Cyber Security Policy: Ransomware Response
Introduction
LegalFlare.CA recognizes the severity of ransomware attacks and the importance of a robust response strategy for protecting our systems, data, and the trust of those we serve. This policy reinforces our unwavering stance against paying ransoms and outlines our comprehensive procedures to combat these threats.
Policy Statement
LegalFlare.CA adopts a zero-tolerance policy for ransom payments. We believe that paying ransoms is counterproductive, emboldens criminal actors, and offers no guarantee that our data will be decrypted or that attackers won’t strike again.
Instead, we prioritize proactive prevention measures, swift incident response, and full cooperation with law enforcement to dismantle ransomware operations and ensure accountability.
Prevention and Preparedness
Multi-Layered Security: We implement a defense-in-depth strategy through a combination of technical, administrative, and physical safeguards. This includes firewalls, endpoint protection, network segmentation, access controls, vulnerability scanning, encryption, and more.
Employee Education: Regular cybersecurity awareness training is paramount. We educate all employees on phishing tactics, social engineering, secure password practices, reporting procedures, and the risks posed by unauthorized software or downloads.
Software Updates and Patching: We have a rigorous patching process ensuring operating systems, applications, and firmware receive critical security updates promptly.
Offline Backups: We maintain secure, offline, and regularly tested backups of all critical data and systems. These backups are vital for rapid restoration and minimizing the impact of a ransomware attack.
Incident Response Plan: We have a detailed Cyber Security Incident Response Plan that is tested periodically. This plan outlines roles, responsibilities, and procedures for containment, investigation, eradication, recovery, and post-incident review.
Ransomware Response Protocol
- Containment and Analysis Disconnect infected systems from all networks immediately. Suspend operations on potentially compromised systems to limit the spread. Secure all logs, potential malware samples, and any related artifacts for forensic analysis. Determine the ransomware variant, the scale of infection, and any evidence of data exfiltration.
- Notification and Coordination Activate our incident response team, which includes IT specialists, cybersecurity professionals, and legal advisors. Promptly contact law enforcement agencies (e.g., local police, FBI, or equivalents in Canada) to report the attack and facilitate investigations. Consult cybersecurity resources and engage external forensics experts if needed for advanced analysis or support.
- Remediation and Recovery: Rely on offline backups as the primary means of restoring systems and data. Implement additional safeguards identified during root cause analysis before bringing any previously infected systems back online. Continuously monitor for signs of reinfection or unusual activity.
- Communication and Compliance: Assess the legal and regulatory reporting obligations based on the data compromised and applicable jurisdictions. If necessary, issue transparent and timely notifications to affected users, partners, and regulators, complying with all data breach notification requirements.
Commitment to Resilience
LegalFlare.CA is committed to cybersecurity vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement. We will continually enhance our defenses against ransomware while holding a firm stance against paying ransoms under any circumstance.
Policy Review and Updates
We will regularly review and update this policy to address evolving threats, technology advancements, and changes in legal or regulatory requirements.
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