How to quickly detect and preventy ransomware email in a timely maner?

Ransomware Email is a type of malicious software distributed via email, capable of encrypting user data and demanding ransom for decryption. Attackers often use spoofed emails from reputable organizations like banks, power companies, etc., to deceive users into clicking on malicious links or downloading infected attachments. Upon taking these actions, ransomware installs itself on the computer and begins encrypting data.

Once data is encrypted, attackers display a ransom demand for decryption. Ransom amounts can range from millions to billions of dong, depending on the value of the encrypted data. Failure to pay the ransom means users may lose access to their data permanently or risk critical data falling into competitors' hands.

How to identify a ransomware email? These phishing emails are often meticulously disguised as communications from CEOs, banks, or even colleagues users regularly interact with. Just one click on a cleverly disguised link can result in all of the user's important data being encrypted and losing control of everything in an instant.

To protect oneself and organizations from these risks, timely detection of ransomware emails is crucial. Here are some effective measures to help users identify and avoid ransomware emails:

• Unknown sender: Exercise caution with emails from unfamiliar addresses, especially those with generic greetings or misspelled company names. Reputable organizations always address users by their specific names and never request sensitive information via email.

• Language and presentation: Spelling errors, constantly changing expressions, and nonsensical sentences are suspicious signs. Trusted companies prioritize clear and concise communication in emails.

• Urgency and pressure: Ransomware emails often create a sense of urgency, urging recipients to act immediately and threatening consequences for delays. Always remain calm and thoroughly verify before taking any action. Gifts and prizes: Reputable businesses never ask for account information or direct payments via email to receive gifts. Be cautious of such unusual requests.

• Logo: Unclear, stretched, or unprofessional logos are signs of phishing emails. Trusted organizations always maintain a clear brand image and use sharp, professional logos in all communications.

In 2024 marks the explosion era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), bringing significant advancements across various fields. However, alongside its vast benefits, AI also poses increasingly heightened cybersecurity risks, particularly from ransomware. With its ability to self-learn, adapt, and spread rapidly, ransomware has become a more menacing threat than ever, directly jeopardizing users' data and finances.

Ransomware email examples

Various types of ransomware emails are lurking in every corner, ready to strike at any time. Below are examples of current popular variants:

• LockBit: Targets large enterprises and government organizations by encrypting data and demanding ransom payment in Bitcoin.

• DarkSide: Similar to LockBit, DarkSide encrypts data and demands ransom, primarily targeting businesses and healthcare organizations.

• REvil: A sophisticated ransomware utilizing advanced techniques to infiltrate and encrypt data, often targeting large organizations and demanding high ransom payments.

• Conti: A newer ransomware but rapidly emerging as a top threat, Conti targets government entities and large enterprises.

• Maze: Targets businesses and is known for tactics including public data exposure threats if the ransom is not paid.

According to statistics from the Authority of Information Security, during the first 11 months of 2023, there were 11,428 cyber attacks causing security incidents in Vietnam. This figure represents a slight increase of 1.9% compared to the same period in 2022.

Phishing remains the most common attack method, accounting for nearly 90% of total incidents, with 10,283 cases recorded. Following this are ransomware attacks with 884 cases and defacement attacks with 451 cases.

Most recently, the account of Do Mixi - a popular streamer with a large following - became the latest victim of sophisticated phishing emails. Fraudsters impersonated an email from the highly anticipated game "Black Myth: Wukong," enticing him to download an attachment. Upon downloading and unpacking the file, it installed dangerous malware, stealing his personal information and financial information.

Do Mixi's incident serves as a stark reminder of the increasing danger posed by phishing emails. Fraudsters continuously employ more sophisticated tactics, preying on users' psychology and greed, making them vulnerable to traps. Therefore, it's crucial for individuals to heighten their vigilance and equip themselves with necessary knowledge to effectively recognize and prevent phishing emails.

To keep your business safe from ransomware threats through email, consider these 15 protective measures:

1. Use anti-phishing software: This helps block malicious attachments and links before they reach your inbox.

2. Activate advanced email filtering: It detects and isolates suspicious emails, blocking potentially dangerous content.

3. Train employees: Conduct training sessions so that employees can recognize the signs of phishing emails.

4. Implement two-factor authentication (2FA): Secure email accounts with an added layer of protection to prevent unauthorized access.

5. Back up data regularly: Ensure quick recovery in the event of an attack, minimizing potential damage.

6. Use strong, unique passwords: Reduce the risk of email account breaches from weak or reused passwords.

7. Install antivirus software: Detect and promptly remove ransomware and other malware.

8. Regularly update software and systems: Ensure patches are applied to fix security vulnerabilities.

9. Deploy a secure email gateway: Filter out malicious emails before they enter the system, stopping ransomware at the source.

10. Limit attachment types: Allow only attachments from trusted sources and in safe formats.

11. Block macros in attachments: Prevent malware from automatically executing when attachments are opened.

12. Scan emails regularly for malware: Ensure that attachments and email content are free from malware.

13. Use whitelisting for trusted senders: Only accept emails from approved, reliable sources.

14. Monitor and audit email traffic: Detect and address any unusual activities that could signal a ransomware attack.

15. Encrypt emails: Protect email content from unauthorized access, safeguarding sensitive information.

By implementing these measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of ransomware attacks through email and protect your business effectively.

EG-Platform, developed by VNETWORK Corporation, is a comprehensive email security solution integrating advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning. This platform provides a three-tiered email attack filtering system designed to effectively safeguard both inbound and outbound enterprise emails, including:

• SpamGuard: An advanced spam filtering system utilizing Machine Learning and Bayesian technology to prevent illegitimate intermediary servers, reduce bulk spam, and effectively counter Phishing Mail, Viruses, and Ransomware. Integrated with email server access management features tailored to business criteria, SpamGuard identifies and blocks spam emails, minimizing unwanted messages and inbox clutter.

• Receive Guard: A robust inbound email protection solution that blocks spoofed emails, APT attacks, and BEC. This system checks URLs and analyzes user behavior, converting suspicious URLs into images. Leveraging Machine Learning, Receive Guard detects spoofed domains and scrutinizes emails in a sandbox environment to enhance threat detection, focusing on identifying and preventing email-based attacks like fraud, Zero-day vulnerabilities, and Ransomware. Additionally, Receive Guard applies advanced AI to safeguard email information, verifying critical details such as headers, IP addresses, URLs, and meticulously examining spoofed character strings, ensuring maximum protection of user personal information.

• Send Guard: A powerful outbound email protection solution that manages and approves emails before sending to ensure information security. The system checks content to prevent data leakage and supports safe email sending and retrieval. Send Guard blocks connections from IP-based systems or countries and from Outlook, detecting emails containing malicious software or illegal content, ensuring prevention of harmful messages and alerting users.

EG-Platform's filters

With these deep filtering integrations, EG-Platform provides an effective solution to protect enterprise email communications against network threats, especially ransomware attacks via email. Furthermore, the integration of Machine Learning and AI into VNETWORK's EG-Platform represents a significant advancement in email security, offering flexibility and high efficiency in addressing emerging email threats. Benefits include:

• Enhanced detection of new attacks: Machine Learning and AI technology not only aid in recognition but also learn and adapt to new network attack models, enhancing the ability to combat the latest threats.

• Automated detection of network attacks: Machine Learning and AI technology automate this process, reducing personnel burdens and allowing them to focus on more complex tasks in addressing network threats.

• Enhanced adaptability to changes: Machine Learning and AI on EG-Platform are flexible and can be updated to reflect fluctuations and changes in network attack strategies, thereby helping businesses maintain safety against increasingly complex and diverse threats.

EG-Platform is a comprehensive email security solution, ensuring timely and effective protection for enterprises against sophisticated email attacks. For detailed consultation, customers can contact us directly via hotline (028) 7306 8789 or email: contact@vnetwork.