Ransomware is a multibillion-dollar industry, leaving many companies concerned about what they’re up against and whether their cybersecurity measures can keep them protected. These attacks often use sophisticated techniques to increase their success rate, so having a just-as-advanced anti-virus solution is key in stopping it.

Remember the attack on Kaseya that made headlines? An advanced anti-virus solution like Sophos’ Intercept X can detect and stop the ransomware attack responsible. (literally, watch Sophos block the REvil ransomware attack here).

So, what makes this solution so effective? Let’s break down how this advanced anti-virus solution (often referred to as endpoint protection) can stop ransomware.

What is advanced anti-virus?

Advanced anti-virus is a cloud-based endpoint security solution. It combines traditional anti-virus capabilities and more advanced techniques to intercept attacks on your computers.

Traditional anti-virus: a reactive security tool used to detect threats based on known information

Advanced anti-virus: a proactive approach using factors like behavior (and interaction with other software) to detect sophisticated attacks that evade traditional anti-virus measures

Cybercriminals find new ways to get what they want. If it gets into your network, using a combination of these methods helps you to stop ransomware. That’s why advanced anti-virus solutions leverage both.

If it acts like a virus, it could be a virus

Ransomware is constantly evolving and aims to get around your defenses, making it difficult to detect with scans that look for signatures of known viruses. Advanced anti-virus solutions help overcome this problem by recognizing and blocking typical malware behavior before it has a chance to run.

The delivery stops here

Attackers often take advantage of software vulnerabilities to spread ransomware. These are known as exploit attacks. Cybersecurity solutions like Sophos Intercept X block the techniques used to compromise applications. Basically, it stops the attack from being executed based on how it got there (not just by what it is). While keeping your software up-to-date with the latest security patches helps to fix vulnerabilities to prevent exploits, advanced protection gives you additional coverage to combat any attempts to exploit vulnerabilities.

‘Tamper protection’ shouldn’t be a nice-to-have

It’s not an accident that attacks try to disable your endpoint security tools (in some cases, even uninstall your anti-virus software). Disarming your IT security system makes it easier to launch their attack. Tamper protection locks your anti-virus settings to prevent any unauthorized, therefore potentially malicious, changes.

Stopping ransomware from getting the ransom

Nobody wants their organization to be held hostage. If your organization’s data has been encrypted by ransomware, paying the demand doesn’t guarantee that you’ll recover. Having backups offsite where attackers can’t find them is your last line of defense against ransomware.

Fortunately, if you’re using an advanced solution like Sophos Intercept X, you have another layer of protection that works quickly to reduce the need to launch a full recovery. If it detects any unauthorized changes to your organization’s data, it intercepts the process and reverts the files back to their “safe” states.

The faster you can intervene, the less harm done and the quicker your organization can get back to work.

Building a cybersecurity strategy that stops ransomware

No matter the size of your organization, protecting against quickly evolving threats continues to be priority. That’s why WorkSmart helps you build a cybersecurity strategy that fits your budget.

With the right technology (not more), you can prevent attacks from getting to your devices, detect anything malicious that bypasses your defenses, analyze the impact, and undo everything.

Another tip: Don’t forget to train your employees on how to spot and stop phishing emails which is one of the most common ways that ransomware attacks enter an organization.