Cyber Security: Steps To Take To Protect Your Business From Ransomware

2022-11-08 18:21:07

In 2021 South Africa had the third-highest number of cybercrime victims worldwide, costing businesses about R2.2-billion annually. With the number of ransomware attacks on businesses increasing, taking IT security measures to protect your company seriously has become necessary. If your business hasn't already done so, it's only a matter of time before you fall victim to an attack.

So what is ransomware, and how can you protect your company? This ransomware guide tells you everything you need to know.

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is malicious software designed by cyber criminals. It tricks users into opening files that place unbreakable encryption on the victim's files to block access to their computer system until they pay a ransom in exchange for restored control of their system.

The only way to decrypt those files is to pay the ransom to the attacker. Attackers may provide a decryption code that returns your files. Of course, there's no guarantee that a hacker will even provide you with a code. However, in some cases, ransomware can't even decrypt files. Thankfully though, there are many steps you can take to safeguard your company against this kind of attack.

This article will explore some of the most effective ways to protect your company.

Educate Your Employees

One of the best ways to keep your company safe from ransomware is to ensure you educate your employees about the risks. In most cases of malware, an employee is at fault because they opened a malicious file. Thus, educating your employees about cyber security risks reduces the chance they'll open such a file. Unfortunately, it's not as simple as having a cyber security awareness day.

You'll also need to create a genuine security culture within your organisation whereby employees are always aware of potential threats and report them to a designated security custodian.

When you create a security culture in your organisation, you are significantly less likely to be infected with ransomware.

Implement Permissions Systems

You also might consider implementing permissions systems on your network. Permissions will restrict employees' computer usage by allowing them access to everything they need to complete their job and nothing more.

For example, if someone only needs to use the IT systems to access the customer database, there's no need for them to be able to run EXE files. A sound permissions system prevents ransomware attacks, which means significantly fewer people in the organisation could potentially cause an infection.

Run Robust Data Backup

One of our ransomware guide's essential cyber security tips is having data backup systems. The power of ransomware prevents you from accessing your important business files.

Hackers know that you'll be at their mercy without your business IT systems, and this is the reason the best approach to defend against ransomware is to have a robust data backup system in place.

If your systems become infected with ransomware but have a data backup system, you can roll back to a previous configuration. Furthermore, if your backup system runs its backups daily, you'll only lose 24 hours of data in the worst-case scenario.

Keeping your business safe by having an automated backup system makes excellent sense. Your workers require no technical knowledge of how to keep things backed up - they save their files as they usually would, and the backup system does the rest.

If you're a person who takes IT security seriously, you really can't afford to be without a backup system in place. Ransomware attacks are on the rise, and the only way to truly protect yourself is by safeguarding your data.

Keep Devices Updated

Another factor to remember is that you always need to update your company devices. Updates do much more than merely provide new features or improved aesthetics. They also provide vital security patches that could protect you from ransomware.

Ransomware may be programmed to exploit particular vulnerabilities in your software. Still, if you want to ensure your whole company stays safe, always run the latest software versions.

Given the importance of installing security updates, entrusting the updating function to your employees is usually unwise. The best way is to have a system administrator responsible for ensuring everything stays updated to the latest version.

Scan Incoming Emails for Threats

It would be best to consider investing in software that scans incoming email messages for security threats because ransomware often enters via an email attachment. In some cases, cybercriminals might target your business directly with ransomware.

Attempted ransomware attacks will be recognised and prevented if you have an efficient email scanning system. It also means you'll worry less about your employees opening malicious files.

Restricted USB Port Usage

Another way criminals might try to make a ransomware attack is through USB storage devices. Criminals may leave USB drives somewhere your employees are likely to find them.

Suppose a curious employee connects the drive to a computer; the ransomware will load immediately onto the PC. You might consider restricting USB port usage to protect against this kind of attack, and it is especially effective if your employees don't need to use a USB drive to do their job.

An IT Security Company Can Keep You Secure

As you can see, there are many things you'll need to consider if you want to keep your company safe from ransomware. For most business owners, it simply isn't viable to handle these kinds of security concerns in-house.

Therefore, working with a professional IT security company is the best choice. Contact us today if you want to work with a managed services company that will keep you safe from ransomware.