The brutal reality of ransomware attacks is that they can strike anyone at any time, and it is only getting worse. 2023 saw a 55% increase in attacks, and in the fourth quarter alone, there were 1,154 documented ransomware incidents globally. Keep in mind those numbers are likely higher. Not all businesses report being attacked for fear of embarrassment or damaged customer reputation. Ransomware protection is vital for your business and can mean the difference between success and failure.
Experienced Attackers Require Professional Security Procedures
The level of threats has gone from individuals acting on their own and sending out target phishing emails to where cybercrime-as-a-service exits on the dark web for anyone to seek out. On top of that, there are also ransomware gangs operating around the world. These highly skilled organizations with vast resources demand a ransom to be paid to release encrypted data and not release the data publicly. Their number one targets are small businesses due to lack of or inferior cybersecurity.
Ransomware Protection Tips Small Businesses Need to Follow:
With over 3 billion spam emails sent out daily, phishing remains the most common and effective means of delivering ransomware. You must ensure your business is equipped to handle this and other threats, and following these tips will help do that:
1. Regularly Back up Your Data
Make sure you regularly back up all important business data to an external hard drive or cloud storage. This will ensure that even if your system becomes infected with ransomware, you can restore your data without paying the ransom.
2. Keep your Software and Systems Updated
Ransomware often takes advantage of security vulnerabilities in outdated software and systems. Make sure to regularly update your operating system, anti-virus software, and all other software to protect against potential vulnerabilities.
3. Educate Employees
Train your employees on recognizing phishing emails and suspicious links, as these are common ways ransomware enters a system. Encourage employees to be cautious when opening emails from unknown senders. When in doubt, they should always verify the sender through other means before opening the message.
4. Use Strong Passwords
Encourage employees to use strong, unique passwords for their accounts and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible. This will make it more difficult for hackers to access your systems and deploy ransomware. Employee passwords should be changed every three months for an added layer of ransomware protection.
5. Hire an Outside Cybersecurity Company
Of all ransomware protection tips, hiring a professional cybersecurity company such as TCI Technologies is the one you should always keep in mind. By utilizing their specialized knowledge, infrastructure, and advanced tools, you can minimize the risk of cyber-attacks and maintain the security of your data.
You Can’t Afford to Let Your Guard Down
By following these tips and being prepared, small business owners can protect themselves from ransomware attacks and minimize the impact if they are targeted. Remember, prevention is key when it comes to cybersecurity, so invest in security measures now to avoid the devastating consequences of a ransomware attack in the future.
