It’s not about protection, it’s all about Recovery
The increasing sophistication of cyber-attacks has placed companies under constant threat. Among the most impactful attacks are those that directly affect information, such as ransomware and other malware variants, capable of paralyzing operations and compromising critical data. The evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) has been extensively leveraged by cybercriminal networks to automate attacks, create more evasive malware, and launch highly personalized phishing campaigns. According to industry forecasts, cyber-attacks are expected to become even more complex and frequent in the coming years, driven by AI’s ability to bypass traditional defense systems. In this context, Cyber Recovery emerges as an essential pillar of a robust cybersecurity strategy, reducing risks and ensuring organizational resilience.
Growing Threat: Ransomware and Malware
Ransomware and malware attacks have become increasingly frequent and devastating. Ransomware, for example, encrypts data and demands financial ransoms. While large companies are attractive targets, they have also made significant investments in defensive measures, reducing their exposure to cyber-attacks. As a result, SMEs are prime targets due to their less robust security infrastructures. The Radar/Dispossessor group, dismantled in August 2024, specialized in cyber-attacks against SMEs. This group exploited vulnerable IT systems, weak passwords, and the absence of two-factor authentication to compromise victims’ networks.
According to the IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2023 report, ransomware attacks accounted for 21% of all cyber-attacks, highlighting the growing threat. Similarly, the Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report 2023 indicated a 13% increase in ransomware attacks compared to the previous year.
In recent years, the European Union has faced several ransomware cyber-attacks affecting critical sectors:
a) Cyber-attack on Hospital Clínic de Barcelona (2023): In March 2023, a ransomware attack led to the theft of 4.5TB of confidential information. The responsible criminal group demanded a ransom of over €4 million to prevent data disclosure. This incident led to surgery and consultation cancellations, significantly affecting the hospital’s healthcare services.
b) Cyber-attack on Coop Supermarket Chain in Sweden (2021): A ransomware attack exploited a vulnerability in the VSA software from the American company Kaseya, widely used for remote system monitoring and management. As a result, Coop was forced to temporarily close 700 out of its 800 stores due to compromised checkout and payment systems.
These incidents highlight the growing threat that ransomware cyber-attacks pose to critical sectors in the European Union, emphasizing the importance of implementing robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information and ensure the continuity of essential services.
Evolution of Ransomware and Malware: a growing threat
New technologies have been widely used by cybercriminals to evade threat detection and maximize attack impact. Some of the most challenging new variants include:
a) Intermittent Ransomware: This variant operates sporadically, activating only at certain times to evade detection by traditional security solutions. This method reduces the attack’s visibility and makes response more difficult.
b) Polymorphic Malware: This type of malware can automatically modify its code to avoid being identified by antivirus signatures. As a result, pattern-based detection becomes ineffective, requiring advanced behavioral analysis technologies.
c) Ransomware As-a-Service (RaaS): With this model, cybercrime groups sell or rent ransomware tools to other hackers, making attacks more accessible and increasing the frequency and sophistication of threats.
d) Fileless Malware: These attacks do not use traditional files for infection, operating directly in the system’s memory, making detection even more difficult for conventional security methods.
The impact of these threats can be categorized as follows:
a) Financial: High costs for recovery, ransom payments, and revenue losses.
b) Operational: Disruptions in activities, impacting business continuity.
c) Reputational: Loss of trust among customers and business partners.
d) Legal and Regulatory: Sanctions for inadequate protection of sensitive data.
Cyber Recovery: A Fundamental Pillar of Cybersecurity
Cyber Recovery goes beyond merely creating backups; it is a strategic approach that ensures the rapid and secure restoration of systems after an attack.
Companies that adopt Cyber Recovery strategies can minimize downtime and reduce the damage from cyber-attacks. The ability to respond quickly becomes a competitive advantage and an essential factor for business continuity. According to the IDC’s November 2023 Future Enterprise Resiliency and Spending Survey, IDC recommends that companies adopt cyber recovery strategies to ensure resilience and minimize the impacts of potential cyber-attacks. Some of IDC’s recommended measures include:
a) Adoption of immutable backups regularly tested to ensure reliable data recovery.
b) Continuous data analysis for threat detection.
c) Network segmentation and isolation of critical systems to reduce the attack surface.
d) Continuous monitoring and automated threat response to mitigate damage quickly.
e) Implementation of Zero Trust access policies to restrict unauthorized access and minimize risks.
f) Periodically tested cyber recovery plans to ensure effectiveness and company readiness in the event of an incident.
The Relevance of NIS2 for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in the European Union
The advancement of cybersecurity regulations has directly impacted SMEs. The NIS2 Directive (Network and Information Security Directive 2), approved by the European Union, expands companies’ obligations regarding the protection of critical systems and data. Key aspects of NIS2 for SMEs include:
a) Expansion: More economic sectors are now required to meet cybersecurity requirements.
b) Managerial Responsibility: Administrators can be held accountable for failures in implementing adequate security measures.
c) Resilience Requirements: Companies must adopt robust backup, recovery, and incident response policies.
d) Stricter Penalties: Severe sanctions for companies that fail to comply with the directive.
Compliance with NIS2 is not just a legal obligation but an opportunity to strengthen business resilience. Adopting Cyber Recovery practices aligned with this directive can provide a competitive advantage for SMEs, ensuring protection against increasingly sophisticated threats.
Conclusion
The implementation of an effective Cyber Recovery strategy is fundamental for companies’ survival in a landscape of increasing cyber threats. Ransomware and other forms of malware pose significant risks, requiring fast and efficient responses. NIS2 reinforces the importance of cybersecurity, especially for SMEs in the European Union, by demanding stricter measures to protect critical infrastructures. Thus, investing in Cyber Recovery not only mitigates risks but also strengthens companies’ competitive position in an increasingly digitalized and regulated market.
An innovative solution that stands out in this scenario is LATO, a product developed by LockEM, a startup from Leiria, Portugal. LockEM offers a fully automated cyber recovery system targeted at SMEs. The LATO system uses artificial intelligence for behavioral data analysis and attack pattern detection, enabling companies to implement secure copies of their critical information and recovery policies, ensuring business continuity even in the face of severe attacks. LockEM’s proactive approach significantly contributes to business resilience in the digital age, making cyber recovery an accessible and effective reality.
