Hardly any week turns without news of cybersecurity breaches and organizations falling victim to cyber threats like ransomware.
Though there is some internet of things centric ransomware attacks happening, more often the ransomware attacks are targeted at Windows or Linux operating systems.
While earlier Windows security was at risk, now there is an increasing need for Linux ransomware prevention too.
Ransomware is considered one of the significant kinds of cybersecurity threats faced by organizations today as the evolution of ransomware has been rapid.
The technicalities of the ransomware attacks are the intruders gaining access to the vulnerable or targeted systems, encrypting the complete files in the system, and seeking ransom for decryption.
In general, the victim organizations have had to spend thousands of dollars for ransomware attacks, for decryption keys.
There are instances, wherein despite making the payments, the businesses have lost their data to the public domain.
Earlier, this kind of ransomware threat was high for the Windows operating system, and businesses relying on the Windows OS used to deploy anti-ransomware solutions and other cybersecurity applications for security.
However, now the targets for intruders are on wide extensions, and as per a report from a cybersecurity solution provider, the ransomware RansomEXX is targeting more of the Linux operating systems.
Reaching a level playing field, now both in the case of Windows security and Linux ransomware prevention, there is a need for robust cybersecurity solutions, and best practices that can support businesses in securing their information systems from any kind of ransomware attacks.
The RansomEXX has been a prevalent threat for some time for Windows security, and now it is turning out a major threat even to the Linux servers directly, and thus this ransomware needs to be prevented using an appropriate range of cybersecurity systems even in Linux.
Windows Operating Systems Security for Windows Security From Ransomware
Microsoft has targeted the cybersecurity solution for ransomware prevention and accordingly has developed Windows security as an anti-ransomware tool directly into its Windows 10 and Windows 11 operating systems.
The controlled folder access systems in Windows security as inherent to the operating system has the scope for the protection of the system.
Controlled folder access supports by letting only the safe and fully vetted applications access the files, and any kind of ransomware malware files or unknown file access to the systems is not allowed.
The feature for protection from ransomware, having the anti-malware system feature is not turned on by default, and the users must choose to activate the feature for Windows security.
Also, the users can customize the scope of protection by adding new applications to the whitelist programs and adding new folders to the protection core as part of Windows security.
Working on such option selection can help the programs, files, and applications in the Windows operating system to be secured as part of the Windows security.
Post the activation of Windows security, the users must choose Virus & Threat protection tab and click on the “ransomware protection” option to prevent any ransomware attacks on the security.
Choosing the sub-menu options, choose “controlled folder access”, and toggle the switch to start the protection.
The scope for customization of what folders or files are sensitive and need protection is an effective feature of the Windows security features offered by Microsoft.
The files or folders not being protected in the Windows security is always under threat of ransomware attacks.
One of the big, shortcomings in the current scenario for Windows security is the lack of security prevention for Microsoft’s OneDrive cloud storage.
More often than not, OneDrive folders and files on the systems are not protected, this is a surprising omission from Windows security to defend systems from ransomware attacks.
Related: Best Practices to Secure Your Microsoft OneDrive Files
In addition to the ransomware protection feature, if the Windows security features like firewall protection enabling, scanning systems scheduling, etc. if can be used in prompt ways over the Windows operating systems, the security for the systems from ransomware is a reality.
Linux Operating Systems Security From Ransomware
Research studies refer to the attacks of ransomware on Linux as hard to detect, and there is a need for intensive practices of security measures to secure and have Linux ransomware prevention.
One of the fundamental techniques discussed as a potential way for ransomware attack prevention is to keep the Linux systems updated with the latest security patches.
Having the updated features of Linux systems can help in preventing intrusions, and breach into vulnerable systems to the possible extent.
Disabling root logins is another option in the Linux operating system for Linux ransomware prevention.
In general, ransomware attackers target the high privileged accounts for ransomware attacks, and in such conditions, Linux root users are prime targets.
Renaming the user account or server admins using multi-factor authentication to access the root accounts can be a safety measure too.
Tips: Imunify360 – The Ultimate Security for Your Linux Web Server
Backup Linux Servers
Using a well-planned server backup strategy is a strong counter to ransomware, and in Linux systems using the available features for backup, the data backup of sensitive information can be initiated.
Also, in addition to the data backup in the Linux systems, data backup in the external sources is also important.
Compartmentalizing the Linux Servers
Linux servers in general are deployed for the categorical purpose of hosting applications, and the best part of the Linux server is it need not be made accessible to everyone.
Thus, segmenting the Linux servers and controlling the traffic flow between the compartments can help in Linux ransomware prevention.
Though it is a common discussion as to Linux servers not needing as much attention as Windows servers for securing from ransomware attacks, with the current set of breach and ransomware attacks on Linux systems the need for Linux ransomware prevention is an essential task to counter ransomware menace.
Exabytes Singapore provides Acronis cyber protect for Windows and Linux ransomware prevention.
To know more about a comprehensive solution to secure Windows or Linux ransomware prevention, reach out to the Exabytes Singapore customer support team.
