March 27, 2024
Imagine this scenario: it’s Friday night, and you receive a frantic call from a client. They’ve fallen victim to a cyber-attack, and it’s usually the dreaded ransomware. Despite their attempts to handle it internally, things have spiralled out of control.
In my years in the cyber security industry, few things compare to the devastation wrought by ransomware. Businesses are brought to their knees within hours, if not minutes and the fallout can last for weeks, if not months.
Picture this: no access to critical IT systems for four weeks or more. In today’s digitally interconnected world, it’s a nightmare scenario. Email, finance systems, CRM platforms, communication tools like Teams or Zoom—all inaccessible, all encrypted.
The first instinct is to turn to backups. But here’s the kicker—they’re encrypted too. The attackers have even infiltrated and destroyed those backups, leaving the business in a state of utter vulnerability. Even if backups are air-gapped, the chances of having true synchronised replication are slim. Recovery attempts fail, and trust in the network and machines evaporates. Veem backups? Encrypted. Wasabi storage? Deleted. It’s a grim reality few are prepared for.
The lack of proper bulkheads, separation, or disaster recovery measures exacerbates the situation. Invoices can’t be sent, operations grind to a halt and the business effectively flatlines. Facing customers with the news that your systems are down and unable to handle their inquiries is a high-pressure nightmare that feels never-ending.
Enter the “minimum viable company” concept—a desperate attempt to identify the absolute necessities to keep the business afloat and prioritise their restoration. In desperation, you call your cyber insurance company, hoping for a lifeline. But even they might withhold pay-outs, citing pre-existing issues within your systems.It’s a devastating blow that few recover from unscathed.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Businesses can take proactive steps to bolster their defences and prepare for such eventualities. Planning and response strategies can make all the difference.At CyberOne we specialise in helping businesses stay ahead of the curve and mitigate the unthinkable. Don’t wait until it’s too late, let us help you safeguard your digital future.