Chances are you’ve heard about ransomware in the news at least once in the past several months. Cyber criminals used to focus on individuals; now they are increasingly targeting enterprises, recognizing that businesses have much more to lose and are more likely to cough up a large sum of money.
What is ransomware? It’s a type of malicious software (malware) designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid. Usually a message will appear on the computer screen, informing the user that they must wire a certain amount of money to the criminals in a certain time frame – otherwise they will lose all of their data.
Nothing can 100% guarantee avoidance of ransomware. But you can take precautions to decrease your chances of an encounter with ransomware. Here are just a few tips to help.
- Make sure the entire enterprise is backed up (in two or three different locations) and recoverable.
- Perform all scheduled maintenance to keep systems patched and up-to-date. You may be tempted to delay updates, but they are extremely important in preventing attacks.
- Create a collaborative environment between management and the IT department where open communication is encouraged.
- Have a response plan in place in the case of an attack.
- Inform all employees on the seriousness of ransomware. Train them on what to do with suspicious links, attachments and foreign emails. Encourage them to immediately report any suspicious activity.
- Add software to your servers and systems that is able to detect and stop ransomware from moving throughout the enterprise.
Our experienced Systems Consultants can help you defend your home or office against ransomware. Call 501-372-3379 for a free consultation.
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