Your data is vulnerable. Groups with malicious intentions are targeting small businesses. Many do not have the right measures to protect themselves.
Ransomware is fast becoming one of the most widespread types of malware around. Here is how it attacks unsuspecting individuals and businesses: you click on an ad, an email attachment, or a link that allows hackers to access your device and hold your data hostage. They would ask you to pay a price, usually through cryptocurrency, to give your data and device back.
However, even if you pay the ransom, there is no guarantee that you will get your files back. In that case, as they say, prevention is better than cure. Adopting strategies to stop an attack is better than having to pay thousands of dollars for nothing.
Here are some ways you can keep your data and your devices safe from ransomware:
Backup Your Files
Ransomware is only one of the reasons why you should create duplicates of your files. There are so many things that may happen, like a natural disaster or hardware malfunction, that may cause you to lose your data and start from scratch.
Many companies are using the Cloud as their backup plan. The Cloud has measures in place to prevent cyber attacks. For example, ServiceNow Security operations involve detecting and addressing breaches quickly to protect your data. You can rest easy knowing that you can respond to cyber attacks as soon as they happen.
In the incident of ransomware, you will not be forced to pay up the ransom to recover your data. You can ignore the threat knowing that you still have copies of your data stored in a secure location.
Invest in Detection Software
Every business and individual should have technology that will protect them against all kinds of malware. This includes acquiring legitimate software and frequently updating them so they are not out-of-date and, therefore, vulnerable to hacking.
All your software, not just your anti-malware program, should be updated promptly. Your device will notify you if a new version of the software is available. Do not put it off as long as you can; delaying the update will give hackers a window to access your device and lock you out of it.
Train Your Employees to Spot Malicious Activities
However, your first line of defense should be your team. Anyone who has access to your systems should be educated on how to improve digital security.
The most common way a hacker accesses private accounts and devices is through phishing scams. An individual will receive an e-mail, often dressed in a way that looks official and from a well-known company. Inside is an attachment that, if they click, provides an entryway for the hacker.
Talk to your team about the dangers. Discourage them from using their work email to sign up to websites or subscribing to different mailing lists. Instruct them to never open links or attachments in emails that they received out-of-the-blue, especially if they do not know who sent it. Before they open any link, they should first hover the mouse over it to see where it leads to. Before they download any attachments, they should scan it with an up-to-date anti-malware program.
Ransomware is a real threat that everyone, especially small businesses, should be aware of. By adopting these measures, you can be assured that your data is safe from people with malicious intentions.
