Ransomware simulations, also known as ransomware exercises, are controlled scenarios designed to simulate a ransomware attack on an organization’s systems and data. These exercises are used to assess an organization’s preparedness, response capabilities, and coordination in the event of a real ransomware incident. Conducting ransomware simulations can help identify gaps in security, incident response plans, and employee training.

Symosis Ransomware Simulation covers the following

Planning and Preparation

  • Define the scope and objectives of the simulation, including the attack scenario, targets, and desired outcomes.

  • Involve key stakeholders from IT, security, legal, communications, and management.

Scenario Development

  • Develop a realistic ransomware attack scenario based on current threat trends and attack techniques.

  • Determine how the attack will unfold, how it will be discovered, and its potential impact.

Simulation Execution

  • Facilitate the simulation exercise, guiding participants through the stages of the simulated attack.

  • Simulation could include tabletop exercises, creating and implanting obfuscated pseudo payload on test systems to test the effectiveness of EDR and other controls

  • Use hypothetical scenarios to avoid causing actual disruption to systems and data.

Participant Roles

  • Assign roles to participants, such as IT administrators, security analysts, incident responders, legal representatives, and communications personnel.

Communication and Coordination

  • Encourage participants to communicate and collaborate as they would during a real incident.

  • Evaluate how well teams coordinate their responses, share information, and escalate issues.

Decision-Making

  • Participants make decisions about how to respond to the simulated attack, including containment, communication, investigation, and recovery.

Escalation and Reporting

  • If needed, simulate interactions with senior management, legal teams, and law enforcement agencies.

  • Practice reporting the situation to appropriate stakeholders, following established incident reporting procedures.

Monitoring and Analysis

  • Monitor the simulation as it unfolds and observe participants’ actions, decisions, and interactions.

  • Take notes on challenges, gaps, and areas for improvement.

Debriefing and Learning

  • After the simulation, hold a debriefing session to discuss the exercise, outcomes, and lessons learned.

  • Analyze participant feedback and identify areas that need improvement.

Improvement Plan

  • Use insights gained from the simulation to develop an improvement plan addressing identified weaknesses.

  • Update incident response plans, security measures, and employee training based on the simulation outcomes.

  • Penetration Test – Network, Web, Mobile, Wireless, Thick Client