Building a Solid Line of Defense

So how do organizations better protect themselves against ransomware? Start by bringing disparate teams together.

“Ransomware is not entirely an IT problem, not entirely a disaster recovery problem,” Renneker said. Everyone in the business needs to “come together … and prioritize investments in the right way.”

Conduct a cyber war game, he said. This will highlight problems, and show the organization what it does well and where it needs to improve.

“It’s really about bridging gaps in existing domains,” Renneker said.

Next, Staimer said, know that fighting ransomware takes a hands-on approach.

“Ransomware is top to bottom. You have to train your people not to fall for targeted phishing ,” he said.

There is no single answer, Renneker said. But, he said, “with a coordinated, organized and well thought-out strategy, you can combat this threat.”