How to Prevent Ransomware Attacks and Protect Your Data
Ransomware attack prevention is a focus for many businesses. And yet, there is no question that ransomware threats remain a serious problem.
In fact, as of 2023, 72 percent of businesses worldwide were affected by ransomware attacks. This is the largest number to date and demonstrates the ongoing need for security measures.
This increase doesn’t mean that you are defenseless against ransomware. On the contrary, there are many simple steps you can take to prevent ransomware attacks.
What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malware that threatens an individual’s or business’s data. This is achieved by locking the user out of this file, preventing access until a ransom is paid.
There are more advanced forms of ransomware infections that encrypt files as opposed to locking them. Businesses can lose access to mission-critical data. You are asked to pay ransom in exchange for the decryption key.
Ransomware attacks are typically achieved through social engineering. Phishing emails are one way a thief might gain access.
Aside from questions pertaining to ransomware attack prevention, people commonly ask about paying the ransom. While it might seem like the quickest way to get your data back, there is no guarantee you will.
The best way to prevent ransomware attacks is through proper security and awareness measures.
Prevent Ransomware Attacks
Protecting against ransomware is not entirely plug-and-play, as all businesses are unique. However, some defensive tactics are more apparent than others and can be applied more readily.
Here is a list of some of the more common ransomware attack prevention tactics.
Know Your System
Depending on your business, you might be running a number of operation systems. Some of these systems might be shared with logistics providers, vendors, or others. Understanding a full breakdown of your operational systems can help you find weak spots. This is true of both internal and external systems.
Implement Ongoing Security Awareness Training
As mentioned, phishing emails are a prominent way for attackers to gain access to data. Implement training that stresses the importance of vigilance.
This might seem like a small detail, but this awareness adds a human element to security measures. More to the point, this is a simple way to avoid ransomware attacks coming through email.
Maintain Complete Backups
Backing up data requires space and additional levels of security, but it is crucial. While being a victim of a ransomware attack might be startling, a backup can save the day. This isn’t to say you shouldn’t also have security measures in place, but a backup ensures nothing gets lost.
Keep Systems Updated
It seems that every day, there is an additional software update for one thing or another. Don’t let these updates get away from you. Serious hackers will use out of date iterations of technology to breach your system. By keeping your system up to date, you are effectively fortifying your system against ransomware attacks.
Have a Response Plan in Place
Focusing on preventing ransomware attacks is two-fold, meaning there is a response to consider. Having a plan in place in the event of a ransomware attack can help your business respond efficiently. The last thing you want is additional chaos and stress while your critical data is compromised.
Bring in the Experts
When it comes to preventing ransomware attacks, why not have professionals in your corner? An external cybersecurity team can manage and monitor your organization’s security infrastructure. As mentioned earlier, since every business is unique, these services will be tailored to your business.
This means learning and understanding your infrastructure and making recommendations where appropriate. Having this type of dedication not only helps in preventing ransomware attacks. It also provides you with peace of mind so you can focus on other aspects of the business.
Learn More
Depending on your business, there are all sorts of options you have for preventing ransomware attacks. Our team of professionals is here to help. Reach out to us to learn about the solutions we provide and how they can benefit your operation.
Book a call with our team to learn more.
Neal Juern, CEO of 7tech, is a seasoned cybersecurity advisor known for his strategic insights in Zero-Trust Cybersecurity. It’s his passion to help businesses protect their data. If you’re interested in doing that in-house, then check out his free Masterclass.
