In today’s digital landscape, organisations face an increasing risk of cyber threats such as ransomware and other attacks that can cripple communication channels, disrupt operations, and cause severe financial damage. When such incidents occur, having a secure, reliable means of communication becomes essential. This is where out-of-band communications come into play.
An out-of-band communications platform - like Sentinel Spaces - provides a lifeline for businesses, allowing them to coordinate responses and keep critical operations running even when their primary systems are compromised. In this thought leadership piece, we’ll explore the critical role that out-of-band communication plays during cyber or ransomware attacks and why every organisation should consider implementing such a system.
During a cyber or ransomware attack, your traditional communication channels—such as email, internal messaging platforms, or even voice services—are often among the first systems targeted or disabled. This is because attackers know that disrupting communication makes it difficult for teams to coordinate their response.
In a ransomware attack, for instance, critical files and systems can be encrypted, rendering corporate networks and communication tools inaccessible. If your organisation relies on these same channels to manage the crisis, you’ll quickly find yourself unable to respond effectively. This creates a catch-22: the very tools you depend on to mitigate a cyber attack become unavailable.
Out-of-band communication refers to a secondary communication channel that is independent of your primary network infrastructure. It operates outside your usual systems, making it less vulnerable to the same threats that compromise your internal network.
Think of it as a backup walkie-talkie system that continues to function even if your main phone lines are cut off. Out-of-band solutions can range from encrypted messaging apps like Sentinel PiNG to satellite phones and secure cloud-based communication platforms. These systems are often highly secure and difficult for attackers to infiltrate, offering a vital means of communication during a crisis.
When an attack takes down your primary systems, the ability to maintain communication is essential for coordinating a rapid and effective response. Out-of-band communication allows executives, IT teams, and crisis management personnel to stay connected, share updates, and make informed decisions, even as they work to restore normal operations.
During a cyber or ransomware attack, time is of the essence. Out-of-band communication enables your team to quickly alert key stakeholders, including IT security professionals, legal teams, and executive leadership, without relying on compromised systems. This ensures that the right people are informed, enabling a faster and more organised response that limits the impact of the attack.
Out-of-band communication channels are often encrypted and separate from your primary network, providing an additional layer of security. This makes it far more difficult for attackers to eavesdrop on sensitive conversations or hijack the communication stream. It also prevents internal actors who may be involved in the attack from accessing critical information during the crisis.
Many industries, such as finance, healthcare, and government, are subject to strict regulatory requirements for managing sensitive data and responding to cyber incidents. Having an out-of-band communication system in place can help ensure compliance with these regulations, as it enables secure communication even when primary systems are compromised. This is particularly important when reporting incidents to regulatory bodies or managing confidential communications during the attack.
In the midst of a cyber attack, maintaining clear and effective communication can help preserve your organisation’s reputation. Out-of-band systems allow you to communicate quickly and transparently with external stakeholders—such as customers, partners, and investors—minimising uncertainty and demonstrating that your organisation is in control of the situation.
There have been numerous cases where organisations could have mitigated the damage of a cyber attack had they implemented out-of-band communication systems. For instance, during the 2017 WannaCry ransomware attack, many organisations were left paralysed because their internal communication systems were down.
In contrast, businesses that had access to out-of-band communication platforms were able to coordinate their response effectively, saving valuable time and limiting damage.
To protect your organisation during a cyber attack or ransomware incident, integrating an out-of-band communication system into your crisis management plan is crucial. Here are some steps to get started:
1. Identify Key Stakeholders: Determine which employees, teams, and external partners need access to out-of-band communication during a crisis.
2. Choose a Secure Platform: Select an out-of-band solution that offers end-to-end encryption and operates independently from your primary network.
3. Conduct Regular Drills: Incorporate your out-of-band communication system into your incident response drills to ensure all stakeholders know how to use the system effectively during a crisis.
4. Test and Update Regularly: Like any other component of your cybersecurity strategy, your out-of-band communication system should be regularly tested and updated to ensure it remains functional in the event of a real-world attack.
In today’s world, where cyber attacks and ransomware incidents are becoming more sophisticated, having an out-of-band communications system is no longer optional—it’s essential. Without it, your organisation could find itself unable to respond quickly and effectively, amplifying the damage caused by the attack.
By integrating out-of-band communications into your crisis management plan, you can ensure that your business stays connected and secure, even when the worst happens. Out-of-band communication is more than just a safety net—it’s a critical component of a resilient cybersecurity strategy that helps protect your organisation, your stakeholders, and your reputation when under attack.