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Ransomware : Your Crippling Information Technology Catastrophe
Ransomware has become a too-frequent cyberplague that presents an existential danger for businesses of all sizes poorly prepared for an assault. Different iterations of ransomware such as Dharma, WannaCry, Locky, Syskey and MongoLock cryptoworms have been circulating for years and continue to inflict destruction. Recent variants of ransomware such as Ryuk, Maze, Sodinokibi, Netwalker, LockBit or Nephilim, plus daily unnamed viruses, not only encrypt online information but also infiltrate many available system protection mechanisms. Files synchronized to off-site disaster recovery sites can also be held hostage. In a poorly designed environment, it can make automatic restore operations hopeless and basically knocks the network back to square one.

Recovering services and information after a crypto-ransomware outage becomes a sprint against time as the victim tries its best to stop lateral movement, remove the virus, and resume business-critical activity. Due to the fact that ransomware needs time to spread, attacks are frequently sprung during nights and weekends, when successful penetrations typically take more time to uncover. This multiplies the difficulty of promptly mobilizing and organizing a qualified mitigation team.

Progent provides an assortment of solutions for securing enterprises from ransomware penetrations. These include team training to help identify and not fall victim to phishing attempts, ProSight Active Security Monitoring for remote monitoring and management, plus installation of the latest generation security gateways with machine learning capabilities from SentinelOne to detect and quarantine new cyber threats quickly. Progent in addition can provide the services of experienced crypto-ransomware recovery consultants with the track record and commitment to restore a compromised system as quickly as possible.

Progent's Crypto-Ransomware Recovery Support Services
Subsequent to a ransomware attack, sending the ransom demands in cryptocurrency does not provide any assurance that cyber criminals will provide the needed keys to decipher all your data. Kaspersky Labs determined that 17% of crypto-ransomware victims never recovered their files after having paid the ransom, resulting in more losses. The risk is also expensive. Ryuk ransoms are commonly a few hundred thousand dollars. For larger organizations, the ransom can be in the millions. The alternative is to setup from scratch the key components of your Information Technology environment. Absent the availability of complete information backups, this calls for a broad complement of skill sets, professional team management, and the ability to work non-stop until the job is done.

For decades, Progent has offered expert Information Technology services for companies throughout the United States and has achieved Microsoft's Partnership certification in the Datacenter and Cloud Productivity competencies. Progent's group of subject matter experts (SMEs) includes engineers who have attained advanced industry certifications in important technologies such as Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and major distributions of Linux. Progent's cybersecurity experts have garnered internationally-renowned certifications including CISA, CISSP, ISACA CRISC, SANS GIAC, and CMMC 2.0. (Visit Progent's certifications). Progent also has expertise in financial management and ERP applications. This breadth of expertise affords Progent the skills to knowledgably identify necessary systems and consolidate the remaining pieces of your Information Technology system after a ransomware attack and configure them into an operational network.

Progent's recovery team of experts uses best of breed project management applications to orchestrate the complex recovery process. Progent knows the urgency of acting rapidly and in concert with a customer's management and Information Technology team members to prioritize tasks and to get the most important applications back on-line as soon as humanly possible.

Customer Case Study: A Successful Crypto-Ransomware Intrusion Response
A small business contacted Progent after their network was brought down by Ryuk ransomware virus. Ryuk is believed to have been launched by North Korean government sponsored hackers, possibly adopting technology leaked from America's National Security Agency. Ryuk seeks specific businesses with little ability to sustain operational disruption and is among the most profitable instances of ransomware. High publicized targets include Data Resolution, a California-based info warehousing and cloud computing firm, and the Chicago Tribune. Progent's client is a regional manufacturing business located in the Chicago metro area with around 500 workers. The Ryuk penetration had paralyzed all company operations and manufacturing capabilities. The majority of the client's information backups had been on-line at the time of the intrusion and were damaged. The client was evaluating paying the ransom (in excess of $200,000) and praying for the best, but ultimately reached out to Progent.

Progent worked together with the client to quickly understand and prioritize the most important services that had to be addressed to make it possible to resume business functions:

• Active Directory (AD)
• Exchange Server
• Financials/MRP

In less than two days, Progent was able to re-build Active Directory services to its pre-attack state. Progent then initiated reinstallations and storage recovery of critical systems. All Microsoft Exchange Server ties and configuration information were intact, which facilitated the restore of Exchange. Progent was also able to assemble non-encrypted OST data files (Microsoft Outlook Offline Folder Files) on user desktop computers to recover mail data. A not too old off-line backup of the customer's manufacturing software made them able to recover these essential applications back available to users. Although a large amount of work needed to be completed to recover completely from the Ryuk attack, critical services were returned to operations quickly:

Over the next couple of weeks important milestones in the recovery project were made in tight cooperation between Progent team members and the client:

• Internal web sites were restored with no loss of data.
• The MailStore Exchange Server exceeding four million archived messages was brought online and available for users.
• CRM/Customer Orders/Invoices/AP/Accounts Receivables (AR)/Inventory functions were 100 percent restored.
• A new Palo Alto 850 firewall was installed.
• 90% of the desktop computers were functioning as before the incident.

Conclusion
A possible business extinction catastrophe was evaded through the efforts of dedicated professionals, a wide spectrum of subject matter expertise, and close teamwork. Although upon completion of forensics the crypto-ransomware attack detailed here should have been identified and blocked with modern security technology and best practices, user and IT administrator education, and well designed incident response procedures for information backup and applying software patches, the reality is that government-sponsored hackers from Russia, China and elsewhere are relentless and are an ongoing threat. If you do get hit by a ransomware attack, feel confident that Progent's team of professionals has a proven track record in ransomware virus defense, remediation, and file disaster recovery.

To review or download a PDF version of this ransomware incident report, click:
Progent's Ransomware Recovery Case Study Datasheet. (PDF - 282 KB)

Additional Crypto-Ransomware Protection Services Offered by Progent
Progent offers businesses in Leeds a variety of online monitoring and security assessment services designed to assist you to reduce your vulnerability to crypto-ransomware. These services incorporate modern machine learning technology to detect new variants of crypto-ransomware that can evade traditional signature-based anti-virus products.

• ProSight Managed Service Packages: for Small to Mid-size Businesses
  Progent's ProSight Managed IT Service Packages make it practical for small and mid-size companies to deploy Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) technology to achieve leading-edge IT resilience. Progent takes care of the necessary monitoring and management for you, so your network expands readily without holding you back. For an affordable and predictable monthly price, Progent's experienced IT team can be your dependable technology safety net. Entry-level packages include remote monitoring and management, security, automatic monthly patching, and documentation. As your requirements expand, you can add low-cost subscriptions to best-in-class options such as SaaS M365/Google Workspace backup and restore, Multi-Factor Authentication, pen testing, or WiFi management.

• ProSight LAN Watch: Server and Desktop Monitoring
  ProSight LAN Watch is Progent's server and desktop monitoring service that uses state-of-the-art remote monitoring and management (RMM) techniques to keep your network operating efficiently by checking the health of vital assets that drive your information system. When ProSight LAN Watch detects an issue, an alarm is sent automatically to your designated IT personnel and your Progent consultant so any looming issues can be addressed before they have a chance to impact your network. Learn more about ProSight LAN Watch server and desktop monitoring consulting.

• ProSight LAN Watch with NinjaOne RMM: Centralized RMM for Networks, Servers, and Workstations
  ProSight LAN Watch with NinjaOne RMM software delivers a centralized, cloud-based solution for monitoring and managing your network, server, and desktop devices by providing an environment for performing common tedious tasks. These include health checking, patch management, automated remediation, endpoint setup, backup and restore, A/V protection, remote access, built-in and custom scripts, resource inventory, endpoint profile reporting, and troubleshooting help. If ProSight LAN Watch with NinjaOne RMM uncovers a serious problem, it transmits an alert to your specified IT management staff and your Progent technical consultant so emerging problems can be taken care of before they interfere with productivity. Learn more about ProSight LAN Watch with NinjaOne RMM server and desktop monitoring services.

• ProSight WAN Watch: Network Infrastructure Management
  ProSight WAN Watch is a network infrastructure management service that makes it easy and affordable for smaller businesses to map, track, enhance and troubleshoot their connectivity appliances like routers and switches, firewalls, and wireless controllers as well as servers, endpoints and other devices. Using cutting-edge Remote Monitoring and Management technology, WAN Watch ensures that network maps are always updated, copies and manages the configuration of almost all devices on your network, monitors performance, and generates notices when problems are detected. By automating time-consuming management processes, ProSight WAN Watch can knock hours off ordinary chores like network mapping, expanding your network, locating appliances that require important updates, or isolating performance issues. Learn more about ProSight WAN Watch network infrastructure management consulting.

• ProSight Reporting: In-depth Reporting for Ticketing and Network Monitoring Platforms
  ProSight Reporting is a growing family of real-time management reporting tools designed to work with the industry's top ticketing and network monitoring applications including ConnectWise Manage, ConnectWise Automate, Customer Thermometer, Auvik, and SentinelOne. ProSight Reporting uses Microsoft Graph and utilizes color coding to highlight and contextualize critical issues like spotty support follow-through or endpoints with missing patches. By exposing ticketing or network health problems concisely and in near-real time, ProSight Reporting improves network value, lowers management hassle, and saves money. For more information, visit ProSight Reporting for ticketing and network monitoring platforms.

• ProSight Data Protection Services: Managed Backup and Recovery Services
  Progent has worked with leading backup/restore software companies to produce ProSight Data Protection Services, a portfolio of management offerings that deliver backup-as-a-service (BaaS). ProSight DPS services automate and monitor your data backup operations and enable non-disruptive backup and rapid restoration of important files, applications, system images, plus VMs. ProSight DPS helps your business avoid data loss caused by equipment breakdown, natural calamities, fire, malware like ransomware, human mistakes, ill-intentioned employees, or software glitches. Managed backup services available in the ProSight DPS product family include ProSight Altaro VM Backup, ProSight 365 Total Backup (formerly Altaro 365 Backup), ProSight DPS ECHO Backup using Barracuda dedicated storage, and ProSight DPS MSP360 Hybrid Backup. Your Progent expert can assist you to identify which of these fully managed services are most appropriate for your IT environment.

• ProSight Email Guard: Inbound and Outbound Spam Filtering and Data Leakage Protection
  ProSight Email Guard is Progent's spam and virus filtering and email encryption service that incorporates the infrastructure of leading information security companies to deliver centralized control and comprehensive protection for all your email traffic. The hybrid structure of Email Guard combines a Cloud Protection Layer with a local gateway device to provide advanced defense against spam, viruses, Denial of Service (DoS) Attacks, Directory Harvest Attacks (DHAs), and other email-based threats. Email Guard's cloud filter acts as a preliminary barricade and blocks most threats from reaching your network firewall. This reduces your exposure to inbound attacks and saves system bandwidth and storage space. Email Guard's on-premises security gateway device adds a deeper layer of analysis for incoming email. For outgoing email, the local security gateway offers anti-virus and anti-spam protection, policy-based Data Loss Prevention, and email encryption. The onsite security gateway can also help Exchange Server to monitor and protect internal email that originates and ends within your corporate firewall. For more information, see ProSight Email Guard spam and content filtering.

• ProSight Duo Two-Factor Authentication: ID Confirmation, Endpoint Policy Enforcement, and Protected Single Sign-on
  Progent's Duo authentication services incorporate Cisco's Duo technology to defend against password theft through the use of two-factor authentication. Duo enables one-tap identity confirmation on iOS, Android, and other out-of-band devices. With Duo 2FA, when you sign into a secured online account and enter your password you are asked to confirm who you are via a device that only you possess and that uses a different network channel. A wide selection of devices can be used for this second means of ID validation including an iPhone or Android or wearable, a hardware/software token, a landline phone, etc. You can register several verification devices. For more information about ProSight Duo identity authentication services, go to Cisco Duo MFA two-factor authentication services for access security.

• Outsourced/Co-managed Service Desk: Support Desk Managed Services
  Progent's Call Desk managed services enable your IT team to offload Support Desk services to Progent or split responsibilities for support services transparently between your internal support team and Progent's nationwide roster of IT support technicians, engineers and subject matter experts. Progent's Co-managed Service Desk provides a transparent supplement to your internal support resources. Client access to the Help Desk, delivery of support, issue escalation, ticket creation and tracking, performance metrics, and maintenance of the support database are cohesive regardless of whether incidents are resolved by your in-house support group, by Progent's team, or by a combination. Find out more about Progent's outsourced/shared Help Desk services.

• Active Protection Against Ransomware: Machine Learning-based Ransomware Detection and Remediation
  Progent's Active Protection Against Ransomware is an endpoint protection managed service that incorporates next generation behavior-based analysis technology to defend endpoint devices as well as servers and VMs against modern malware assaults like ransomware and email phishing, which easily evade legacy signature-matching AV tools. Progent Active Security Monitoring services protect local and cloud-based resources and provides a single platform to automate the entire malware attack lifecycle including protection, detection, containment, remediation, and post-attack forensics. Top capabilities include single-click rollback with Windows Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) and automatic network-wide immunization against new attacks. Read more about Progent's ransomware defense and recovery services.

• ProSight IT Asset Management: Network Documentation Management
  ProSight IT Asset Management service is a cloud-based IT documentation management service that makes it easy to create, maintain, retrieve and protect data related to your network infrastructure, processes, business apps, and services. You can instantly locate passwords or IP addresses and be warned automatically about impending expirations of SSLs or warranties. By cleaning up and organizing your IT infrastructure documentation, you can save up to 50% of time thrown away trying to find critical information about your IT network. ProSight IT Asset Management includes a common repository for storing and collaborating on all documents required for managing your network infrastructure like recommended procedures and How-To's. ProSight IT Asset Management also offers advanced automation for collecting and relating IT data. Whether you're planning enhancements, doing maintenance, or responding to an emergency, ProSight IT Asset Management delivers the information you require as soon as you need it. Find out more about Progent's ProSight IT Asset Management service.

• Progent's Patch Management: Patch Management Services
  Progent's managed services for software and firmware patch management provide businesses of all sizes a versatile and cost-effective alternative for assessing, validating, scheduling, applying, and tracking updates to your dynamic information network. Besides optimizing the security and reliability of your computer environment, Progent's patch management services allow your in-house IT team to focus on more strategic projects and tasks that derive the highest business value from your network. Learn more about Progent's patch management services.

• ProSight Virtual Hosting: Hosted Virtual Machines at Progent's World-class Data Center
  With ProSight Virtual Hosting service, a small or mid-size organization can have its key servers and applications hosted in a protected Tier III data center on a fast virtual machine host configured and maintained by Progent's network support professionals. Under the ProSight Virtual Hosting model, the customer owns the data, the operating system platforms, and the apps. Since the environment is virtualized, it can be moved easily to a different hosting environment without requiring a lengthy and difficult configuration procedure. With ProSight Virtual Hosting, you are not locked into a single hosting provider. Learn more details about ProSight Virtual Hosting services.

• ProSight Active Security Monitoring: Endpoint Protection and Ransomware Defense
  Progent's ProSight Active Security Monitoring (ASM) is an endpoint protection service that incorporates SentinelOne's next generation behavior analysis tools to defend physical and virtual endpoint devices against new malware attacks like ransomware and email phishing, which easily evade legacy signature-based anti-virus products. ProSight Active Security Monitoring protects on-premises and cloud resources and offers a unified platform to automate the complete threat lifecycle including filtering, identification, mitigation, remediation, and post-attack forensics. Key capabilities include single-click rollback with Windows Volume Shadow Copy Service and real-time system-wide immunization against newly discovered threats. Progent is a SentinelOne Partner, reseller, and integrator. Find out more about Progent's ProSight Active Security Monitoring next-generation endpoint protection and ransomware recovery.

• ProSight Enhanced Security Protection: Endpoint Protection and Microsoft Exchange Filtering
  Progent's ProSight Enhanced Security Protection (ESP) managed services offer ultra-affordable in-depth security for physical servers and VMs, desktops, mobile devices, and Exchange Server. ProSight ESP utilizes adaptive security and advanced machine learning for round-the-clock monitoring and responding to cyber assaults from all vectors. ProSight ESP delivers two-way firewall protection, penetration alarms, device management, and web filtering through cutting-edge technologies incorporated within one agent accessible from a single control. Progent's data protection and virtualization consultants can help you to design and implement a ProSight ESP environment that meets your company's unique requirements and that allows you demonstrate compliance with legal and industry data protection standards. Progent will help you define and implement security policies that ProSight ESP will manage, and Progent will monitor your network and respond to alerts that call for urgent action. Progent's consultants can also help your company to install and test a backup and disaster recovery solution like ProSight Data Protection Services so you can get back in business rapidly from a destructive cyber attack such as ransomware. Learn more about Progent's ProSight Enhanced Security Protection (ESP) unified endpoint security and Exchange filtering.