How does CyberArk EPM assist in mitigating ransomware threats?

CyberArk Endpoint Privilege Manager (EPM) plays a crucial role in mitigating ransomware threats primarily by controlling application execution and limiting privileges. Ransomware often relies on exploiting user privileges and executing malicious applications to encrypt files and demand ransom. By implementing a principle of least privilege, EPM ensures that users and applications are granted only the minimum permissions necessary to perform their tasks.

This restriction helps prevent unauthorized applications, particularly those associated with ransomware, from executing on endpoints. The EPM can block potentially harmful applications, restrict the actions of legitimate tools when they might be misused by attackers, and monitor behaviors to identify suspicious activities. Thus, the ability to manage application execution and enforce privilege limitations significantly reduces the attack surface for ransomware and enhances overall security posture.

The other options, while potentially beneficial in a broader security strategy, do not directly address the specific mechanisms through which EPM actively mitigates ransomware threats. User education serves as a preventive measure but does not provide the technical controls necessary to stop ransomware directly. Increased system backups can help with recovery after an attack but do not prevent the attack itself. Enhancing physical security measures is important for overall security but is not directly related to the endpoint management capabilities that EPM provides.