Protecting SQL Server from Ransomware

Ransomware poses a significant threat to most every organization. No industry is immune. Public and private sectors are being targeted. Businesses large and small are falling victim. And increasingly SQL Servers are one of the attack vectors.

Six Things to Do to Protect Your SQL Server from Ransomware

Protecting your data, your company, and your company’s reputation from ransomware requires layers of security and protection. And protecting your SQL Server is one element of the multi-layered approach. In this article we’ll discuss six essential items to help protect SQL Server from ransomware.

Regularly update SQL Server and the Operating System
Implement robust authentication and access controls
Implement network segmentation
Reduce SQL Server components
Use a secure backup strategy
Educate employees on security best practices

Let’s look at each of these.

Regularly Update SQL Server and the Operating System

Applying updates is a fundamental step in fortifying your defenses against ransomware attacks. Regularly updating your SQL Server, the operating system, and every application that uses the SQL Server helps address known vulnerabilities that malicious actors often exploit. Microsoft and other software venders regularly release patches and updates to fix security flaws or vulnerabilities. By regularly applying these updates, you close the door on potential entry points for ransomware.

Implement Robust Authentication and Access Controls

Implementing strong access control measures is crucial to protect against ransomware attacks. By using strict authentication and access restrictions, you create barriers that prevent unauthorized access to your systems and sensitive data.

Principle of least privilege. Limiting user privileges and following the principle of least privilege ensures that individuals only have access to what they need for their roles, reducing the chances of ransomware infiltration.
Regular auditing. Regularly reviewing and updating user permissions, disabling unused accounts, and using multi-factor authentication further strengthen your defenses. Use SQL Audit to track changes to permissions and role memberships.
Windows Integrated Authentication. Windows Integrated Authentication provides a more secure and configurable approach for providing login authentication. When possible, this is the preferred method. Use group membership rather than assigning individual permissions.

These practices improve your ability to detect and address suspicious activities, and reduce the risk of successful ransomware attacks.

Implement Network Segmentation

Segmenting your network and isolating your SQL Servers can help enhance your defense against ransomware attacks. By isolating your SQL Servers from other parts of your network, you create distinct zones that can restrict the lateral movement of ransomware within your infrastructure. This means that even if one segment of your network is compromised, the ransomware will have limited access and impact on your SQL server.

Limit access to SQL Servers to specific ports and IP addresses where possible. For example if a SQL Server provides the backend database services for a browser-based application, limit access to only those IP addresses used by the web servers and restrict access to certain predefined ports.

Do not put a SQL Server directly on the internet.

Reduce SQL Server Components

Limit the components installed on each SQL Server to those absolutely required by the business. By not installing components such as SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services) and SSIS (SQL Server Integration Services), you minimize the potential attack surface and the number of entry points for malicious actors.

A reduced attack surfaces reduces the likelihood of a successful attack.

Use a Secure Backup Strategy

Having a thorough and secure backup strategy can be instrumental in recovering from ransomware attacks should one occur. Back up all important databases regularly. Store backup files in a secure and separate location from your SQL Server. Consider storing some backups offline to prevent inadvertent access.

In the unfortunate event of a ransomware attack, having recent backups allows you to restore your systems and files without having to pay the ransom. It enables you to rebuild your operations and resume business activities more quickly, minimizing downtime and potential financial losses.

Educate Employees on Security Best Practices.

It is widely acknowledged that employees and users can serve as the first line of defense against ransomware threats. With comprehensive training on cybersecurity best practices, employees become more vigilant and informed about potential ransomware attack vectors, such as phishing emails, malicious attachments, or unauthorized software installations. They learn to recognize and report suspicious activities, enhancing the overall security awareness within the organization.

Conclusion

Protecting your SQL Server from ransomware requires a proactive and multi-layered approach. By understanding the nature of ransomware, its impact on SQL Server, and implementing preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to a ransomware attack. And help to minimize the effects if an attack is successful.

Here are some additional resources.

How The SERO Group Can Help

If you would like help with securing your SQL Servers, increasing performance, or configuring a highly reliable environment, let’s talk. We’re happy to help.