In a recent blog post, we wrote that a backup solution alone is not enough to guarantee effective protection against the ever-growing risk of ransomware attacks. Not only can the period of downtime until the affected data and systems are fully restored still be extremely costly, but it is also impossible to eliminate the risk of the backups themselves having been infected by the malware – and thus of the supposed salvation actually being the final fatal blow.
Complete protection is only provided if additional, state-of-the-art cyber security software ensures that uninvited intruders are instantly detected and blocked through URL filtering, vulnerability assessments and the behavioural detection of attacks.
This kind of all-in-one solution has been implemented in the unique technology offered by Acronis Cyber Protect, and a very recent example of international significance highlights just how indispensable it is. On the night of 8 to 9 November, the MediaMarkt and Saturn electronics stores fell victim to a ransomware attack with as yet incalculable consequences. According to initial reports, over 3,000 of the chain’s servers were infected with the relatively new ransomware Hive. Media reports indicate that national subsidiaries are unable to process orders, collections or returns, as their cash registers and merchandise management systems are no longer fully functional.
Zwar scheinen die Online-Shops der Kette von der Attacke verschont geblieben zu sein, was angesichts von kolportierten 50 Millionen Dollar Lösegeldforderung nur ein sehr schwacher Trost sein dürfte.
Wer unbedingt eine Ironie in der Geschichte finden will, mag diese darin sehen, dass die MediaMärkte zu den führenden Outlets von Cybersecurity-Lösungen gehören. Allerdings ist Ironie alles andere als angebracht. Es steht zu hoffen, dass das betroffene Unternehmen schnellstmöglich und ohne großen finanziellen Schaden wieder operativ wird.