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Ransomware : Your Worst Information Technology Catastrophe
Crypto-Ransomware has become a too-frequent cyberplague that poses an extinction-level threat for businesses of all sizes unprepared for an attack. Different versions of ransomware like the Dharma, WannaCry, Locky, SamSam and MongoLock cryptoworms have been replicating for a long time and still cause destruction. More recent variants of ransomware such as Ryuk, Maze, Sodinokibi, DopplePaymer, Conti or Nephilim, as well as frequent as yet unnamed malware, not only encrypt on-line data but also infiltrate most configured system protection mechanisms. Data synched to the cloud can also be encrypted. In a vulnerable data protection solution, this can make automatic recovery impossible and basically sets the network back to square one.

Recovering programs and information following a crypto-ransomware outage becomes a sprint against the clock as the targeted business tries its best to stop lateral movement, eradicate the ransomware, and restore enterprise-critical operations. Because ransomware requires time to replicate, penetrations are usually sprung at night, when penetrations typically take more time to discover. This compounds the difficulty of promptly marshalling and orchestrating an experienced response team.

Progent has an assortment of help services for protecting organizations from crypto-ransomware penetrations. These include team member training to help recognize and not fall victim to phishing attempts, ProSight Active Security Monitoring for remote monitoring and management, in addition to setup and configuration of next-generation security appliances with AI technology from SentinelOne to discover and quarantine zero-day cyber threats quickly. Progent in addition offers the assistance of veteran crypto-ransomware recovery engineers with the skills and perseverance to re-deploy a breached network as soon as possible.

Progent's Ransomware Recovery Help
Soon after a crypto-ransomware event, even paying the ransom demands in cryptocurrency does not ensure that distant criminals will return the needed keys to unencrypt any or all of your data. Kaspersky ascertained that 17% of ransomware victims never restored their data even after having paid the ransom, resulting in more losses. The risk is also expensive. Ryuk ransoms are often a few hundred thousand dollars. For larger enterprises, the ransom can be in the millions. The fallback is to setup from scratch the essential parts of your IT environment. Without access to essential data backups, this requires a broad range of IT skills, well-coordinated team management, and the capability to work 24x7 until the job is completed.

For two decades, Progent has made available professional Information Technology services for companies throughout the U.S. and has achieved Microsoft's Partnership certification in the Datacenter and Cloud Productivity competencies. Progent's group of subject matter experts (SMEs) includes consultants who have been awarded high-level certifications in foundation technologies including Microsoft, Cisco, VMware, and major distributions of Linux. Progent's security engineers have garnered internationally-recognized industry certifications including CISA, CISSP, ISACA CRISC, GIAC, and CMMC 2.0. (Visit Progent's certifications). Progent in addition has expertise with financial systems and ERP application software. This breadth of expertise affords Progent the capability to quickly ascertain critical systems and organize the surviving components of your IT environment following a crypto-ransomware penetration and assemble them into a functioning system.

Progent's ransomware group utilizes powerful project management tools to orchestrate the complicated restoration process. Progent appreciates the importance of working rapidly and in concert with a customer's management and Information Technology resources to assign priority to tasks and to put critical applications back on-line as fast as possible.

Business Case Study: A Successful Ransomware Intrusion Restoration
A customer sought out Progent after their organization was attacked by Ryuk ransomware. Ryuk is believed to have been launched by North Korean government sponsored hackers, suspected of adopting technology leaked from the United States National Security Agency. Ryuk attacks specific companies with little room for operational disruption and is among the most profitable versions of ransomware. Headline victims include Data Resolution, a California-based info warehousing and cloud computing company, and the Chicago Tribune. Progent's client is a small manufacturer based in Chicago with around 500 workers. The Ryuk intrusion had paralyzed all essential operations and manufacturing processes. The majority of the client's information backups had been on-line at the start of the intrusion and were damaged. The client was taking steps for paying the ransom demand (more than $200,000) and praying for the best, but in the end engaged Progent.

Progent worked with the customer to rapidly understand and prioritize the critical elements that had to be recovered to make it possible to resume company functions:

• Active Directory (AD)
• Electronic Messaging
• Financials/MRP

Within two days, Progent was able to rebuild Windows Active Directory to its pre-virus state. Progent then accomplished setup and storage recovery on needed systems. All Exchange Server schema and attributes were intact, which greatly helped the rebuild of Exchange. Progent was able to locate intact OST data files (Outlook Offline Folder Files) on team PCs to recover email data. A not too old off-line backup of the customer's financials/ERP software made it possible to recover these required services back online for users. Although significant work needed to be completed to recover completely from the Ryuk attack, critical systems were recovered rapidly:

Throughout the following month important milestones in the recovery process were accomplished in close collaboration between Progent engineers and the customer:

• Internal web applications were restored without losing any data.
• The MailStore Server exceeding four million archived emails was spun up and available for users.
• CRM/Customer Orders/Invoices/AP/AR/Inventory Control modules were fully restored.
• A new Palo Alto 850 firewall was installed.
• Ninety percent of the desktops and laptops were being used by staff.

Conclusion
A possible business-killing disaster was dodged with top-tier experts, a wide array of technical expertise, and tight collaboration. Although in post mortem the ransomware virus attack detailed here would have been blocked with current cyber security solutions and NIST Cybersecurity Framework or ISO/IEC 27001 best practices, user and IT administrator training, and well thought out incident response procedures for data backup and applying software patches, the reality is that state-sponsored cybercriminals from Russia, North Korea and elsewhere are relentless and will continue. If you do fall victim to a ransomware incident, feel confident that Progent's team of professionals has extensive experience in ransomware virus blocking, mitigation, and information systems restoration.

To review or download a PDF version of this customer case study, please click:
Progent's Ransomware Recovery Case Study Datasheet. (PDF - 282 KB)

Additional Crypto-Ransomware Protection Services Available from Progent
Progent can provide businesses in Sarasota a range of remote monitoring and security assessment services designed to help you to reduce your vulnerability to crypto-ransomware. These services utilize modern artificial intelligence technology to detect zero-day strains of crypto-ransomware that can evade traditional signature-based security solutions.

• ProSight Managed Service Plans: for Small to Mid-size Businesses
  Progent's ProSight Managed IT Service Plans make it feasible for small and mid-size businesses to utilize Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) solutions to achieve leading-edge IT resilience. Progent takes care of the necessary monitoring and management for you, so your network expands smoothly without becoming an obstacle. For a low and predictable monthly subscription, Progent's full-service IT team can be your complete technology safety net. Entry-level packages include remote monitoring and management (RMM), cybersecurity, monthly patching, and documentation. As your requirements grow, you can add low-cost subscriptions to best-in-class solutions such as SaaS M365/Google Workspace backup, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), penetration testing, or WiFi management.

• ProSight LAN Watch: Server and Desktop Monitoring and Management
  ProSight LAN Watch is Progent's server and desktop monitoring managed service that incorporates advanced remote monitoring and management (RMM) techniques to keep your IT system operating efficiently by checking the health of critical computers that power your information system. When ProSight LAN Watch detects a problem, an alert is sent immediately to your designated IT management staff and your Progent engineering consultant so that all looming problems can be addressed before they can impact your network. Learn more about ProSight LAN Watch server and desktop monitoring services.

• ProSight LAN Watch with NinjaOne RMM: Unified RMM for Networks, Servers, and Desktops
  ProSight LAN Watch with NinjaOne RMM software delivers a unified, cloud-based solution for monitoring and managing your client-server infrastructure by offering an environment for performing common tedious jobs. These can include health checking, update management, automated repairs, endpoint setup, backup and restore, anti-virus defense, secure remote access, standard and custom scripts, asset inventory, endpoint status reporting, and debugging support. When ProSight LAN Watch with NinjaOne RMM identifies a serious problem, it transmits an alarm to your designated IT management personnel and your Progent consultant so emerging problems can be fixed before they interfere with your network. Learn more about ProSight LAN Watch with NinjaOne RMM server and desktop remote monitoring services.

• ProSight WAN Watch: Infrastructure Management
  ProSight WAN Watch is an infrastructure monitoring and management service that makes it easy and affordable for smaller businesses to map, monitor, reconfigure and troubleshoot their connectivity hardware like routers and switches, firewalls, and access points as well as servers, printers, client computers and other devices. Using cutting-edge Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) technology, WAN Watch makes sure that network diagrams are always current, captures and manages the configuration information of almost all devices connected to your network, monitors performance, and sends notices when potential issues are discovered. By automating tedious management and troubleshooting processes, WAN Watch can cut hours off ordinary tasks like network mapping, expanding your network, finding devices that require critical updates, or resolving performance issues. Learn more details about ProSight WAN Watch infrastructure monitoring and management services.

• ProSight Reporting: Real-time Reporting for Ticketing and Network Monitoring Applications
  ProSight Reporting is an expanding suite of in-depth reporting utilities created to integrate with the leading ticketing and remote network monitoring platforms such as ConnectWise Manage, ConnectWise Automate, Customer Thermometer, Auvik, and SentinelOne. ProSight Reporting uses Microsoft Graph and features color coding to surface and contextualize critical issues such as spotty support follow-up or endpoints with out-of-date AVs. By exposing ticketing or network health concerns concisely and in near-real time, ProSight Reporting enhances network value, reduces management overhead, and saves money. For details, visit ProSight Reporting for ticketing and network monitoring platforms.

• ProSight Data Protection Services (DPS): Backup and Recovery Services
  Progent has partnered with leading backup software providers to produce ProSight Data Protection Services, a selection of subscription-based offerings that provide backup-as-a-service (BaaS). ProSight DPS products automate and track your data backup operations and enable non-disruptive backup and fast recovery of important files, applications, system images, and virtual machines. ProSight DPS helps you recover from data loss resulting from equipment failures, natural calamities, fire, malware like ransomware, human error, ill-intentioned insiders, or software bugs. Managed services available in the ProSight DPS portfolio include ProSight Altaro VM Backup, ProSight 365 Total Backup (formerly Altaro 365 Backup), ProSight DPS ECHO Backup based on Barracuda dedicated storage, and ProSight DPS MSP360 Hybrid Backup. Your Progent consultant can help you to identify which of these 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 vendors to deliver web-based control and world-class security for all your email traffic. The powerful architecture of Email Guard combines a Cloud Protection Layer with a local security gateway appliance to offer complete defense against spam, viruses, Denial of Service Attacks, DHAs, and other email-based malware. The cloud filter acts as a preliminary barricade and blocks the vast majority of threats from reaching your security perimeter. This decreases your vulnerability to external attacks and saves system bandwidth and storage space. Email Guard's onsite security gateway appliance adds a further layer of inspection for incoming email. For outbound email, the on-premises gateway offers anti-virus and anti-spam filtering, DLP, and email encryption. The onsite gateway can also help Microsoft Exchange Server to monitor and safeguard internal email traffic that stays within your security perimeter. For more details, visit Email Guard spam and content filtering.

• ProSight Duo Two-Factor Authentication: ID Confirmation, Endpoint Remediation, and Protected Single Sign-on
  Progent's Duo authentication managed services incorporate Cisco's Duo cloud technology to defend against password theft by using two-factor authentication. Duo enables single-tap identity confirmation on iOS, Google Android, and other out-of-band devices. Using 2FA, whenever you sign into a secured application and give your password you are requested to verify your identity on a device that only you have and that is accessed using a different ("out-of-band") network channel. A wide range of out-of-band devices can be utilized for this second form of authentication such as an iPhone or Android or watch, a hardware/software token, a landline phone, etc. You can register multiple validation devices. For details about ProSight Duo two-factor identity validation services, visit Cisco Duo MFA two-factor authentication services.

• Progent's Outsourced/Shared Help Desk: Support Desk Managed Services
  Progent's Support Center services allow your information technology team to offload Support Desk services to Progent or split responsibilities for support services seamlessly between your internal network support resources and Progent's extensive pool of IT service technicians, engineers and subject matter experts (SMEs). Progent's Co-managed Help Desk Service offers a smooth extension of your corporate network support resources. User interaction with the Help Desk, provision of support, escalation, trouble ticket generation and updates, efficiency measurement, and maintenance of the service database are consistent regardless of whether incidents are resolved by your in-house network support staff, by Progent's team, or by a combination. Learn more about Progent's outsourced/co-managed Help Desk services.

• Progent 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 cutting edge behavior-based analysis tools to defend endpoint devices and physical and virtual servers against modern malware attacks such as ransomware and email phishing, which routinely escape traditional signature-based anti-virus products. Progent Active Security Monitoring services safeguard on-premises and cloud resources and offers a unified platform to address the complete threat progression including blocking, identification, mitigation, cleanup, and forensics. Top features include one-click rollback using Windows VSS and real-time system-wide immunization against new attacks. Read more about Progent's ransomware defense and cleanup services.

• ProSight IT Asset Management: Network Documentation Management
  ProSight IT Asset Management service is an IT infrastructure documentation management service that makes it easy to create, maintain, retrieve and safeguard information related to your network infrastructure, processes, applications, and services. You can instantly locate passwords or serial numbers and be warned automatically about impending expirations of SSL certificates ,domains or warranties. By cleaning up and managing your IT documentation, you can save as much as half of time thrown away looking for critical information about your network. ProSight IT Asset Management includes a common repository for storing and sharing all documents related to managing your business network like recommended procedures and self-service instructions. ProSight IT Asset Management also offers a high level of automation for collecting and relating IT information. Whether you're planning enhancements, performing maintenance, or responding to a crisis, ProSight IT Asset Management gets you the information you need the instant you need it. Find out more about ProSight IT Asset Management service.

• Patch Management: Patch Management Services
  Progent's support services for patch management offer businesses of all sizes a versatile and affordable alternative for evaluating, validating, scheduling, implementing, and documenting software and firmware updates to your dynamic information network. Besides maximizing the security and functionality of your IT network, Progent's patch management services free up time for your in-house IT team to focus on more strategic initiatives and activities that derive maximum business value from your network. Find out more about Progent's software/firmware update management support services.

• ProSight Virtual Hosting: Hosted Virtual Machines at Progent's World-class Data Center
  With ProSight Virtual Hosting service, a small business can have its critical servers and apps hosted in a secure Tier III data center on a high-performance virtual machine host configured and maintained by Progent's IT support professionals. With Progent's ProSight Virtual Hosting service model, the client retains ownership of the data, the operating system platforms, and the applications. Because the system is virtualized, it can be ported easily to a different hosting environment without a time-consuming and difficult reinstallation process. With ProSight Virtual Hosting, you are not tied a single hosting provider. Find out more details about ProSight Virtual Hosting services.

• ProSight Active Security Monitoring: Endpoint Protection and Ransomware Defense
  ProSight Active Security Monitoring is an endpoint protection (EPP) service that utilizes SentinelOne's next generation behavior-based analysis technology to defend physical and virtual endpoint devices against new malware assaults like ransomware and file-less exploits, which routinely evade traditional signature-based AV products. ProSight Active Security Monitoring protects on-premises and cloud resources and offers a single platform to automate the entire threat progression including blocking, identification, mitigation, remediation, and forensics. Key features include single-click rollback using Windows Volume Shadow Copy Service and automatic system-wide immunization against new threats. Progent is a SentinelOne Partner, dealer, and integrator. Read more about Progent's ProSight Active Security Monitoring (ASM) endpoint protection and ransomware defense.

• ProSight Enhanced Security Protection: Endpoint Security and Microsoft Exchange Email Filtering
  Progent's ProSight Enhanced Security Protection (ESP) managed services deliver economical multi-layer security for physical and virtual servers, workstations, smartphones, and Microsoft Exchange. ProSight ESP utilizes adaptive security and advanced machine learning for round-the-clock monitoring and reacting to cyber assaults from all attack vectors. ProSight ESP provides two-way firewall protection, intrusion alarms, endpoint control, and web filtering through cutting-edge technologies incorporated within a single agent managed from a single console. Progent's data protection and virtualization experts can help you to plan and configure a ProSight ESP environment that meets your company's unique requirements and that allows you prove compliance with legal and industry data security standards. Progent will assist you specify and implement security policies that ProSight ESP will enforce, and Progent will monitor your network and react to alerts that require urgent attention. Progent can also assist your company to set up and verify a backup and disaster recovery solution such as ProSight Data Protection Services (DPS) so you can get back in business rapidly from a destructive security attack like ransomware. Find out more about Progent's ProSight Enhanced Security Protection unified endpoint security and Exchange email filtering.