The recent ransomware attack on the Department of Justice in South Africa sent shockwaves through the nation, highlighting a critical vulnerability in their IT infrastructure. As we delve into the incident, it becomes evident that this breach could have been prevented by implementing a robust security strategy. The key issues stemmed from a lack of IT maintenance, including the failure to update firewalls and expired anti-virus software.
A Cost-Effective Solution | Secure SD-WAN
The first step in securing the Department of Justice's IT infrastructure is to establish a cost-effective and secure connection for all its courts. A secure Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) solution, like the one provided by Fusion, can offer the necessary connectivity. By connecting all courts to a centralized data center through a secure SD-WAN, maintenance costs can be drastically reduced. An example of such a SD-WAN is the one from Fusion Broadband South Africa!
One of the critical challenges faced by distributed firewalls is the high maintenance costs, making budgeting a cumbersome task. A centralized approach, enabled by SD-WAN, streamlines this process, allowing for efficient monitoring and updates. In this case there are well over 500 distributed firewalls that can be consolidated into a single high availability pair in the data center. An example of such a firewall solution is the one from Clavister!
From experience it would be fair to assume that none of those firewalls were regularly patched even when the maintenance period was still valid and it is highly unlikely that the rules were well managed and standardized.
A Mind-Blowing Query | Commercial Anti-Virus vs. Windows Defender
The perplexing question arises: Why does the Department of Justice invest in commercial anti-virus software when Windows Defender offers robust protection? By reevaluating the need for third-party anti-virus solutions, considerable cost savings can be achieved without compromising security.
Closing the Gap on DNS Security
One of the gaping security holes in the Department of Justice's infrastructure is related to Domain Name System (DNS) security. Ransomware attacks often occur when organizations use either their Internet Service Provider's DNS or Google's 8.8.8.8 as their DNS resolver. The best practice is to transition to an alternative DNS that filters malicious connections and prevents access to ransomware command and control servers. A notable example is Quad9, which offers enhanced security.
Implementing an Effective DNS Strategy
A practical approach to tackle the challenge of IT systems using 8.8.8.8 as their DNS resolver is to reconfigure it as a loopback interface. By transforming it into a caching DNS that operates with Quad9 as an upstream resolver, a more secure DNS strategy is established. This change is a robust solution that significantly enhances security.
Lessons for All Organizations
The experience of the South African Department of Justice is not unique. Many businesses have fallen victim to ransomware attacks due to poorly configured and vulnerable firewalls with outdated or inadequate rules. The solution lies in proactive security measures and constant vigilance to safeguard the digital fortress.
Wrapping up, the incident at the Department of Justice serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust security measures. Implementing cost-effective and efficient solutions, reevaluating the need for third-party software, and strengthening DNS security are vital steps toward preventing ransomware attacks. Every organization can learn from these lessons to protect their digital assets effectively. It's time to secure your digital fortress!
Ronald Bartels ensures that Internet inhabiting things are connected reliably online at Fusion Broadband South Africa - the leading specialized SD-WAN provider in South Africa. Learn more: 👉 Contact Fusion🔨
