The internet world is risky these days, but still, nothing scares users and IT security professionals more than ransomware. Ransomware attacks can disrupt network access or operations, harm your company’s reputation among customers and employees, and encourage more threats because cybercriminals see your company as vulnerable.
Today’s news is loaded with ransomware attacks. No organization, regardless of size or industry, has been protected from cyber-attacks in the last year. Although ransomware attacks can be devastating, they are virtually entirely avoidable. Organizations that establish a solid cybersecurity foundation will be significantly less vulnerable to cyberattacks than their competitors.
To strengthen your company’s security and avoid being a victim of this all-too-common attack, try these simple ransomware prevention best practices.
1. Back up your sensitive data and information
The majority of ransomware operations try to deny victims access to vital data unless they pay a ransom. Backups can help to limit this risk by offering a backup strategy.
If ransomware locks your files, backups can let you regain access fast without having to comply with the attacker’s demands. Backups should be kept in a spot where they can’t be accessed over the network. To avoid being victimized by a ransomware attack, disconnect the backup or store it on an external device.
Remainder: restoring from a backup takes you back to a point in time where you’re most likely still vulnerable to the same assault. Ensure that the real cause of the ransomware attack is identified and remedied as part of your ransomware recovery process.
2. Employees should be informed about the risk of social engineering
Employees’ unplanned activities are a common way for ransomware to enter a company. Most of the time, this includes an employee falling for a phishing scam, hitting a malicious URL, or downloading and opening a malicious attachment.
Provide cybersecurity awareness and training to all workers, partners, and stakeholders. Recommend the following to employees:
- Make sure your passwords are strong.
- Check the senders of your emails.
- Do not open dubious attachments or click on strange URLs.
Employees who are uninformed can put a company’s reputation at stake. Verify that the staff is clear of what to do if ransomware infects the network, and that management is notified as soon as possible.
3. Develop a security system that is based on defense-in-depth
Most ransomware outbreaks use well-known versions that are easily recognized by active antivirus defenses. Some antivirus programs now include anti-ransomware functionality.
Create a defense-in-depth security program that includes robust antimalware in addition to other technologies and processes, such as the ones listed below:
- Terminal scanning and screening
- Analyzing network traffic
These steps take part in the ransomware removal process.
What are the benefits of anti-ransomware software?
Using virus scanners and content filters on your mail servers is an effective approach to prevent ransomware. These tools lower the chances of receiving spam with harmful attachments or infected links in your inbox.
When you download or stream something, the software can block corrupted files, giving you real-time protection. This keeps thieves at bay by preventing ransomware from infiltrating your machine.
You’ve already taken a huge step in the right path if you’ve installed the appropriate software. Update your internet security solution on a regular basis to get the greatest and most up-to-date protection it has to offer. Each update includes the most recent security updates and increases ransomware defense. You can also restore older versions of your data with cloud storage options.
Pulling it all together
These ransomware prevention best practices will ensure that organizations are well prepared for the next phase of ransomware attacks. These security controls aren’t new, but in the wake of millions of successful attacks over the last year, they serve as a reminder that they’re crucial.
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