incident response planning, into a unified strategy.

If you are looking for it, Interscale ransomware protection services designed for Australian businesses, combining advanced email protection, web filtering, and cloud backup solutions. Interscale services also include proactive threat detection and incident response strategies, ensuring minimal downtime during an attack.

With ransomware becoming more frequent and costly—averaging USD 4.88 million per breach globally—partnering with Interscale provides a seamless approach to securing sensitive data, ensuring compliance, and maintaining business continuity.

Take the first step towards safeguarding your business today. Contact Interscale for customised ransomware prevention and protection solutions tailored to your needs.

In Closing

The financial and operational impacts, especially in sectors like AEC, highlight the importance of a proactive approach. Therefore, organisations must prioritise strategies such as multi-layered defences, robust endpoint protection, and regular system updates. The integration of immutable storage and collaboration with law enforcement further reinforces long-term resilience against evolving threats.

Ultimately, implementing a comprehensive strategy combining ransomware protection and ransomware prevention ensures businesses are better equipped to mitigate risks, recover swiftly, and maintain trust in an increasingly hostile digital landscape.

FAQ About Ransomware Protection and Prevention