5 ways to reduce the risk of ransomware
Ransomware has been getting more and more attention in recent months, following the Petya and WannaCry attacks. But what can you as a business do to cut down the risk of suffering from a similar attack?
1. Back up your files
It’s vital to ensure that everything your business needs to operate is fully and completely backed-up. How you do this – whether it’s through the cloud or through physical storage – isn’t as important as making sure you actually do it!
Why does this matter? Because ransomware attackers make their money by threatening to withhold invaluable files from you unless you pay them. By backing up your data, you’re at least saving yourself having to make the payment.
2. Be very suspicious of any emails, websites and apps
A lot of ransomware attacks start by the attackers installing some form of malicious software on your system.
By far the most common way of installing this software is through phishing emails, dodgy adverts on websites and through software. You should always use total caution when being asked to download anything, or if you’re sent an unverified email containing a link.
3. Make sure you use high quality security software
The relatively minor costs of having high quality anti-virus and spyware protection software are nothing compared to the potential cost of suffering a ransomware attack. So, make sure you have security software in place!
There are a number of free packages online if you simply can’t afford to pay: AVG, Avast! and Spyware – Search and Destroy are all excellent. There’s simply no excuse for not having security software installed on every computer you have.
4. Ensure every piece of software you use is updated
Though most ransomware is done via phishing, it’s still important to ensure that you keep every piece of software your company uses up to date.
Whether it’s your website CMS, your video editing package or your word processor, updates are there to help remove the risk of security loopholes. Take updates seriously and you’re less likely to suffer from an attack.
5. Work with professionals
Though micro-businesses can usually manage their web security to a sufficient standard, once a company reaches a certain size it pays to work with a pro company.
Experienced web security specialists are capable of both minimising risk initially and of taking immediate action in the event of an attack. You can outsource your IT security for a relatively small monthly cost, which is well worth the peace of mind that comes from knowing you’re working with experts.
If you’re concerned about the state of your company’s security online and you’d like assistance from specialists with a proven record of helping businesses just like yours, pick up the phone and give us a call today. We’d love to help.
