Protecting your thriving business from increasingly tech-savvy cybercriminals is no easy feat. Data thieves and hackers are becoming more sophisticated all the time, as are their methods, so it’s crucial to stay in the know and ahead of the game with the right solutions.
Ransomware may not be the only cyber threat business owners need to worry about, but it remains one of the most formidable, especially as the technology evolves. It’s no longer strictly a consumer problem, either. Many modern ransomware attacks can circumvent even robust traditional security measures. Today’s criminals are also pursuing larger targets, including thriving corporations, enterprises, and even government agencies.
In other words, a successful ransomware attack on your business can add up to major losses, so your data center needs to be fully prepared. Here’s a closer look at everything you need to know to stay safe.
How to Recognize a Ransomware Attack
Ransomware is a specific type of malware that targets user files, first encrypting them and then permanently deleting them. To stop the attack and regain access to compromised files and equipment, the victim must pay a specified ransom within a certain amount of time.
Ransomware attacks can potentially affect nearly any web-connected device, including computers, point-of-sale terminals, smartphones, and wearable tech. There are numerous ways for ransomware to make it onto a device, including phishing emails, visits to infected websites, unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, and others.
Early signs you may be facing a ransomware attack include:
- Unexplained increases in file renames
- Detection of file extensions associated with ransomware
- Sudden slow device performance
- Abnormal disk activity spikes
- Inability to access your files
- Any other unauthorized changes to your system
How to Handle and Prevent Ransomware Attacks
Eventually, all ransomware attack victims receive a note or other message from the cyber criminal demanding payment to reverse the attack and restore compromised files.
Although it may seem like the only course of action, don’t simply pay up, as that likely won’t be the end of the incident. Instead, reach out to authorities, as they may be able to offer decryption tools and other forms of help. Even if you’ve already paid a ransom, contact authorities anyway. They may be able to recover the money and can pursue the criminals.
Prevention is always the best cure when it comes to serious threats like ransomware, and that always starts with an airtight data center.
Keep Your System Up to Date
Applying operating system updates as soon as possible ensures your company’s operating systems and devices are protected from ransomware and other forms of malware. Enabling automatic updates is recommended.
Strategically Back Up Your Data
Always back up sensitive data and store the backups somewhere inaccessible to hackers and cybercriminals. Top-tier cloud services from INVITE Networks can help with this.
Upgrade Your Security System
Investing in your company’s data security system is really the most effective way to keep ransomware out of your life and away from your sensitive data. Reach out to a trusted data protection service like INVITE to ensure an ideal ongoing solution.
Whether you’re recovering from a previous ransomware attack or simply looking to be proactive, making data security a top priority is a smart move.
INVITE Networks has you covered with a full range of airtight solutions, including data protection, cloud services, managed endpoint security services, and more. Contact us today to learn how we can protect you business.
