Prevent Ransomware Blog

How RansomHub's Tactic Evades EDR Solutions and the Need for AppGuard

Written by Tony Chiappetta | Sep 9, 2024 9:00:00 AM

In the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, attackers continue to refine their strategies to outsmart the latest security measures.

A recent report on DarkReading sheds light on a concerning development—RansomHub, a sophisticated ransomware group, has introduced a new "bring your own vulnerable driver" (BYOVD) binary that can effectively disable endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions .

A New Challenge to Traditional Security

This latest tactic from RansomHub exemplifies how modern cybercriminals are increasingly targeting vulnerable drivers to exploit legitimate system components, thereby bypassing critical EDR solutions. The idea is simple yet powerful: attackers use these known vulnerabilities to gain direct access to the endpoint, disable any security detection tools, and operate unnoticed. In this scenario, even businesses relying on the most up-to-date detection-based solutions could be left defenseless, leaving them open to data breaches, ransomware attacks, and other malicious activities.

Why Detection and Response Isn’t Enough

The “detect and respond” model has been a foundational approach in endpoint security for years. EDR tools typically rely on threat detection, meaning they must first identify the malicious activity before taking action. However, as illustrated by RansomHub’s tactics, once the EDR is disabled, the defense mechanisms are essentially rendered useless. This underscores a critical vulnerability in relying solely on detection-based tools.

Enter Isolation and Containment: The AppGuard Solution

This emerging threat landscape emphasizes the need for a paradigm shift in cybersecurity. Instead of focusing on detecting threats after they’ve breached a system, businesses must adopt solutions that isolate and contain threats before they can cause harm. That’s where AppGuard comes in.

AppGuard isn’t just another detection tool—it’s an isolation-based security solution. Unlike traditional EDR systems, which require threat identification to respond, AppGuard ensures that threats are contained at the outset. By keeping malicious processes from gaining access to critical system functions, AppGuard stops attacks before they can even begin—without needing to recognize the specific nature of the threat.

Proven Track Record in Endpoint Protection

With a 10-year track record of success in government and enterprise applications, AppGuard is now available for commercial use. This proven solution can protect businesses from sophisticated attacks like RansomHub’s new BYOVD approach by ensuring that vulnerabilities, even in drivers, cannot be exploited to disable security features.

The Time for Action is Now

RansomHub's latest attack method is a stark reminder of how agile and innovative cybercriminals have become. Business owners must take proactive steps to protect their systems and data before they fall victim to such advanced tactics. The key to modern cybersecurity lies not in detection but in isolation and containment—which is precisely what AppGuard offers.

If you want to prevent incidents like RansomHub’s EDR-disabling attack, it’s time to shift your focus. Talk to CHIPS today to learn how AppGuard can keep your business safe from evolving threats. Together, we can move beyond "Detect and Respond" to a more robust and proactive strategy of Isolation and Containment.

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