Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid. Are you concerned about this cyber crime occurring at your company or even for your personal accounts. According to Kaspersky Lab, the number of users affected by file encrypting ransomware rose from 131,000 in 2014-2015 to 718,000 in 2015-2016! Extorting money from individuals and organizations has become a big business and unfortunately signature-based PC Anti-Virus software just isn’t able to keep up.
What should you be doing to counteract or aid your company in the case of a ransomware attack? Here are a few suggestions that can help you avoid the fallout if your data is held captive by a cyber criminal.
- Regularly save copies of all your files. Having a backup plan can save you from figuring out what data is locked up and how to possibly recover all of it. This way if your files, data, presentations, or images are being held from you, there will be back ups that you can use. Backup your files to an external drive, another computer, or the cloud to minimize loss and inconvenience in the case of an attack.
- Be alert and aware. Don’t click on links that you don’t recognize or download files from people you don’t know personally.
- Maintain good Internet security practices, including keeping your computer’s operating system and security software up-to-date.
- Avoid visiting questionable websites.
- Be extremely careful when using USB drives to transfer data to more secure computers.
- Use strong security passwords and encryption with dual authentication.
- Use common sense. If something seems off, your instincts are probably right.
If you need help with counteracting a ransomware attack or preparing for one call M&H Consulting at 1-(866)-964-8324 for a free initial consultation.
Categorised in: IT Consulting Services, ransomware