We have all heard of kidnapping stories. Whereby a gang of lazy individuals seizes their victim out of the blue, they then call the victim’s closest relatives or friends with threats of tormenting their prey. To save the sufferer, the only option availed to his or her inner-circle by kidnappers is a ransom, which must be facilitated within the inflexible terms and conditions set by the kidnappers.
Ransomware operates precisely in the same way. It is a form of digital kidnapping. Hackers lay traps in a victim’s computer, which if prosperous met encrypts as many files as possible. Preventing computer users from operating their infected devices and accessing their data. To securely get his or her files back, a victim has to remit a pay-off. Or else have records destroyed or released to the public domain.
Every day, both individuals and organizations continue to report various ransomware attacks with businesses suffering a colossal blow compared to other industries. According to a report published by Malwarebytes, enterprises have a 235% increase in the detection of ransomware attacks year-over-year. These attacks have consequently stirred up discussions on how businesses and individuals can secure their data.
Unfolding in the subsequent paragraphs are ways that an IT company can help protect your small enterprise from ransomware.
Implementing proactive protection on all fronts
Every day, malware for compromising different systems continues to advance. To protect against any malware attacks, the first line of defense for your business should be establishing multi-layered security solutions at all endpoints. However, it is essential to note that ransomware attacks thrive on older versions of security solutions. Thus, to narrow the chances of attackers infiltrating your systems, the security measures implemented must be up to date.
Having a reputable IT company such as Fusion Computing Limited as a partner provides you with a go-ahead approach to installing various security measures. This is because their staff is consistently trained in utilizing the latest tools and technologies in defending systems against attacks. Consequently, their dynamic threat management will always validate if your anti-malware programs are up to date and operating efficiently.
Installing good backup systems
Ransomware always targets a company’s most important files, such as confidential customer information. By encrypting an enterprise’s most critical data, attackers know that the entity is left with fewer options other than surrender to their demands. Currently, attackers are advancing from targeting business devices together with the data they contain to data centers that bear high value.
Since no security systems are impenetrable, it is indispensable that your business backs up its data daily. With an IT company at your service, you will have the best practices for backup, such as the 3-2-1 data backup strategy. The various data backup methods at your disposal include disk or tape backups, hybrid cloud backup, and direct-to-cloud-back up.
Disk or tape backups are traditional backup methods that backup data on a physical device. They are inexpensive but present several drawbacks such as slow backup and recovery times. On the other hand, hybrid cloud backup solutions utilize local devices and secure offsite data centers for backup. Finally, the direct-to-cloud backup option directly transmits data to the cloud with no need for local backup devices. Data is sent directly to a remote data center, with no local copy for your business.
Ransomware awareness training of employees
The unsuspecting user is always the missing link between attackers and computer systems. Once successfully led into a blind hole, the tie-up is fast executed and systems and data compromised. IT vendors understand that employees are the most targeted to perform actions by attackers that trigger ransomware infiltration into the company’s operations. That is why they will always be committed to subjecting your employees to regular training on how to identify and prevent different types of ransomware attacks.
They will educate your employees on how ransomware attacks work. Types of data targeted by attackers and how they can identify and avoid activating potential threats. Knowledge of what red flags such as phishing emails entail will undoubtedly make a huge difference. Furthermore, since the tactics used by hackers to compromise systems continuously change, it is also recommended that user training on security threads is updated. An IT vendor who adopts to the latest security systems in defending your business’ systems will equally update the tutoring nourished to your team.
Additionally, training alone is not enough. There is the need to frequently subject employees to testing in to keep them on toes. Aware of the most prevalent ransomware threats, an IT company will subject your employees to various trials. The tests establish their ability to handle potential ransomware attacks.
Proactively administer ‘The Least Privilege Concept’
Formulating the least privilege concept requires that every user is granted the least amount of privileges necessary to accomplish a given task. Often, employees will not come to work with the intention of live streaming to their favorite content. However, if granted such loopholes, they do not hesitate to download various software on the company’s computer among other content for their entertainment at work. Which presents higher risks of the company suffering ransomware attacks.
An IT partnering company ensures that you dynamically administer the least privilege principle. They will configure whitelisting for your company’s devices, allowing your employees to operate with only trusted sites and software. Furthermore, with limited privileges, users won’t divert to sites that could act as potential faucets for ransomware attacks.
Formulating a disaster recovery plan
Despite having various workable measures to guard against ransomware attacks, no systems are entirely immune from compromise. Therefore, what happens in case your organization is faced with an attack? An experienced IT services provider with a comprehensive history of how your business operates is better placed at drafting and implementing your disaster recovery plan. The recovery plan will be specific to your needs. Ensuring minimal interruptions to your operations, hence business continuity even when faced with an attack.
