Companies not ready for advanced cyber-security threats: report

The report primarily pointed out that the biggest dilemma for businesses is to constrain the operational space of attackers.

Mumbai:

A recent report released by computer networking giant Cisco has revealed that numerous organisations around the globe face vulnerabilities from ransomware attacks as they do not have the required infrastructure to prevent them.

The report, dubbed ‘Midyear Cyber Security 2016’ (MSR), pointed out that ransomware is slowly becoming one of the most lucrative types of malware in history and more advanced ones, capable of spreading by it and holding an entire company’s network hostage, are emerging regularly.

According to Marty Roesch, Vice President and Chief Architect, attackers have been expanding their operation and are utilising rasomwares that go undetected. The main aim, he said, was to ‘close the windows of opportunity’ of attackers by increasing visibility of company networks and upgrading aging network infrastructure.

The report primarily pointed out that the biggest dilemma for businesses is to constrain the operational space of attackers, reducing the time they have to conduct these malicious attacks.

Another grave issue suggested by the report is the impending ransomware attacks which will have the capability to evade detection by limiting CPU usage and refraining from command-and-control options. The main issue that will arise due to this is the rapid spreading and self-replication of ransomwares within organisation, before asking for ransoms.

Surprisingly organisations approximately take close to 200 days to identify new threats, helping an attacker to capture most of the network security infrastructure of the company.

Over the past few years, ransomware attacks have increased more than two-fold, and are expected to increase according to recent cyber-security reports by reputed firms.

In such a scenario, private companies need to delve in deeper into their security infrastructure, rectify the flaws, and constantly update their network protection components.