Follow These Best Practices to Protect Users from Ransomware and Malware Threats

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Ransomware and malware are among the most prevalent and debilitating cyberthreats businesses and individuals face. It is an area of cyber-risk that continues to grow more expensive every year. Cyber insurer Coalition determined that there was a 68% increase in the severity of ransomware claims in 2024, with the average loss rising to $353,000. This escalation in severity and cost makes it mission-critical for businesses to implement effective strategies to protect users from ransomware and malware threats.

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10 Smart ways to protect users from ransomware and malware risk

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Every day, users are the first line of defense — and often the first target — for cyberthreats like malware. Cybercriminals are hungry to exploit user behavior and device vulnerabilities to launch profitable attacks using ransomware or other types of malware, making user protection a top priority for any IT team. These 10 best practices are designed to minimize user risk and strengthen your organization’s defense against those dangerous threats.

1. Implement strong endpoint protection

User devices, including laptops, phones and tablets, are frequent entry points for malware. Endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions shield users by detecting and responding to threats in real time using AI and machine learning.

These tips can help you protect users from endpoint-related trouble:

• Keep endpoint protection tools updated
• Scan devices regularly for threats
• Use firewalls to block malicious traffic

2. Prioritize backup and recovery

One objective of a ransomware attack is to lock users out of data. A smart backup strategy helps ensure that, even if users are impacted, your team can restore data quickly and get everyone back to work without paying a ransom.

Follow these best practices to keep users out of harm’s way:

• Automate regular, reliable backups
• Test backups to confirm usability
• Store backups offline or in the cloud to prevent tampering

3. Train users with ongoing security awareness programs

Most ransomware attacks begin with phishing. Teaching users to recognize and report suspicious messages helps stop attacks before they spread. Security Today reports that with just one year of training, the number of employees who fell for phishing traps dropped from 34% to just 3% — a 31-point decrease.

Use these smart strategies to shield your users from threats:

• Run phishing simulations to assess readiness
• Offer regular, up-to-date training for every user
• Encourage prompt reporting of suspicious activity

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4. Use ATP solutions

Advanced threat protection (ATP) solutions identify and neutralize sophisticated threats using tools like artificial intelligence (AI) to detect phishing messages and machine learning (ML) for behavioral analysis.

These tips can help you keep leverage ATP to keep users away from danger:

• Deploy ATP that integrates seamlessly with your endpoint and network security
• Invest in sophisticated tools that use ML to spot abnormal user behavior
• Use AI-enabled tools to flag and respond to phishing threats

5. Patch and update software frequently

Outdated applications and operating systems are easy targets. Keeping user systems current with security patches closes off critical entry points for bad actors. For example, the MOVEit exploit, which impacted more than 2,000 organizations in 2023, was patched soon after discovery in July 2023, but organizations were still discovering related issues as late as early 2024.

These recommendations help keep your users secure:

• Enable auto-updates on user devices
• Monitor and patch critical vulnerabilities quickly
• Focus updates on systems users rely on most

6. Segment your network to limit exposure

When malware hits one user, it shouldn’t reach everyone. Malware often tries to move laterally, spreading the infection from one system to another. Segmentation puts up virtual walls that block or control this movement. This can minimize the number of devices infected, reducing risk for other users.

These proven practices help minimize risk for your users:

• Use firewalls to separate departments and device types
• Limit access to sensitive areas by role
• Monitor cross-segment traffic for anomalies

7. Adopt a zero-trust approach

Assume no user or device is automatically trustworthy. A zero-trust approach significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, lateral movement of threats, and the potential for malware or ransomware to spread undetected across a network.

These zero-trust-based recommendations help secure your users:

• Require MFA and identity checks before granting access
• Limit access based on job function
• Monitor user behavior continuously

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8. Leverage threat intelligence and incident readiness

Incident readiness and threat intelligence enable faster detection, better decision-making and more effective responses to attacks, thus playing vital roles in protecting users from cyberthreats like ransomware, other malware and business email compromise.

Use these techniques to optimize incident readiness and protect your users more effectively: 

• Subscribe to real-time threat feeds
• Maintain and regularly test an incident response plan
• Set up internal reporting for rapid escalation

9. Secure remote work environments

Remote users need the same protection as those in the office. In a report from Forrester, 75% of IT professionals said that they believe that remote work has made their companies more vulnerable to cyberattacks.  VPNs, device controls and endpoint security tools prevent external threats from reaching your network via user devices.

Protect remote users from common cyber pitfalls with these best practices:

• Provide secure, company-managed devices
• Require VPN access for remote connections
• Verify that remote endpoints have updated security software

10. Bolster your company’s cyber resilience

Boosting a company’s cyber resilience enables systems to better withstand, recover from and quickly respond to cyberthreats, protecting users from disruptions and data breaches.

Enhance user protection through improved cyber resilience with these smart moves:

• Facilitate quick data recovery with robust backup and recovery systems.
• Detect threats early using advanced monitoring tools.
• Limit threat spread through network segmentation and access controls.

The rising severity and cost of ransomware and malware attacks makes it more important than ever for businesses to prioritize an effective user protection strategy to mitigate dangers.

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Get the right tools to build a strong, multilayered defense

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Ransomware and malware threats are ever-evolving. By implementing a combination of strong endpoint protection, user education and proactive security measures, businesses can significantly reduce the risk of an attack.

Kaseya 365 User offers IT professionals the tools they need to maximize user protection, including protection from ransomware and malware. Learn more about choosing the right user protection tools ad strategy in the Modern User Protection Buyer’s Guide.

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