The statistics on cybercrime are, at this point, alarming. As technology advances, hackers try to find new and sophisticated means to launch their attacks. 86% of the businesses have, at some point, detected malicious activities in their system. This shows how much in danger your business data may be. Note that 60 per cent of the small businesses that are attacked eventually shut down. The losses are usually incredible, let alone the damage of the reputation of the said business. We are talking about endless lawsuits where companies have to answer why their clients’ data is in the wrong hands.
It is, therefore, critical that you become vigilant about protecting your business against cyber-attacks, and especially ransomware. If you are not careful, your operations could be crippled, and this will attract losses that may take you some time to recover from. With the following strategies, you can protect your business data.
Create security awareness among employees
Invite ransomware experts to train your employees on data security. Note that hackers use employees as entry points to your network. To avoid having the employees as the weak links, you need to create awareness of the threat that your business is facing. By sharing this information, you will develop a sense of accountability, and everyone will be on the same page in the light of preventing ransomware attacks.
While creating awareness on cybersecurity and training your employees, you should cover areas such as the different types of ransomware phishers use. Sensitize the importance of the use of strong passwords and password etiquette. Training them on secure ways of handling emails and browsers will keep your company steps ahead of the attackers. Also, your employees must be trained on how to point out threats and report them.
Update your software
To protect your business from ransomware attacks, you need to stop ignoring alerts notifying you that software updates are available. Outdated software has security holes, which hackers are always glad to take advantage of. By neglecting software updates, you are giving hackers an easy time in getting access to your network and data.
Software updates contain security patches that can help you cover the holes, keeping the hackers away. Note that tons of ransomware are released every day. This means that the outdated software you have may not have the capability to counter zero-day threats. Software updates eliminate security holes by ensuring that your system is ready for whatever is coming.
Do regular back-ups
With a fool-proof data backup and recovery plan, you can shield the business from the effects of ransomware attacks. Note that the hackers’ goal is to deny you access to your data. You are forced to pay a certain amount, after which you are given a decryption key, which can allow you to regain access. However, you can not trust the hackers. The chance is high that they will not give back all the data. You should, therefore, think outside the box and have a plan b.
Doing data backup and recovery ensures that you do not have to rely on the hackers for you to access your data. It is recommended that you apply the 3-2-1 rule. You should have three copies of data: two of the copies stored in different medium on site. The third copy should be stored offsite; the cloud could be a good option. This means that in the event of a successful ransomware attack, your business operations will not be crippled. You will still be able to get the data you need for your operations. It is also very crucial to test your backup and recovery: it is as good as when you last left it. This will ensure that you are not caught by surprise when you need your backup.
Create an email sandbox
Note that most of the malware is spread through emails. By stopping phishing emails, you will effectively combat ransomware. An email sandbox is a virtual environment where incoming emails are scanned before being allowed into your inbox. The sandbox can detect malicious files and attachments and block them from reaching the inbox. This way, there is no possibility that an employee will download a file infected with ransomware.
As much as emails have their filters, they may not be as effective as email sandboxes are. Remember that the filters only stop known threats. This means that new and unknown threats can easily access your system. An email sandbox will identify even the zero-day threats and ensure that your email is clear.
Configuring the firewalls is also vital in preventing ransomware attacks from being launched through the browsers. To keep your business afloat, you have to invest in implementing practices that will protect your data. The tips above will come in handy.
