Double extortion’ is the term given to an evolving ransomware tactic: first, steal confidential data, then encrypt the victim’s files.

Cybercriminal uses a database encryption attack to extort money but with an additional initial attack to ensure that the backup does not render the attack useless. Before a cybercriminal attack with ransomware, he hacks into the company’s database, extracts as much data as possible, and stores it on its servers. Then, the ransomware attack is launched in the normal way (this means carrying out combined attacks, in which, for example, a DDoS attack is triggered after a ransomware infection).

As the latest research shows the sector of small and medium-sized enterprises is the most exposed to double extortion attacks.

Here are some tips on how to prevent your company from cyberattacks:

👉 Focus on preventive measures: conduct simulation attacks and penetration tests.

👉 Provide regular security awareness training – increase employees’ awareness of possible dangers.

👉 Ensure that security best practices have been implemented across all users.

👉 Increase the security of your corporate e-mail inbox.

👉 Introduce active and up-to-date antivirus software in your organization.

👉 Protection against data leakage.

👉 Good organization of the offline and online backup plan.

👉 Business Continuity Plan in case of an incident.

These are just some of the recommended basic actions. You need to devote more time and attention to properly and, most importantly, effectively securing yourself and your organization.

Do you want to know more? Please contact us at info@wearenavirisk.com

Magdalena Jaczewska-Hawryluk

Cybersecurity Consultant

Photo: Fili Santillán