Helpful Defense Tactics for Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware is malicious software that can infect your system and hold your valuable data hostage. If you don’t pay the ransom during ransomware attacks, the malware will encrypt your files and make them inaccessible forever. In addition, these malicious programs can infect your computer or mobile device and prevent you from accessing data or your device.
In the short term, ransomware can cost companies millions of dollars. A company’s reputation and reliability may be an even more significant loss. Ransomware doesn’t just mean a company’s files will be locked and inaccessible. Ransomware is insidious on so many levels. It effectively prevents access to critical and sensitive data, which may then need to be recreated at significant expense and effort.
So next time you ask, “Is it safe to store my personal information online?” The answer is no. It’s not safe at all, and with the threat of a ransomware attack on the rise, it’s become even more critical for businesses to protect their data.
Ways to Protect Yourself From Ransomware Attacks
When ransomware infiltrates a computer system and encrypts data, the organization left holding the bag is worse off than one that has had its data breached. But, not every ransomware is stalwart or impossible to bypass.
The FBI recommends that you do not pay a ransom demand to unlock your files. A better approach is to restore from a backup or try other free tools to recover the files you need. However, before you assume that paying a ransom is your only option, investigate every avenue.
Ransomware Governance is Key
The sooner you involve key decision makers in the organization, the more likely it is that you’ll have a successful ransomware response. Don’t wait until an attack happens to begin planning your response. When your C-Suite, board of directors, and staff are all on the same page during an attack, you can diffuse the situation faster. Unfortunately, It’s always easier to prevent an attack than to protect against one after it happens.
Back-Up and Securely Store All Files Before an Attack
Back up your data, but also back up your nonstandard applications and the IT infrastructure they rely on. Make sure that you’re keeping backups up-to-date and that they won’t be encrypted by ransomware. Backing up your data will protect it from not only ransomware but also a possible server failure. As the saying goes, two birds, one stone.
Lastly, Train Your Users
While we may not see or feel it, cyber security threats are real. Hackers are constantly changing their tactics to spread their influence. Malware attacks come in many forms but often follow a very predictable pattern. With appropriate preparation and planning, you can recover more quickly from an attack.
Likewise, by having a preparedness strategy in place, organizations can better protect themselves from losing vital files and data. As hackers get more advanced, so should protection strategies.
But, if you want some more great tips on cybersecurity awareness, our specialists at Arruda Group are constantly updating our reservoir of information. So, be sure to visit our website for more.
