Protecting your Utility from Ransomware

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The recent spate of ransomware attacks and increasingly sophisticated computer viruses has left many New Zealand companies seeking assurances from their IT security providers that their systems are safe.

The challenge facing most businesses is they are only protected against known malware, and their firewalls may be vulnerable to previously unknown attacks.

Wellington-based specialist IT provider Telesmart has implemented one of the first sandbox solutions in New Zealand, offering cost-effective protection against increasingly disruptive ransomware and ‘zero day’ attacks.

A sandbox is a virtual space – think of it as a closed room – in which email attachments, website links and other code can be tested in a secure environment that is not connected to an organisation’s IT systems. Threats that are identified are quarantined, making it impossible for viruses to spread through a network.

“The issue for New Zealand businesses until now has been sandbox protection has occurred in the cloud or offshore – meaning noticeable delays while attachments and web links are securely screened before being released,” says Telesmart managing director Nigel Barker.

“Firewalls and other security measures are only effective protection against known malware attacks. That’s why zero day attacks can be so devastating – because it’s something new, something nasty, and your network doesn’t have the weapons to fight it.

“A zero day incident sees networks under attack using vulnerabilities previously not identified or known to the software vendors. Think of it as a new, nasty flu strain that we’ve never had to medically treat before. Once it appears everyone scrambles for an antidote . . . but that can take time and that’s how the infection spreads.”

Recently a large New Zealand law firm suffered email issues after its global affiliates were hit by a zero day attack. A sandbox security system would likely have prevented that, says Mr Barker.

Tim Price, Telesmart Head of Technology, says the firm’s sandbox solution, based on FortiSandbox from Fortinet, a global leader in cyber security solutions, has already captured and neutralised at least 20 zero day attacks for New Zealand clients.

Delays while possible threats are tested are “hardly noticeable” says Mr Price, who has 17 years’ experience in network security.

“Our service is cost effective – charged on a per organisation basis rather than headcount, so on average up to a third cheaper than other solutions hosted in the cloud of offshore – and without the frustrating delays. Our service is largely used by corporates, particularly those whose IT system carries a high number of emails with large attachments, or hold and transmit client-sensitive data and records.”

When Telesmart identifies new malware through its sandbox testing it automatically shares the information with Fortinet, its global cyber security software partner.

Fortinet New Zealand Major Account Manager, Daniel Scott-Kingsbury, says Telesmart are leading the way in terms of New Zealand-based sandbox solutions.

“FortiSandbox, in conjunction with FortiClient, which Telesmart has also installed, have achieved an overall 99% breach detection rate with 100% scores for drive-by and social exploits, offline infections and evasions according to the latest NSS Breach Dete

ction report,” says Scott-Kingsbury. “Stopping ransomware, zero day attacks and associated malware is a major challenge and we applaud Telesmart’s initiative in this essential area.”“People need to understand that zero day attacks are increasing and will continue to do so, says Nigel Baker. “That’s a result of an underground market where criminal hackers trade in exploit code and vulnerabilities.

“Of course, there’s also the white hats – or the good hackers. They are vulnerability bounty hunters who disclose what they find to vendors for cash, enabling patches to be developed.” “A sandbox solution may not be right for every business. but it definitely takes the guesswork out of IT security,” says Mr Price.

For more information please contact Telesmart on 09-912-3180 Auckland or 04-801-4642 Wellington.