When it comes to internet threats, ransomware is the one that causes the most fear, especially for small and medium-sized businesses, and the fear is based in reality. According to the Malwarebytes 2019 Cybercrime Tactic’s and Techniques report, in comparison to last year, the rise of business ransomware has increased over 500%. It’s time to make sure that you’re doing what you can to stop your business from becoming another ransomware statistic. Here are five good tips that will help you avoid becoming a victim of the next big ransomware attack.
- Get Smart: You and your employees are the first line of defense against ransomware – and all malware. You need to invest time to educate yourself and your employees about the dangers and consequences of an attack, and best practices to protect yourself, your data and your network from a cyber threat. Keep yourself apprised of the best ways to prevent victimization.
- Back It Up: Regularly backing up data is the most effective way to prevent losing your data from ransomware. If a ransomware attack does find its way onto your network, you have a copy of that network and data backed up in its entirety from just a few minutes before. 96% of companies with a trusted backup and disaster recovery plan were able to survive ransomware attacks. The copy of your backup shouldn’t be stored on the infected network.
- Keep Security Software and Patches Up-to-Date: New ransomware is always being introduced. New variants of malware are always being created, which threaten your network. Luckily, your operating system and software are always working overtime to come up with ways to keep your data and network security. Updating your security software and paying attention to patches is a great way to make sure that you’re protected when ransomware strikes.
- Beware of Email: One of the primary methods of ransomware transmission and infection is email. According to Proofpoint researchers, nearly 30% of the most targeted malware and phishing attacks were directed at generic email accounts, like Sales@company.com. Users should be cautious of any email that is unsolicited or unexpected, particularly if there is a link or attachment.
- DON’T PAY THE RANSOM: Paying ransom is no guarantee that you’re going to get your data back. The first payment is often a gateway to increasing demands and your data is still gone. Don’t Pay the Ransom! Instead of paying the criminals who have hijacked your data – contact your IT service provider and let them know what is going on.
That is just for starters – for those of you who want to make sure they’re doing everything possible to reduce their chance of contracting ransomware, reach out to our security experts today at (508) 453-4700.
It’s estimated that ransomware attacks will reach 11.5 billion annually by 2019, and that number only includes those who pay the ransom. Imagine if everyone who was attacked paid their ransom. Are you familiar with these five ransomware tips? Is there anything else you have found to be effective? Let us know in the comments below.
