Trend Micro announced security software and services to help organizations avoid and eradicate ransomware as such attacks are becoming more frequent in the healthcare industry.
Whereas security software rivals Fortinet, Intel McAfee, Kaspersky, Sophos and Symantec have long-standing anti-malware programs and all offer various utilities for combatting ransomware, Trend Micro said its new offerings are tailored specifically for the malicious code that encrypts data so hackers can demand a ransom to unlock it.
To that end, Trend Micro’s suite includes ransomware readiness assessment, ransomware removal tools, enhancements to existing software that help better fight ransomware, and hotlines that customers can call for advice.
[Special Report: Ransomware to get worse, hackers hit whales, IoT opens new holes]
The new suite can be used to protect email, servers, networks and endpoints, the company said.
For email, that means inspecting gateways to detect and ideally block incoming messages and attachments with URLs carrying ransomware.
The company added that customers can use its suite to safeguard servers by detecting malicious activity, shielding systems from vulnerabilities, and making it harder for ransomware to spread.
Similarly, at the network level, Trend Micro offers detection capabilities and tools for sandboxing ports to potentially stop ransowmare from spreading.
[Healthcare IT News and HIMSS Analytics Quick HIT Study: Half of hospitals hit with ransomware in last 12 months]
Healthcare organizations can also use the software to detect suspicious activity at endpoints and applications with features for stopping encryption and isolating infected endpoints – if they’re detected in time.
While ransomware attacks have hit fever pitch in healthcare thus far this year, what remains to be seen is whether the collective of security vendors will also release tools specific to ransomware or opt, instead, to build that functionality into existing anti-malware products.
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Twitter: SullyHIT
Email the writer: tom.sullivan@himssmedia.com
