Avoid Paying Ransom: Ensuring Hospital Functionality Amid Ransomware Attacks

A.

In the event of a ransomware attack on a critical server, the hospital can take certain measures to avoid paying the ransom.

A. Continual server replication process: This refers to the process of continuously creating backup copies of data from a server to a secondary server. If the primary server is affected by ransomware, the hospital can quickly switch to the secondary server and continue its operations without paying the ransom. This is an effective measure, but it requires a significant amount of resources and infrastructure to maintain.

B. A properly tested offline backup system: This involves creating regular backups of critical data, storing them offline, and testing the backup and restoration process to ensure that it works correctly. In the event of a ransomware attack, the hospital can restore the data from the backup without paying the ransom. This is a highly effective measure and should be considered as part of a comprehensive backup strategy.

C. A properly configured firewall: This refers to the implementation of a firewall that is properly configured to block known ransomware threats from entering the network. While a firewall is an essential security measure, it may not be effective in stopping all types of ransomware attacks, particularly those that use social engineering tactics to trick users into downloading and executing malicious software.

D. Employee training on ransomware: This refers to educating hospital staff on how to identify and avoid ransomware attacks. While employee training is an important component of any cybersecurity strategy, it may not be effective in stopping all types of ransomware attacks, particularly those that use sophisticated techniques to evade detection.

Therefore, the most effective option to avoid paying the ransom is B, a properly tested offline backup system. This option ensures that the hospital can quickly recover its data without paying the ransom, allowing it to resume its operations with minimal disruption. Additionally, the hospital should consider implementing other measures, such as a continual server replication process, to enhance its cybersecurity posture and reduce the risk of future ransomware attacks.