The Best Defense Against Ransomware

Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts files on a device or network, making them unusable until the victim pays the attacker a ransom. What started as a simple virus spread through floppy discs in the late 1980s has now evolved into a billion-dollar cybercrime industry.

Even with new security measures, ransomware groups constantly adapt and launch new ways to extort victims. As long as these cybercriminals successfully get businesses to pay up, attacks will continue to increase and expand.

‍Luckily, there’s good news.

‍With proper preparations, you can minimize the risk of a ransomware attack and mitigate the impacts if an attack does occur.

Best Practices and Precautions

To protect against ransomware, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommends the following precautions:

‍Regularly update software and operating systems with the latest patches.

‍Your business must regularly update software and operating systems with the latest patches. Cybercriminals often target outdated applications and systems.

“Keeping your systems updated ensures that security gaps and vulnerabilities are patched,” said Matt Cooke, Director of IT Operations at Clearview Group. “This makes it much harder for attackers to find a way into your business.”

Never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails.

‍Phishing emails are a common tactic used by cybercriminals to trick users into clicking on malicious links or downloading infected attachments. Verifying the sender and email content before clicking links or downloading files is essential.

‍Back up data regularly on a separate device and store it offline.

Regularly backing up your business data is necessary to minimize the risk of data loss due to ransomware.

Keeping a copy of important data on a separate device and storing it offline will help your business recover data after a ransomware attack. Testing your backup system regularly is imperative to ensure the data can be restored when needed.

Follow safe practices when using devices that connect to the internet.

‍Safe practices when using devices that connect to the internet include:

• Avoiding public Wi-Fi networks
• Not downloading files from untrusted sources
• Ensuring your firewall is turned on

Ensure your business devices have up-to-date antivirus software installed and your employees use a secure web browser.

In addition to these measures, there are several other best practices that you can adopt to protect against ransomware:

• Anti-phishing and email security protocols and tools: These can include email filters that can help block malicious emails before they reach your inbox.
• Security awareness training: Regular security awareness training can help educate your employees to identify and avoid phishing emails and other common cyber threats.
• Vulnerability scanning: Routine scanning can help identify vulnerabilities in your systems and applications before attackers can exploit them.
• Automated patch management: Automating patch management eliminates the need for manual checks for outdated software/systems, saving time and ensuring your systems are consistently up-to-date and secure.
• Endpoint detection and response (EDR): EDR monitors endpoints, such as desktops, laptops, and mobile devices, for suspicious activity and responds to any detected threats.
• Network monitoring: This involves monitoring your network for suspicious activity and responding to any detected threats.
• Network segmentation: Segmentation means dividing your network into smaller, more secure segments to limit the spread of malware in the event of an attack.
• Identity and access management (IAM): IAM helps manage user access to your systems and applications, ensuring users only have the access they need to perform their roles.
• Strong password policies and good password hygiene: This involves implementing password policies that require users to create strong, unique passwords and regularly change them.

Ransomware attacks have become a familiar and significant threat to individuals and organizations. Taking preventive measures to protect your business devices and data from such attacks is vital. The best defense against ransomware is a multi-layered approach that combines these best practices and precautions.

However, you may not have the time to implement this multi-layered approach for your business!

‍A Managed IT Service Provider can give you peace of mind knowing that you have a team of cybersecurity experts keeping your business data safe.

‍Get started today with a hassle-free, no-obligation consultation.