5 Ways to Protect Your Business from Ransomware

As one of the most prevalent types of malware, enterprises should be aware of ransomware. With a huge potential for damage, preventing your business from being a victim is the best way to ensure safety.

What is ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of virus that encrypts a user’s files. One of the most common ways it infiltrates a device is through phishing spam. This is when an individual receives a seemingly innocent email with an attachment. These malicious emails often pose as banks or companies promoting special offers. Users then open these attachments and the ransomware infects their device.

How to protect your business from ransomware

Ransomware is notoriously challenging to prevent. Many businesses often adopt a reactive approach; only taking steps when the ransomware has already attacked. Understandably, being equipped to fight any form of cyberattack is key but taking steps to protect the company before becoming a victim is a great way to minimise risk.

Frequently back-up data

At any organisation there are countless backup operations to complete, from the cloud to local storage devices and network attached drives. However, it is critical that the external storage device is removed after a backup has been completed. Otherwise, if ransomware does attack a device, it won’t be able to touch the backup.

Install updates religiously

Whilst having antivirus installed is a great barrier, many businesses fail to keep it updated and this is where cybercriminals can slip through the cracks. All endpoints across any company will need to be updated regularly to ensure the antivirus is performing to the best of its ability.

Staff awareness and training

It is not just up to senior members of staff and IT departments to take action against the increasing threat of cyberattacks. Education of all employees, to be vigilant and alert, will help the organisation as a whole to stay secure.

Firewalls and filters

Simply installing filters and firewalls isn’t enough. Getting the most out of your firewall is imperative and it is best to remember that the threat landscape is every-developing and new advanced forms of ransomware are being created. Whilst filters and firewalls will not stop all attacks altogether they are useful foundational tools to add protection, particularly against threats from outside your network.

Concrete password policy

Weak or duplicate passwords are a security nightmare. Cyber criminals can hack through poor passwords in the blink of an eye and it is extremely important that any default passwords are changed to something secure immediately. Strong passwords are an integral first defence against ransomware attacks and every business should have a password policy that is adhered to at all times.

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