How to stop ransomware attacks
Updated on October 21, 2022, by Xcitium
How to Stop Ransomware Attacks
The most effective way to stop ransomware attacks is to use a layered cybersecurity strategy that combines advanced endpoint protection, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), regular software updates, secure offline or immutable backups, employee security awareness training, and Zero Trust security. Continuous monitoring and rapid threat detection help stop ransomware before it encrypts files or spreads across the network.
10 Ways to Stop Ransomware Attacks
- Keep operating systems and software fully updated.
- Deploy endpoint protection with behavioral detection.
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
- Maintain secure offline or immutable backups.
- Avoid opening suspicious email attachments or links.
- Apply the principle of least privilege.
- Segment networks to limit lateral movement.
- Continuously monitor endpoints for suspicious activity.
- Train employees to recognize phishing attempts.
- Regularly test incident response and disaster recovery plans.
Ransomware is now recognized as one of the nastiest cyberthreats in existence. What’s more, it’s continually growing in both volume and sophistication. With that in mind, here is a brief guide on how to stop ransomware attacks.
Invest in a reputable anti-malware product with integrated firewall
It is extremely risky to depend on the default security applications bundled with the main operating systems (desktop and mobile). The basic fact of the matter is that Microsoft, Apple, and Google are general software developers, they are not specialist cybersecurity companies. They subsequently cannot be expected to have the same level of expertise as companies that actually focus purely on cybersecurity.
The good news is that you can get a robust anti-malware product with an integrated firewall from a reputable brand free for personal use or at a very low cost for business use. For completeness, if you’re a “power-user” or a freelancer, you might be best to pay for one of the premium consumer options.
These days, it’s generally best to go for a cloud-based anti-malware product. There are several reasons for this, but most of them revolve around the fact that the vendor takes responsibility for updating them.
Make sure you keep your operating system(s) and local apps updated
To be clear, the reason most of the headline-making ransomware attacks tend to involve Windows PC is that the headline-making ransomware attacks tend to involve businesses or government entities, both of which tend to use Windows. MacOS, iOS, Android, and Linux are all vulnerable to it too.
Microsoft, Apple, and Google all regularly update their active operating systems and will generally notify users when these updates are ready. The key word in that sentence, however, is active
Expired operating systems are basically sitting targets for ransomware attacks. If you must keep them running then keep them offline if at all possible. If you must put them online then do your absolute best to minimize both the amount of data you keep on them and the length of time for which it is kept on the device.
Also, be careful about staying logged into any websites which hold sensitive data and about attaching storage devices that contain sensitive data. Disconnect from the internet when you’re not actually using it, especially if you’re not going to be using it for long periods, for example, overnight.
Linux is a bit more complicated due to its open-source nature. Ideally, stick with distros that have active communities and make sure to keep yourself informed of what is happening in them. You may need to be prepared to arrange for updates yourself.
Last but definitely not least, remember that any locally-installed apps will also need to be kept updated. If you’re using cloud-based apps, their updates will be managed by the vendor.
Be alert to social-engineering tricks
By this point, it’s probably fair to say that most internet/email users grasp the principle of thinking before they click. It’s also probably fair to say that most internet/email users do generally apply it when they are thinking calmly and clearly and not under any pressure. The problem tends to come when they are put under pressure to make a decision quickly. This, therefore, tends to be where social engineering comes in.
The reason why social engineering is such a huge part of cybercrime is precisely that automated defences are now so efficient. Most of the time, the purpose of social engineering is to persuade a victim that they need to ignore their automated defenses and use human judgment.
The reason it works is that there are times when automated defenses get it wrong (e.g. false positives) and humans do overrule them. The reason it’s dangerous is that these decisions have to be taken for the right reasons. For this reason, you should be very suspicious of anyone or anything who/which aims to put you under pressure in any way or for any reason.
Have a rigorous data backup process in place
Data backups can’t stop ransomware attacks, but they can make them a whole lot less painful to handle.
Please click here now to start your free 30-day trial of Xcitium AEP.
Ransomware Attack Lifecycle
| Attack Stage | Description | Recommended Defense |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Access | Attackers gain entry through phishing, exploits, or stolen credentials | Email security, MFA, user awareness training |
| Execution | Malicious code runs on the endpoint | Endpoint protection, application control |
| Privilege Escalation | Attackers seek elevated permissions | Least-privilege access, privileged access management |
| Lateral Movement | Threat spreads across systems | Network segmentation, Zero Trust |
| Encryption | Files are encrypted | Behavioral ransomware detection, endpoint isolation |
| Recovery Attempt | Organization restores operations | Offline backups, incident response plan |
This structure shows readers where security controls can interrupt an attack before it causes significant damage.
Most Common Ransomware Infection Methods
Organizations should protect against:
- Phishing emails
- Malicious email attachments
- Fake software downloads
- Exploited software vulnerabilities
- Weak or exposed Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP)
- Stolen credentials
- Drive-by downloads
- Supply chain compromises
- Infected USB devices
Closing these attack vectors greatly reduces exposure to ransomware.
Ransomware Prevention Checklist
✔ Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
✔ Keep software and operating systems updated
✔ Deploy advanced endpoint protection
✔ Back up critical data regularly
✔ Store backups offline or as immutable copies
✔ Restrict administrator privileges
✔ Segment your network
✔ Monitor endpoint activity continuously
✔ Train employees to identify phishing attacks
✔ Test recovery and incident response plans regularly
Review this checklist routinely to maintain a strong security posture.
Immediate Response Steps
If ransomware is detected:
- Disconnect the affected device from the network.
- Isolate any additional compromised systems.
- Notify your security or IT team immediately.
- Preserve logs and forensic evidence.
- Remove malicious software using trusted security tools.
- Restore systems from verified clean backups.
- Patch vulnerabilities before reconnecting devices.
- Continue monitoring for additional malicious activity.
Rapid containment helps prevent ransomware from spreading.
Why Zero Trust Stops Ransomware
Zero Trust improves ransomware protection by:
- Continuously verifying users and devices
- Enforcing least-privilege access
- Limiting lateral movement
- Monitoring endpoint behavior in real time
- Restricting access to sensitive resources
- Detecting suspicious activity early
Zero Trust reduces the likelihood that a compromised account or endpoint can impact the broader environment.
Endpoint Protection vs Traditional Antivirus
Security Comparison
| Advanced Endpoint Protection | Traditional Antivirus |
|---|---|
| Uses AI and behavioral analysis | Primarily signature-based |
| Detects known and unknown ransomware | Best at identifying known malware |
| Automatically isolates compromised devices | Limited containment capabilities |
| Supports automated investigation and response | Mostly manual remediation |
| Provides centralized visibility across endpoints | Focuses on individual devices |
Endpoint protection provides broader defense against modern ransomware campaigns.
Business Benefits of Preventing Ransomware
Effective ransomware prevention helps organizations:
- Reduce downtime
- Prevent data loss
- Protect customer information
- Lower recovery costs
- Improve regulatory compliance
- Maintain customer trust
- Strengthen business continuity
- Increase operational resilience
Preventing an attack is significantly less disruptive than recovering from one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Stopping Ransomware Attacks
What is the best way to stop ransomware attacks?
Use advanced endpoint protection, enable Multi-Factor Authentication, keep systems updated, maintain secure offline or immutable backups, train employees to recognize phishing, and implement Zero Trust security.
Can antivirus stop ransomware?
Traditional antivirus can detect many known threats, but modern endpoint protection with behavioral analysis, AI, and automated response provides stronger protection against ransomware.
How do ransomware attacks usually begin?
Most ransomware attacks start through phishing emails, malicious attachments, exploited software vulnerabilities, compromised remote access services, or stolen credentials.
What should I do if ransomware is detected?
Disconnect the affected device from the network, isolate impacted systems, notify your security team, preserve evidence, remove malicious software with trusted tools, and restore clean data from verified backups.
Does backing up data stop ransomware?
Backups do not prevent ransomware, but offline or immutable backups enable recovery without relying on attackers.
Why is Zero Trust important for ransomware defense?
Zero Trust continuously verifies every user and device, enforces least-privilege access, limits lateral movement, and helps detect suspicious behavior before ransomware spreads.
