At this point I hope everyone is educated about the crippling effects of Ransomware. If you’re not a part of “everyone,” let me explain what ransomware is, and give you some steps to avoid becoming a victim before it’s too late.
Ransomware is a scam that encrypts all files on a computer until the victim pays for the unlock key. What does that mean? It means all your data is gone until you shell out an unknown amount of cash. Unfortunately, there are some clones of ransomware will just take the money and never unencrypt your data. Maybe you’re thinking, “but surely there is a way to fix it?!” NOPE! Sadly, responding is already too late. The most effective protection of your money, job and business is to prevent an attack in the first place.
Here are three ways you can prevent an attack:
- Backup
There are multiple, solid, defensive backup options to tailor-fit your data. It may seem simple, but the most important protection is keeping another set of your information in a secure location. This takes away power from a ransomware attack and lets you quickly get back to business.
- Monitor
Like a security guard, monitor who enters your network. Intruders can camp in your network for weeks or even months before they strike. Network monitoring allows you to recognize unusual traffic or unauthorized users within your networks, which stops them before they get a chance to attack.
- Anti-Virus
Think about it this way: a security alarm goes off; what happens next? The neighborhood knows there’s an issue. You are alerted. Everything goes on lockdown and threats are removed. This is an extremely important tool that will prevent colossal damage.
The perpetrators are good at what they do, but you can do better by taking these steps to prevent an attack. This scam will be around for a while, and will likely become more common because of its profitability and effectiveness. If you have any questions, consult with Birds on a Cable. We can help educate and guide you to safety.