Ransomware is among the dreaded malware threats because it targets home users and corporate networks. Currently, there are over 4,000 daily ransomware attacks.
Naturally, businesses want to avoid the stress, cost, and devastation that comes from attacks such as these, but it can be difficult to do this due to the sophisticated methods that these cybercriminals use. The good news is that there are solutions you can consider to cut the risks, and it is important to look carefully at your options so that you can find the right solution for you.
Ransomware is a form of malware attack hackers use to extort their victims. For example, cybercriminals can hold your computers or files and demand ransom to decrypt your files or release the devices to you. It is a severe threat that can cost your company millions of dollars.
In this article, we will discuss some of the methods you can turn to if you want to reduce the risk of a ransomware attack. So, read on to find valuable tips on how to protect yourself from ransomware.
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Educate Your Employees
Cybercriminals usually take advantage of uninformed employees. They may send email attachments and links for unsuspecting victims to download or click. Educating your employees about these tricks will help them avoid falling victim.
Teach them to avoid clicking suspicious links and pop-up windows and how to identify questionable URLs and phishing attacks. Training should be an ongoing process to counter the new tricks cybercriminals use.
Control Data Access
Use modern tools and technologies to monitor the activities of your employees and generate reports on these activities. Also, remember to use device policies to guide data usage. Conduct regular security assessments to determine the rights of all users and block users who are no longer allowed to access your data.
You can also use object lock to prevent your files from being deleted or altered for a period of time.
Back Up Your Data And Systems
Cybercriminals are experts who understand network security. For this reason, they are always looking for security loopholes they can take advantage of. This means you can still fall victim to ransomware, no matter how tight your security might be. That’s why you should always back up your data so you can retrieve it even if your IT system is attacked. Using a cloud-based backup system is best because it is more secure and cost-effective.
Apply Software And Operating System Updates
Outdated software and operating systems are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Regular hardware and software updates and vulnerability management is among the best ways to prevent ransomware attacks.
Ransomware attacks exploit security loopholes and bugs in old operating systems and applications. That’s why installing the latest updates and security patches on your computers and mobile devices is vital.
Use Strong Passwords
Using strong passwords is another excellent way to keep your data safe. Strong login credentials will seal all entry points. Most cybercriminals guess passwords they feel their victims are likely to use. For example, using your birth year, phone number, or ID number as your password is risky.
A password should be long and must have a mixture of small letters, capital letters, numbers, and special characters. You can also use two-step authentication for all logins to your platforms.
Implementing the above tips will go a long way in lowering your risk of a ransomware attack. But even after implementing them, you should run regular security check-ups to identify and seal all loopholes that cybercriminals might have identified in your security system. Working with an expert white-hat hacker can go a long way in protecting your data from any breaches.