Learn the best method to stop email-based ransomware threats from reoccurring according to CompTIA 220-1102. Hint: it’s not spam filters, malware scanners or firewalls.
Table of Contents
Question
A company was recently attacked by ransomware. The IT department has remediated the threat and determined that the attack method used was email. Which of the following the most effective way to prevent this issue from reoccurring?
A. Spam filtering
B. Malware prevention software
C. End user education
D. Stateful firewall inspection
Answer
The most effective way to prevent email-based ransomware attacks from reoccurring is:
C. End user education
Explanation
While spam filtering, malware prevention software, and firewalls are all important layers of defense against email threats, the single most impactful measure is educating end users. Ransomware and other email attacks rely on tricking a user into clicking a malicious link or opening an infected attachment.
Well-trained users are less likely to fall for these social engineering tactics. They will be more cautious about unsolicited emails, scrutinize links and attachments carefully, and follow security best practices. No matter how good the technical controls, some malicious emails can still get through – and educated users serve as the last line of defense.
In contrast, the other options, while helpful, have limitations:
- Spam filters can block many mass-mailed threats but struggle with highly targeted phishing emails
- Malware scanners cannot reliably detect all brand new, polymorphic strains of ransomware
- Firewalls focus more on blocking unauthorized network traffic than scanning email content
Therefore, end user security awareness training is the most effective method for preventing email-based ransomware infections over the long term. The human factor is critical.
CompTIA 220-1102 certification exam assessment practice question and answer (Q&A) dump including multiple choice questions (MCQ) and objective type questions, with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the CompTIA 220-1102 exam and earn CompTIA 220-1102 certification.