With the rise of ransomware attacks evolving from simple encryption to double extortion where sensitive files are copied before encryption, I'm looking for effective strategies to protect file servers. How are organizations addressing prevention and damage control? Specifically, I want to know:
* What measures are in place to prevent mass copying of data during an attack?
* Are there any methods being deployed to render copied files useless if they're exfiltrated, such as encryption-at-rest that doesn't travel, MIP sensitivity labels, or conditional access?
* What tools or strategies, like Windows ACLs, NetApp/SAN features, SIEM triggers, honeypots, or endpoint agents, are you using to block unauthorized file access?
* Have you had any success with tools like Varonis, Microsoft Purview, Code42, or newer DSPM solutions?
This discussion isn't focused on stopping encryption itself, but rather minimizing the impact of data breaches when attackers gain internal access and start snatching files from SMB shares. I'd love to hear about layered approaches that incorporate classification, Data Loss Prevention (DLP), decoys, or user behavior analytics. Thanks for sharing your insights!
4 Answers
Encryption is vital. If files are stolen but are encrypted and require secret keys that attackers don’t have, those files become useless. However, this relies on proper key management. If the attacker is using privileged accounts that can access those keys, you've got a problem. The goal should be to restrict access so that even if someone gains internal access, what they can do is limited.
I agree, if the attackers have access to the keys, then encryption does little to stop them.
Varonis is a solid option for detecting and preventing data breaches—especially for classifying data. Though it can be pricey, its ability to manage and discover sensitive information makes it worthwhile. Unfortunately, I'm not aware of specific solutions that can entirely make copied files unusable.
I've used Varonis before too, and I found its data discovery features to be one of its best assets.
Absolutely! For data classification, it’s a standout tool, but the costs can be a hurdle.
To tackle data exfiltration, a solid Data Leak Prevention (DLP) strategy is crucial. If the intrusion isn't detected early, your chances of stopping data theft drop significantly. Keep monitoring for unusual upload behaviors, as we've caught quite a few unauthorized data transfers this way. While DLP won't catch everything, it's a key part of a multi-layered security approach.
Exactly! Having a defense-in-depth strategy can really slow down attackers.
True, the earlier you catch an attack, the better. I've also been looking at implementing multi-factor encryption to protect files even if they get copied.
Network segmentation can be your friend. By limiting SMB access between network segments and using tools like ExtraHop to monitor traffic, you can better spot odd behaviors. Just ensure that not all parts of the network communicate freely, which adds another layer of security.
For sure! We have also implemented similar measures to ensure sensitive data is only accessible where absolutely necessary.
Exactly, monitoring traffic can lead to early detection of suspicious activity.
Great point! Proper key management can make or break the effectiveness of your encryption strategy.