What is SaaS Ransomware? How can you defend against it? 

News and Blogs

19th September 2023

Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) has revolutionised the way businesses operate. But alongside its benefits, SaaS brings with it potential threats. When software and data are online, they’re more vulnerable to attacks. One of the latest threats to move from endpoint devices to the cloud is ransomware. 

Between March and May of 2023, SaaS attacks increased by over 300%. A study in 2022 by Odaseva found that 51% of ransomware attacks targeted SaaS data. 

What is SaaS Ransomware? 

SaaS ransomware is also known as cloud ransomware. It’s malicious code designed to target cloud-based applications and services. These include services like Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, and other cloud collaboration platforms. 

Defending Against SaaS Ransomware 

Educate Your Team 

Start by educating your employees about the risks of SaaS ransomware. Include how it spreads through phishing emails, malicious links, or breached accounts. Teach them to recognise suspicious activities and report any unusual incidents immediately. 

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) 

MFA is an essential layer of security. Enabling MFA reduces the risk of unauthorised access. This is true, even if a hacker compromises an account’s login credentials. 

Regular Backups 

Frequently backing up your SaaS data is crucial. Having up-to-date backups ensures that you can restore your files. You won’t need to pay the attacker’s ransom demands. 

Apply the Principle of Least Privilege 

Limit user permissions to only the necessary functions. By doing this, you reduce the potential damage an attacker can do if they gain access. 

Keep Software Up to Date 

Ensure that you keep all software up to date. Regular updates close known vulnerabilities and strengthen your defence. 

Deploy Advanced Security Solutions 

Consider using third-party security solutions that specialise in protecting SaaS environments. These solutions can provide many benefits. Including: 

  • Real-time threat detection 
  • Data loss prevention 
  • And other advanced security features 

Track Account Activity 

Put in place robust monitoring of user activity and network traffic. Suspicious behaviour can be early indicators of an attack. One example to watch for is several failed login attempts. Another is access from unusual locations. 

Develop an Incident Response Plan 

Prepare and practice an incident response plan. It should outline the steps to take in the event of a ransomware attack. A well- coordinated response can mitigate the impact of an incident. It can also aid in faster recovery. The sooner your team can respond, the faster business gets back to normal. 

HOW CAN MICROMINDER HELP YOU?  

Microminder is the leading strategic IT business partner in the dental sector – we have been proudly supporting the dental community for over three decades.   

We pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our clients where they trust us with their IT strategy, implementation and ongoing support, allowing them to focus on patient care.   

Our solutions, IT Support, Managed Services & VoIP Telephony are cost-effective and inspired by the latest technology, underpinned by market-leading technology partners such as Microsoft, Datto and Software of Excellence.    

Microminder’s experts are passionate about technology and are always on hand to support and guide you, so please get in touch today:    

Call us on 0208 799 6883 or follow us on social media.

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