Why a Proactive Solution Like Morphisec is Needed
The Finance sector, often referred to as the backbone of the economy, faces relentless cyber attacks on Banks. Which has only been increasing year upon year. Targeted ransomware to phishing, the complexity of cyberattacks continues to rise, and with it, the need for robust, proactive protection. Enter Morphisec, a leader in preemptive endpoint and server protection that offers a revolutionary approach to cybersecurity. Traditional AV, NGAV, EDR and XDR still rely on signature updates and post-compromise detection (albeit quickly) means there is a window of exposure for highly sophisticated, fileless, or memory-based attacks.
Morphisec positions itself to complement NGAV, EDR, and XDR by addressing fileless, in-memory attacks, and zero-day threats directly at the attack’s entry point. It uses moving target defense (MTD) to create a dynamic runtime environment, preventing malicious code execution in memory—a blind spot for many detection-based solutions.
Let’s explore why Morphisec is an essential layer of defense to protect preemptively cyber attacks on banks and financial institutes navigating the challenges of legacy systems, unpatched vulnerabilities, and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Some of the Challenges Faced by the Finance Sector in Cybersecurity
- Legacy Systems and End-of-Life (EOL) Servers
Many banks still operate on legacy infrastructure that includes servers and applications well past their end-of-life (EOL). These systems often cannot be patched or upgraded without significant downtime or financial investment. This creates a fertile ground for attackers to exploit known vulnerabilities. - Patch Management Delays
Rolling out new patches, especially across large and complex infrastructures, can take weeks or months. During this window, institutions remain exposed to emerging threats, leaving them vulnerable to exploits targeting unpatched systems. - Ransomware Threats
Ransomware attacks have become increasingly sophisticated and targeted, often focusing on high-value institutions such as banks. Attackers exploit vulnerabilities in unpatched systems or leverage phishing emails sent to high-level executives to gain access. - Phishing and Social Engineering
Banking executives and employees are prime targets for phishing campaigns. A single click on a malicious email could expose an entire organisation, leading to catastrophic data breaches or ransomware incidents. - Third-Party Supply Chain Vulnerabilities
Banks rely heavily on third-party vendors and partners, which introduces additional attack vectors. Weaknesses in a third-party’s security posture can cascade into a bank’s network.
How Morphisec Addresses These Challenges
Unlike other endpoint protection solutions which must first detect an attack to stop it, Morphisec prevents advanced attacks from executing by dismantling their delivery mechanisms and kill chain. Morphisec uses patented Moving Target Defense technology to morph the memory space layout so adversaries cannot find an entry point, or the resources required, to execute an attack. This real-time, one-way randomization prevents highly sophisticated attacks, including the most advanced exploits and fileless malware.
Here’s how Morphisec directly addresses the unique cybersecurity needs of banks
- Virtual Patching for EOL and Legacy Systems
With Morphisec, banks can protect legacy systems and EOL servers without the need for intrusive patches or updates. Virtual patching ensures vulnerabilities in outdated software are shielded from exploitation, allowing banks to continue operating these systems securely. - Protection During Patch Rollouts
Morphisec adds an additional layer of security to endpoints and servers while banks roll out new patches. This “security bridge” ensures that organisations are not left exposed during patching cycles. - Ransomware Prevention
Unlike traditional solutions, which often rely on detecting known ransomware signatures, Morphisec’s Moving Target Defence technology prevents ransomware attacks by denying malicious code the opportunity to execute, even if the ransomware is entirely novel. - Preemptive Endpoint Security
Whether it’s desktops, laptops, or other endpoint devices, Morphisec provides real-time, preemptive protection that stops advanced threats before they can execute. This is particularly critical in securing remote work environments, which are increasingly common in the financial sector. - Third-Party Risk Mitigation
Morphisec’s supply chain attack protection technology prevents advanced attacks via supply channels by making sure they never get a foothold. Supply chain attacks like CCleaner and SolarWinds are not only increasing in number, they’ve become more targeted and sophisticated – nearly half of all cyberattacks target third-parties to reach their ultimate marks.
Proven Success Across Banking and Financial Institutions
Morphisec is trusted by over 7,000 customers across Europe and the United States and 9 million protected endpoints, including organisations in the banking and financial services sector. Its lightweight, easy-to-deploy solution integrates seamlessly into existing systems without compromising performance—a critical feature for banks handling millions of transactions daily.
A Case for Proactive Security
The UK financial services sector, regulated by GDPR and other stringent compliance standards, cannot afford to rely solely on reactive security measures. Morphisec’s proactive approach offers a cost-effective and efficient way to mitigate risks, ensuring banks remain resilient against both known and emerging threats.
By embracing Morphisec, banks can enhance their cybersecurity posture, protect their reputation, and safeguard customer trust in an increasingly hostile cyber landscape. With features like virtual patching, ransomware prevention, and lightweight endpoint protection, Morphisec empowers banks to stay one step ahead of attackers.