We've all seen the recent rasomware attacks that have gripped the worlds resources, security, and supply chain.
From pipelines to hospitals, food manufacturers to governments, it seems everyone and everything is vulnerable and no one is off limits.
But ransomware; a specific type of attack whereby the perpetrators hold hostage information and even complete functionality of systems effectively grinding operations to a halt until a sum of money is paid, is nothing new. Ransomware strikes have been around for decades, but with increasing reliance on technology, it is only just now becoming apparent to people that a seemingly far away attack can affect daily life in their own homes and place of business.
Whether it's the increased price of certain groceries, or a shortage of gas, the effects of a single ransomware attack can have widespread implications impacting millions.
While there is no sure fire way to completely avoid becoming a victim of ransomware attacks, there are several actions you can take to make yourself and your business a difficult and unattractive target.
Prioritze protecting your information by first identifying where there are weaknesses in your organizations security. Which doors are unlocked and which windows have been left open?
Once these factors have been identified, work with an expert to create an action plan focused on risk management to seal these gaps in security. Begin with anti-malware software and secure backups which are a necessity for any business, and from that point the industry specific tools that can be employed are plentiful.
Because many ransomware attacks infiltrate by simple means, such as an email sent to employees where a link is provided and once clicked on, the sting begins, training staff to identify suspicious content is a great way to protect against assailants.
Ransomeware attacks are a multi-billion dollar industry and with the integration of technology in our everyday lives, they're likely not only here to stay, but to become a greater threat as time goes on.
Overall, a multi-layered approach is the best way to ward off these kinds of assaults. If you have questions on how you can increase the protection of your valuable data, check out our segment on WBTV below and reach out to the experts at Security First IT.
