10 Essential Steps for an Effective Ransomware Response [INFOGRAPHIC]

10 Essential Steps for an Effective Ransomware Response

• Isolate Affected Systems
  Immediately remove compromised systems from the network to contain the ransomware. Disable Wi-Fi, unplug network cables, and turn off Bluetooth to prevent further spread.

• Protect and Secure Backups
  Backups are critical for recovery — and often targeted by attackers. Ensure backup systems are offline or otherwise isolated, and restrict access until the incident is fully resolved.

• Mobilize the Response Team
  Activate your core incident response team, including representatives from IT, security, legal, communications, business leadership, and relevant external partners. Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and communication channels.

• Evaluate Business Impact
  Determine how the incident is affecting operations. This impact assessment will guide the prioritization of response and recovery actions.

• Escalate Internally
  Inform senior leadership and the board as appropriate, based on the incident’s severity and potential consequences.

• Coordinate with Law Enforcement
  Engage law enforcement early. They may offer threat intelligence, indicators of compromise, or even decryption keys. They can also support ransom recovery efforts and assist with investigations.

• Leverage External Expertise
  Bring in outside specialists as needed — including forensic investigators, ransomware negotiators, legal counsel, PR firms, and data breach response experts — to support all aspects of the incident.

• Define a Recovery Strategy
  Assess whether restoration from backups is viable. If not, consider alternative recovery options, which may include negotiating with threat actors. Ensure any payment decisions comply with legal and regulatory obligations, including sanctions laws.

• Plan Communications and Address Legal Requirements
  Develop and implement a communications plan for all stakeholders, including insurers, employees, customers, investors, and regulators. Review and fulfill any notification obligations under applicable laws and contracts.

• Document Findings and Lessons Learned
  Create a detailed record of the incident, including root cause, response efforts, recovery measures, and areas for improvement. Consider producing a legal-privileged report to support future readiness and enhance your security posture.

Source: https://iapp.org/resources/article/successful-ransomware-response/