Ransomware is still one of the biggest threats businesses face today. Just look at the headlines. Almost every day, another company is dealing with a ransomware attack that disrupts operations, locks critical data, or brings services to a halt.
Even though ransomware has been around for years, most organizations still struggle to handle it effectively. There is no single fix, and several factors continue to make ransomware difficult to prevent. That raises a simple but important question. How can companies realistically reduce ransomware risk, and how can they avoid becoming an easy target?
Below are five reasons ransomware remains so hard to stop, followed by practical steps businesses can take to reduce their exposure and improve their ability to recover.
What Is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malware that locks or encrypts data so it cannot be accessed. Attackers then demand payment in exchange for restoring access.
Most attacks start with something simple. A malicious email attachment. A suspicious link. A compromised website. Once the user clicks, the malware enters the system and begins spreading. In many cases, the damage is already underway before anyone realizes what is happening.
To regain access to their data, victims are often pressured to pay a ransom to the attacker.
5 Reasons Why Ransomware Is Hard to Prevent
There are several reasons ransomware continues to succeed, even as security awareness improves.
Ransom Demands Keep Getting Higher
Ransomware groups are more organized and more aggressive than ever. According to NetApp, ransom payments jumped by 184 percent between the first and second quarters of 2019. By 2020, the average cost of a ransomware incident had reached roughly USD 283,800.
As ransom demands rise, fewer organizations are able to recover quickly from an attack.
Attacks Are Cheap to Launch
One reason ransomware keeps spreading is simple economics. Launching an attack is inexpensive. Ransomware as a Service subscriptions often cost around USD 100 per month. With such a low barrier to entry, more attackers are willing to take the risk.
Ransomware Is Easy to Use
Attackers no longer need advanced technical skills. Many ransomware groups offer ready-to-use tools and affiliate programs. Approved partners can launch attacks using proven platforms and share the profits.
Attacks Move Fast
Once attackers gain access through email attachments, unsafe links, unsecured Remote Desktop Protocol, or malvertising, they move quickly. They scan the network, locate valuable data, encrypt files, and demand payment. When encryption starts, there is usually very little time to respond.
People Are Still a Weak Link
Technology alone cannot stop ransomware. Employees remain a major risk factor. Without clear policies and ongoing awareness, one wrong click on a suspicious email or link can trigger an attack.
5 Practical Ways to Deal with Ransomware
Ransomware is difficult to eliminate completely, but organizations can take practical steps to reduce impact and improve resilience.
Do Not Pay the Ransom
Paying the ransom is risky and rarely guarantees results. It encourages attackers and often leads to repeat attacks. Even after payment, there is no assurance that data will be fully restored.
Keep Everything Updated
Regular updates matter. Many ransomware attacks exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated systems. Keeping software patched closes those gaps.
Be Cautious with Emails and Links
Suspicious emails and unknown links are still the most common entry points. Taking a moment to verify sources can prevent major damage.
Use Secure Hosting
Secure hosting provides protection at the foundation level. If the server is compromised, other security controls may fail.
Use Trusted Security Tools
Strong security software adds an important layer of defense. Advanced ransomware protection tools, such as those from NetApp, help detect threats earlier and shorten recovery time.
NetApp Ransomware Protection as a Defense Against Ransomware
NetApp Ransomware Protection and Recovery Service helps organizations strengthen their ransomware defenses with support from NetApp experts. The service is designed to help businesses plan, deploy, and manage hybrid cloud data environments while keeping critical data secure, available, and easy to recover.
This approach focuses on building ransomware-resistant environments while reducing downtime, controlling costs, and lowering the risk of data loss. NetApp Ransomware Protection and Recovery Service offers several key capabilities:
- It helps identify and remediate security risks before a ransomware attack occurs.
- It improves ransomware readiness through subscription-based and professional services, including implementation and configuration of NetApp anti-ransomware tools, continuous alert monitoring, remediation, and software administration available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
- It also enables faster recovery during ransomware incidents by ensuring backups can be restored quickly and reliably.
Also Read: Atasi 5 Tantangan Manajemen Data Dengan Cloud Tiering
Get NetApp for Ransomware Protection from MBT
Now is the time to strengthen your ransomware defenses with NetApp Ransomware Protection and Recovery Service from MBT.
Mega Buana Teknologi supports organizations from initial consultation through deployment, implementation, maintenance, and after-sales support. With certified professionals and hands-on experience, MBT helps reduce complexity and avoid costly trial and error. For more information, contact marketing@megabuana.id.
Author: Jeko Iqbal Reza
Content Writer CTI Group
