New Threat, Old Story
You know those Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) tools you use as an MSP?
Well, they’re centerstage for the Play Ransomware Gang. This gang is notorious for their attack on the City of Oakland earlier this year and now they’ve set their sights on midsize enterprises, leveraging their ties with Managed Service Providers (MSPs).
These cybercriminals exploit RMM tools that MSPs use, because they offer a gateway to client systems. The US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security (CISA) is actively taking measures to secure these RMM tools, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take action. You see, this may be the current new threat, but it’s an old story and the message is clear: threats are evolving and the need for preparedness has never been more pressing.
The Critical Nature of Incident Response for MSPs:
Given the escalating cyber threats, MSPs must understand that it's not about IF an attack will happen, but WHEN. And trust me, WHEN that moment arrives, the swiftness and efficacy of your response can mean the difference between a manageable incident and a catastrophic breach.
So, how do you ensure a quick and effective response?
- Have a Clear Incident Response Plan: Map out steps ranging from early detection to recovery. Knowing what to do can drastically reduce downtime and potential damage.
- Regularly Update and Patch Systems: Prevention is always preferable. Stay updated about potential vulnerabilities and patch them promptly.
The Power of Tabletop Exercises:
While having a plan on paper is good, testing it in real-world scenarios is better. This is where tabletop exercises come into play. These simulations allow your team to:
- Brainstorm and Predict Potential Threats: Understand the possible weak points in your current systems.
- Role-play Responses: Think through how to detect an RMM compromise, the immediate containment actions required, and how to ensure coordinated internal communication.
- Refine the Plan: Identify gaps in your current incident response strategy and rectify them.
The secret to success? Transparent communication and a proactive attitude!
Communicating the situation to clients when a breach occurs is a daunting task. It's vital that your communication with clients is open and reassuring. They need to know you're actively addressing the situation and taking measures for future prevention. Transparency fosters trust and taking a proactive stance toward threat mitigation will provide vital support to clients.
Yes, some attacks might be inevitable, but being unprepared and unclear with clients isn’t.
Let’s face it. MSPs are in the middle of a wild storm of evolving cyber threats. By understanding the current threat landscape, fine-tuning incident responses, and regularly conducting tabletop exercises, MSPs can be well-prepared to face any cyber challenge thrown their way.
This may be a new threat, but it’s definitely an old story, and in this battle of cybersecurity, preparation is not just power, it's survival.
Are you prepared for an incident response?
Here is one easy framework to help.
