Immediate Actions for The Fourth of July Cyberattack Increase

With the Fourth of July holiday approaching, it’s crucial to be aware of the increased risk of ransomware attacks. Here are some immediate actions you can take to protect your organization against the Fourth of July cyberattack increase:

1. Make an Offline Backup of Your Data: Ensure your data is backed up offline, regularly updated, and tested.
2. Do Not Click on Suspicious Links: Implement a robust user training program to prevent phishing attacks.
3. Secure and Monitor Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP): Restrict RDP access, use multi-factor authentication (MFA), and monitor access logs.
4. Update Your Operating System and Software: Regularly patch and update all systems to protect against vulnerabilities.
5. Use Strong Passwords: Ensure passwords are unique and complex.
6. Implement Multi-Factor Authentication: Enable MFA for all critical systems and remote access points.

The Growing Threat of Holiday Cyberattacks

The FBI and CISA have observed an increase in ransomware attacks during holidays and weekends, when offices are typically closed. This pattern was evident during the Fourth of July holiday in 2021.

Cybercriminals often target holidays and weekends, knowing that IT support and network defenders are at limited capacity. This gives malicious actors a head start in deploying ransomware and exploiting networks. The Fourth of July cyberattack increase is a clear example of how these criminals exploit holiday periods.

Recent Holiday Incidents

• Fourth of July Weekend: Sodinokibi/REvil ransomware targeted Kaseya, a U.S.-based IT management company, exploiting vulnerabilities in its VSA software. This attack affected up to 1,500 businesses, including managed service providers and their customers, demonstrating the significant impact of targeting IT infrastructure during a holiday.
• Mother’s Day Weekend: DarkSide ransomware attacked a U.S. critical infrastructure entity in the Energy Sector, causing a week-long operational suspension.
• Memorial Day Weekend: Sodinokibi/REvil ransomware disrupted meat production at a critical infrastructure entity in the Food and Agricultural Sector.

Trends in Ransomware

The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) reported a significant increase in ransomware incidents and ransom demands in 2020. This trend has continued into 2021, with cybercriminals targeting large organizations and critical services, contributing to the Fourth of July cyberattack increase.

Proactive Threat Hunting

Organizations should engage in proactive threat hunting to detect and mitigate cyber threats before they cause damage. This includes:

• Understanding Routine Activity: Establish a baseline of normal network behavior to identify anomalies.
• Reviewing Data Logs: Monitor for signs of suspicious activity, such as unusual network traffic or failed file modifications.
• Using Automated Alerting Systems: Employ intrusion prevention systems and security alerting tools.

Best Practices for Ransomware Protection

To reduce the risk of ransomware attacks and mitigate the Fourth of July cyberattack increase, follow these best practices:

• Make Regular Offline Backups: Ensure backups are encrypted and stored offline.
• Implement User Training Programs: Educate users about the dangers of phishing and suspicious links.
• Secure RDP Access: Restrict access, use VPNs, and monitor logs.
• Update Systems and Software: Regularly apply patches and updates to all systems.
• Use Strong Passwords and MFA: Ensure all accounts have strong passwords and multi-factor authentication enabled.
• Segment Networks and Secure User Accounts: Implement network segmentation and regularly audit user accounts.

Incident Response Planning For the Fourth of July Cyberattack Increase

Having a well-prepared incident response plan is critical. This plan should include:

• Response Procedures: Outline steps for responding to a ransomware incident.
• Notification Protocols: Establish who to notify in the event of an attack.
• Backup Scanning: Ensure backup data is free of malware.

How PivIT Strategy Can Help

At PivIT Strategy, we understand the complexities and challenges of maintaining a strong cybersecurity posture, especially during critical periods like holidays when the risk of attacks increases. Our comprehensive managed services and cybersecurity solutions are designed to support your business.

Conclusion

As the Fourth of July approaches, the risk of ransomware attacks increases. By implementing these best practices and maintaining a proactive cybersecurity posture, organizations can protect themselves against the potential Fourth of July cyberattack increase. Stay vigilant and ensure your defenses are robust to safeguard your data and operations.