The ransomware attack that disrupted the National Data Center in June 2024 serves as a grim reminder of the importance of having a robust cybersecurity system. More than just a data breach, this incident exposed a serious threat to the nation’s critical infrastructure and proved that even the most secure systems are vulnerable to attack.
Therefore, what can we learn from this incident and how can we strengthen our cybersecurity? This article presents a summary of various sources of information from CTI Group subsidiaries, with a focus on solutions and preventive measures that can be applied by individuals, businesses, and governments.
Flashback to the Ransomware Attack on the National Data Center (PDN)
In mid-2024, Indonesia experienced a cyberattack targeting the PDN. This attack involved a ransomware called Brain Cipher, which is a variant of Lockbit 3.0. The hackers demanded a ransom of US$8 million (approximately Rp 130 billion) from the Indonesian government.
This incident attracted the attention of many parties because it demonstrated the vulnerability of the national digital infrastructure to cyberattacks. This vulnerability has the potential to disrupt government operations, economic activities, and even threaten national security. The impact of this attack was immediate, with about 200 central and regional agencies, including immigration services and Indonesia Smart Card (KIP) data, experiencing disruptions and even inaccessibility.
This incident is an important reminder to government, the private sector, organizations, and communities of the urgency of strengthening national cybersecurity. All stakeholders must work together to build a strong and resilient cybersecurity system to protect the country’s digital assets and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Cybersecurity Strategy from CTI Group Subsidiaries
CTI Group and its subsidiaries strive to provide comprehensive digital solutions that are not only innovative, but also secure and trusted. Through various initiatives, we are committed to protecting your business from evolving cyber threats. Here are some strategic steps you can take to improve your cybersecurity posture.
IT Expert Analysis of PDN Ransomware Attack
When PDN experiences downtime due to a ransomware attack, you may wonder what caused it. As part of a leading IT managed services company, the experts at Jedi Solutions analyzed the possibility of three main factors that can make a system vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Weak Endpoint Security
Endpoints are the first line of defense in protecting a network. Without proper protection, devices such as computers, laptops, and mobile phones become easy entry points for attackers to access the network and steal data.
Failure to Protect Virtualization and Hypervisors
Virtualization and hypervisors bring efficiency and flexibility to the IT infrastructure. However, if not properly protected, these layers can be exploited by attackers, resulting in damage to servers and virtual machines, as well as operational disruptions and data loss.
Weak Authentication in OpenLDAP
Despite its popularity, OpenLDAP can be vulnerable if it is not hardened. Weak authentication can allow attackers to gain unauthorized access, especially if security policies are not strictly enforced.
The above analysis shows that comprehensive and proactive protection of the IT infrastructure is essential. So, what solutions do the experts recommend? Read more in the following Jedi article: Pusat Data Nasional Down, Ini Analisis Ahli IT or continue reading the following information in this article.
Implementing an End-to-End Security Solution
The discussion about PDN security relying on Windows Defender as the only security solution has been a concern. As the developer of Windows Defender, Microsoft recognizes the importance of this tool in a broader security strategy.
However, Microsoft also emphasized that Windows Defender is not the only solution needed. They recommend implementing comprehensive security practices to improve overall cybersecurity. Some of the suggested steps include
Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
Enable MFA to add an extra layer of security. MFA can prevent unauthorized access by requiring more than one method of verification.
System Updates
Keep your system up to date to close security gaps. Regular updates are essential to eliminate vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit to gain access to the system.
Data Protection
Protect data by using strong passwords and encryption to keep it safe even if a breach is attempted.
Zero Trust Principle
Apply a zero-trust approach that verifies and secures every access point, device, and data on the network. With this approach, any suspicious activity can be detected and acted upon immediately.
Microsoft is developing end-to-end security solutions that include multiple layers of protection to ensure that data and systems are safe from various cyber threats. Read more in the following article from Helios Informatika Nusantara (HIN): Penjelasan Microsoft Terkait Perlindungan Windows Defender Saat PDN Diretas
Disaster Recovery Solution for Real-Time Data Recovery
An important step in preventing business data loss is to implement disaster recovery, which includes procedures for recovering electronic systems and data in the event of a disruption such as a cyberattack, natural disaster or system failure.
The Hitachi Data Protection Suite (HDPS) is the perfect solution for this need. HDPS provides comprehensive capabilities to quickly and efficiently recover enterprise data and systems. The Recovery Point feature allows you to select the most appropriate recovery point, making it easy to recover critical data. See how HDPS works.
Threat Monitoring
Provides active monitoring that detects anomalies and suspicious changes in the IT environment, helping to quickly identify potential ransomware attacks or other threats.
Fast Data Recovery
With automated recovery capabilities and scalable storage support, HDPS enables fast and flexible data recovery after a disruption.
Granular Recovery
File and server recovery is granular, allowing organizations to recover only the affected data or applications without having to restore the entire system.
High Availability and Replication
High availability and live replication options are available to ensure that data and applications remain available to meet stringent recovery time objective (RTO) requirements.
Backup Data Validation
HDPS continuously validates backup data to ensure its authenticity and integrity, so recovered data is trustworthy and uncorrupted.
Orchestration with API
Integrates with SIEM and SOAR platforms via REST APIs, enabling organizations to efficiently manage and orchestrate recovery efforts.
Want to learn more about the unique features of Hitachi Data Protection Suite? Read this article from Central Data Technology (CDT): Mengapa Disaster Recovery Penting untuk Antisipasi Serangan Ransomware seperti pada Pusat Data Nasional?
The Importance of Endpoint Security and Reliable Data Protection
In addition to end-to-end security and disaster recovery, it is important to protect endpoints, such as laptops and mobile devices, and use encrypted cloud-based data backup. This helps to quickly recover data and maintain business operations. Smarnet Magna Global (SMG) provides endpoint security and cloud backup solutions to protect critical systems and data.
The Role of EDR and EPM in Data Protection
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is a security system that actively monitors user devices in real time to detect and respond to cyber threats, such as ransomware and malware. On the other hand, Endpoint Privileged Management (EPM) is a solution that focuses on managing privileged access to ensure the security of sensitive data, comply with regulations, and reduce the risk of data leakage.
EDR and EPM are essential components of an overall data security strategy. Both tools can help organizations protect sensitive information from a wide range of threats. Learn more about EDR and EPM in this article: Pusat Data Nasional Down Dibobol Ransomware, Ini Peran Penting Endpoint Security
Cloud Advantages for Backup and Recovery
Cloud technology offers many advantages for backup and recovery. With storage distributed across multiple locations, data remains secure even if one data center is attacked. Automated backup and rapid recovery processes reduce the risk of human error and downtime. Security features such as data encryption and threat monitoring also help protect against cyber-attacks.
In all cases, the flexibility and scalability of the cloud allows you to add storage capacity as needed without a large capital investment, making it a cost-effective solution for dealing with ransomware and ensuring business continuity. There are nine benefits to using a cloud backup and recovery solution, read the full article below: Pentingnya Cloud Backup: Solusi Perlindungan Data Antisipasi Insiden Pusat Data Nasional Down
How to Strengthen Cybersecurity to Prevent Similar Incidents
Now that you know the advanced solutions to prevent a recurrence of a cyberattack on a PDN, it should be noted that their implementation will not be effective without the basic steps that must be taken. What are those steps?
Education and Training
All employees in an organization need to be educated about cyber threats and security best practices. With the right knowledge, they can be the first line of defense against attacks.
Strong Security Policy
Developing a clear and comprehensive security policy can help everyone understand their responsibilities. This policy should cover access control, device usage, and data protection.
Routine Monitoring and Auditing
Ongoing system monitoring and periodic security audits help identify suspicious activity and remediate vulnerabilities.
Incident Recovery Plan
A clear incident recovery plan ensures that the organization can recover quickly in the event of an attack. This plan should include steps to address and recover affected data.
Adopt the Latest Security System
Adopting a security system that meets business needs, such as Stellar Cyber, can help protect company data. Stellar Cyber provides an integrated platform to efficiently detect, investigate and respond to cyber-attacks.
Want to learn more about this solution? Read more in this article from Mega Buana Teknologi (MBT): Belajar dari Kasus PDN, Ini Alasan Mengapa Cyber Security Penting Bagi Bisnis
Also Read: How to Prevent Data Breaches & Ransomware: 6-Step Guide to Protect Your Business
Explore Various IT Solutions from CTI Group and Subsidiaries to Protect Your Business from Cyber Attacks
Cybersecurity is not only about technology, but also about organizational culture. By implementing comprehensive cybersecurity measures and continuously adapting, organizations can effectively protect their digital assets. Remember, cybersecurity is not an end goal, it is an ongoing journey.
Want to know more about the right cybersecurity solution for your business? Explore the range of innovative solutions from CTI Group and our subsidiaries and discover how we can help you build a strong cyber defense.
