Could a ransomware payment ban improve data security?

A recent news article discussed the governments proposal to ban UK public bodies, such as schools, the NHS, and local councils, from making ransomware payments. The crackdown aims to reduce the appeal of these entities as targets for cyber-attacks, which are one of the hardest hit by criminal gangs.

Proactive measures to improve data security

This will mean a ban on ransomware payments for public sector bodies, including critical national infrastructure. Private companies must report ransomware payments to the government and if the proposals become law, all ransomware attacks must be reported to the government.

If this legislation passes, it will be a significant change for many. Organisations will no longer be able to rely on paying attackers to recover their data. Instead, they’ll need to ensure they have robust systems and have strong security measures in place to prevent these prevalent attacks.  They will need to backup data and keep secure, offsite backups that are safe from ransomware.  They will also need a disaster recovery plan and have strategies in place to quickly recover data and minimise downtime.  We would always encourage all organisations across every sector to have measures in place to protect their school, business or public sector bodies including;

1. Proactive Security Measures – CT can help implement the latest security solutions, including Managed Detection Response, advanced firewalls and regular security audits to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
2. Secure Offsite Backups – By providing robust, secure offsite backup solutions, CT ensures that critical data is always safe from ransomware attacks. These backups are not only encrypted but also stored in multiple geographically dispersed locations to ensure redundancy and availability.
3. Rapid Recovery Solutions – Our disaster recovery solutions enable organisations to quickly restore data and resume operations with minimal downtime in the event of an attack. These solutions include automated recovery processes and regular testing to ensure preparedness.
4. Compliance and Reporting – CT can assist organisations in complying with mandatory reporting requirements by offering services that monitor and document all security incidents and responses. This helps in ensuring transparency and accountability, as well as meeting legal obligations.

We can help your organisation build a resilient data protection strategy that not only complies with regulations but also strengthens your overall security posture. Contact us today.