HIVE Ransomware

HIVE ransomware can infiltrate your HIVE network through various methods, including phishing emails, attacks exploiting remote network connection protocols such as RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol), compromised VPNs, and vulnerabilities in software or operating systems.

Once inside, single factor logins and other weak authentication methods often allow HIVE affiliates to gain initial access. From there, they move laterally across the network, encrypting files within the affected directory on the infected system, enabling the cyber criminals to carry out their attacks.

Recommended Security Measures

To reduce the risk of infection, we advise organisations to:

• Educate staff on the importance of cyber security and the consequences of non-compliance

• Use strong, unique passwords

• Implement multi-factor authentication

• Remove inactive or unnecessary user accounts

• Perform regular backups

• Apply timely updates and patches to software and operating systems

After recovering from a HIVE ransomware incident, Zensec recommends reviewing and updating your business continuity plan to incorporate lessons learned during the attack and recovery process.

A ransomware attack presents the most significant threat to your business by:

• Disabling your access to systems, which could hinder machinery operation or impede progress through your business processes.
• Blocking access to critical data concerning suppliers, shipments, customers, orders, or steps in your business workflow.

In the event of a business interruption, identifying your position in the supply chain and sustaining operations can be challenging. If the disruption continues, maintaining business continuity becomes critical. Once systems and data are restored, addressing backlogs and establishing future operational protocols are essential.

Ransomware ranks only behind receivership in terms of its capacity to incapacitate a business.

The NCSC is the UK National Cyber Security Centre. They provide cyber security guidance and support, helping to make the UK the safest place to live and work online. They have defined a Cyber Incident Response procedure and they have approved and accredited suppliers to provide this service.

https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/

As a recognised Assured Service Provider by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), Zensec provide comprehensive cyber risk management services that are designed to Protect, Detect & Mitigate cyber security threats across the UK.

Report Fraud is the UK's national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime. Whether you have been scammed, defrauded, or experienced cybercrime in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, Report Fraud offers a central point of contact for information on fraud and financially motivated cybercrime.

https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

Most ransomware breaches cost approximately £500K, while smaller email data breaches typically cost around £50K. There is a critical balance between preserving the environment for forensic analysis and quickly recovering it to minimise business interruption. The costs increase the longer it takes to identify and resolve the breach.

A cyber security insurance claim is complex, covering reasonable expenses for investigating and remediating an incident, along with legal fees, business interruption, criminal liability, employment liability, and ransom payments. Although the insurance industry is responsible for facilitating business recovery, cyber insurance is viewed as volatile, and many policies are not being validated correctly.

Finding your way through demands expertise, and that's where Zensec can offer assistance.

Yes. There's a possibility that some of the lost data falls under the category of "Personal Data" belonging to your customers. It's your legal responsibility to safeguard this data, even if it has been lost. Additionally, you may need to notify the Information Commissioner's Office at https://ico.org.uk/.

Your insurer or legal counsel will provide guidance on the necessary steps and how to move forward in this situation.

Zensec has experience collaborating with insurers and legal professionals and can offer support in managing this relationship during this challenging period.