Ransomware is a type of malware which holds your data for ransom. It usually finds its way onto devices by exploiting small gaps in security or tricking people into installing it, such as through email attachments that contain malicious code. A countdown timer will appear on the screen once installed and files become encrypted so they can’t be accessed again unless you pay the fee to release them; sometimes this may also take place if someone tries accessing their system remotely like with remote desktop software where ransomware could infect both computers at once. Last year’s WannaCry virus was one example of how quickly these types of viruses spread when not guarded against – over 200,000 people had systems affected and 300,000 devices were infected worldwide within just 48 hours.
Becoming smarter about preventing and defending cyber attacks is vital for any business. Although the risks are well known, many organisations are still not taking strict enough measures to keep their systems secure.
The prevalence of attacks is dropping, thanks in large part to high-profile cases. But businesses still need to know how to stay vigilant.
Software
As a business owner, you need to be vigilant about your security. The success of your business hinges on the safety and integrity of its data in all aspects: from storage devices to backups – without forgetting antivirus software that can detect malware after it’s already been introduced into your system or ransomware such as Cryptolocker which encrypts vital files so they cannot be accessed until payment is made for decryption keys; ironically enough one type of protection against this kind of attack are bitcoins!
Proper security software is crucial for protecting businesses across all entry points. Whilst antivirus software will do some good, it may not catch malicious programs before their effects have come full circle – whether by attacking sensitive information stored locally or downloading harmful code onto remote servers using
Email Security
To protect your business from cybersecurity threats, email protection is a must. Without this protection you are vulnerable to malicious links and attachments that can bypass traditional security scans in increasing numbers every year.
Network Segmentation
There is no reason to unnecessarily restrict your employees from accessing their work-related areas. If a ransomware attack occurs, having reduced privileges can dramatically reduce the vulnerable area and minimize downtime for businesses. And if it’s confined just one part of the system – like an email inbox or document library – then you’re able to keep operating until those documents are restored.
Backup data
If you want to have the peace of mind that your documents are always protected, then it is important for backups to be created frequently. Documents should also be backed up offline and in cloud-based services so they can’t get lost if a problem arises with either one. You’ll never lose any precious data by following this advice!
Cyber-attacks like ransomware are often successful because they scare users into paying up. The way to combat this would be with safe practices and proper security measures that can help prevent the data from being lost but not affect key operations or pose a threat to users if an attack does happen anyway.
Awareness
Cybercriminals are constantly looking for new ways to infect our computers, and the best line of defence is well-informed staff. A strong password policy will stop most cyberattacks trying to slip through unnoticed; this includes teaching employees not click on spam links or open malicious attachments from unknown sources in emails.
