Can Your SMB Stand Up to Petya 2.0 Ransomware?

 In Blog, Managed IT Service Providers, Managed IT Services, Managed Network Services, Managed Service Provider, Managed Services

A single vulnerability or carelessly opened email can cost your company millions of dollars. Ransomware comes in all shapes and sizes, from compromised attachments to malicious apps. 

Once it’s latched onto your devices, you’re at the mercy of the virus and its creator. Soon enough, a “ransom note” arrives demanding payment to unlock your systems or unencrypt your devices. Every moment that you wait ticks closer to total destruction of your data, and the potential cost of rebuilding after the attack seems to dwarf the cost of just paying the ransom. 

Unfortunately for SMBs across the globe, this situation is becoming the rule instead of the exception.  In 2018, ransomware damages hit a staggering $8 billion. One study found that nearly 70,000 computers are infected every month, topping out at over 2 million per year. Traditional AV and cybersecurity methods are no longer enough to keep a new breed of cyber criminals at bay. 

Petya 2.0: More Power in One Malicious Package

Ransomware in any form is frightening enough, but a new superbug called Petya 2.0 is quickly climbing the rankings as one of the most infectious viruses tech specialists have battled. 

It first emerged in June of 2017 as a fake order confirmation form attached to a phishing email. Once opened, it exploits the EternalBlue vulnerability, moving laterally through the network by controlling remote admin programs like PsExec and the WMIC command tool. 

While this is not the first virus to make use of those functions, Petya 2.0 is unique in its ability to completely lock down and encrypt a device’s Master Boot Record. While traditional ransomware focuses on removing access to particular files or applications, Petya 2.0 bars any use of the OS, rendering the device useless. 

Proactive Monitoring is a Necessity

With these aggressive forms of ransomware, protection needs to go beyond the first line of defense. Creating multiple layers of protection is the best way to stop ransomware before it happens. 

According to recent Internet Security Report from WatchGuard:

“Our Q1 Internet Security Report pointed out… 38% of malware gets past legacy AV, this is why services like IPS, sandboxing, and detection and response are so critical. No single solution is going to provide 100% coverage.”

With WatchGuard hardware and Verus expertise,  you can rest easy knowing that two teams of award-winning experts in cybersecurity are behind your network. At Verus, we take a holistic approach to your protection. We know that the more layers you have surrounding your network, the more difficult it is for malware to affect your business. We design, implement, and support networks that meet the highest standards for data, firewall and connectivity security, keeping you online and your data safe. 

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