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MSSP’s Mitigation Responsibilities Against Ransomware

by Naimisha on May 16, 2022

The threat of ransomware is real and growing. To protect your organization, it’s essential to partner with a Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) that can help you mitigate the risk. Because there are new ransomware variants and attacks every day, your MSSP must have a robust security program to protect you.

But have you ever thought about what MSSP means precisely? What are their responsibilities in regards to ransomware?

Read this blog to find out the MSSP and their roles in ransomware mitigation.

What is MSSP?

An MSSP is a security provider that offers managed security services to its clients. These services can include firewall and intrusion detection/prevention to email and website security. In most cases, an MSSP will have a team of security experts responsible for monitoring and managing the security systems 24/7.

What are MSSP’s mitigation responsibilities in regards to ransomware?

The most important responsibility of an MSSP is to help its clients mitigate the risk of ransomware attacks. To do this, they need to have a comprehensive security program that includes the following:

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Continuous monitoring of networks and systems for signs of anomalous activity:

To identify ransomware attacks early, it’s essential for MSSPs to continuously monitor their clients’ networks and systems for any signs of unusual or suspicious activity. This can be done through automated tools and manual reviews by security analysts.

For example, if an MSSP sees that many files are being encrypted on a client’s system, this would be considered suspicious activity. In this case, the MSSP would then take steps to investigate the incident and determine whether or not it was a ransomware attack.

Use of advanced security technologies:

MSSPs should also use advanced security technologies to help them detect and block ransomware attacks. These technologies include next-generation firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and email and web filtering.

For example, suppose a ransomware attack is launched against a client. In that case, the MSSP’s advanced security technologies should be able to detect and block the attack before it can do any damage.

Develop and implement a security program to protect against ransomware:

To help their clients protect against ransomware, MSSPs need to develop and implement a comprehensive security program. This security program should include the following:

-A robust firewall and intrusion detection/prevention system:

The first line of defense against any attack, including ransomware, is a robust firewall and intrusion detection/prevention system. This system should be able to detect and block suspicious activity, such as unauthorized access attempts and malware infections.

-Email and web filtering:

Another essential element of a security program is email and web filtering. This can help to prevent ransomware from being delivered to users via email or downloaded from malicious websites.

-Educating users about the threat of ransomware:

Finally, it’s essential to educate users about the threat of ransomware and how they can protect themselves. This can be done through training programs, security awareness posters, and email notifications.

By having a comprehensive security program in place, MSSPs can help their clients mitigate the risk of ransomware attacks.

Have a plan in place to respond to ransomware attacks:

If a ransomware attack occurs, MSSPs need to have a plan to respond. This plan should include the following:

-Identifying the scope of the attack:

The first step is to identify the scope of the attack. This includes determining how many systems are affected and what type of data has been encrypted.

-Restoring from backups:

Once the scope of the attack is known, the next step is to restore any encrypted data from backups. This is important to do as soon as possible to minimize the amount of lost data.

-Notifying law enforcement:

If the ransomware attack is severe, it’s essential to notify law enforcement. They may be able to help with the investigation and provide guidance on how to proceed.

-Paying the ransom:

In some cases, the only way to recover the encrypted data is by paying the ransom. However, after consulting with law enforcement, this should only be done as a last resort.

MSSPs need to have a plan in place to respond to ransomware attacks. This plan should include restoring from backups, notifying law enforcement, and paying the ransom only as a last resort.

Review and update security procedures regularly:

MSSPs need to review and update their security procedures regularly. This is necessary to ensure that they are effective against the latest threats.

For example, MSSPs should review their procedures for backing up data and restoring from backups. They should also update their security technologies and train their employees to use them.

MSSPs need to regularly review and update their security procedures to ensure they are effective against the latest threats. It includes reviewing their policies for backing up data, restoring from backups, and updating their security technologies.

What a company itself should do to protect against ransomware?

Use robust security technologies:

Develop and implement a security policy:

A security policy is a document that outlines the company’s approach to security. It should include the steps that employees need to take to protect company data.

Educate employees about cybersecurity:

It’s essential to educate employees about the threat of cyberattacks and how they can protect themselves. This can be done through training programs, security awareness posters, and email notifications.

Review and update security procedures regularly:

Companies need to review and update their security procedures regularly. This is necessary to ensure that they are effective against the latest threats.

Conclusion

MSSPs play an essential role in protecting their clients against ransomware attacks. By using robust security technologies, developing and implementing a security policy, and educating employees about cybersecurity, MSSPs can help their clients mitigate the risk of these attacks.

Thus, it’s important for companies to partner with a reputable MSSP that can provide the necessary protection against these increasingly sophisticated threats.