What should an IT administrator do FIRST after recovering from a ransomware attack to prevent future incidents?

After recovering from a ransomware attack, the first step that an IT administrator should take is to scan the NAS (Network-Attached Storage) for residual malware. This action is critical because it helps ensure that any remaining malicious code is identified and eliminated before users or systems are reintroduced to the network. Ransomware can often leave behind backdoors or additional malware that could allow an attacker to regain access or deploy further attacks.

Scanning the NAS allows for a thorough examination of all connected storage that might have been infected, ensuring that the recovery is comprehensive and preventing potential reinfection or data loss. Once the scanning is completed and the network is confirmed to be clean, the administrator can move on to other preventive measures, such as rebuilding workstations, implementing application whitelisting, or restricting administrative privileges. However, addressing the immediate threat of remaining malware must come first to secure the environment effectively.