Ransomware attacks are becoming more and more frequent and can result in significant downtime and cost if your company is impacted. The cost of ransomware in the US last year alone was over $7.5 billion, which is why cyber security is important in keeping your business running safely and smoothly.
Attackers exploit vulnerabilities in computer or network security that allow unauthorized users access to encrypt company data. Attackers will then hold that data hostage until a ransom is paid. However, even after the sum of money is paid, there is no guarantee that the data won’t simply be deleted.
What can you do to keep your company data safe?
Of course, the best defense against ransomware is preventing the attack before it happens. Local IT providers like OAC Technology recommend regular backups, security assessments, and complete endpoint protection systems as preventative measures.
Backups are essential. Often times after a ransomware incident, backups may be your only way to get your data back. It’s important to ensure your backups are secure and isolated from normal operations; otherwise, they will not protect your data. It is a good idea to have an offsite backup of your data. Even if your data is in the cloud, this does not mean your data is safe. Malicious actors often times destroy your cloud backups first.
Use endpoint protection systems and firewalls. Make sure your business has the proper endpoint protection software in place and a well-maintained firewall. Traditional antivirus software is no longer effective in preventing ransomware attacks. We highly recommend SentinelOne for their complete endpoint protection services.
Email filtering and security. Having filters on your emails can help prevent many malicious attempts from getting in front of your employees to begin with. Training to spot suspicious emails and not entering in credentials to unknown sources goes a long way in preventing attacks.
DNS filtering and security. Enabling DNS filtering can help prevent employees from reaching suspicious websites and blocking ransomware from being downloaded.
Perform regular security assessments. Ensure your company undergoes regular security assessments to identify and mitigate security concerns.
Update and patch your systems, servers, and computers. Make sure all your systems, servers, and computers have the most recent security patches. Regular patching can help prevent attackers from exploiting known system weaknesses.
Secure Cloud Systems – Ensure that applicable security settings are enabled for your environment. Just because you use the cloud, does not mean your data is secure by default.
Protect your company against ransomware and other cyber security attacks
OAC Technology is a local IT provider, and we can assist in making sure your company is protected against ransomware and other cyber security attacks. Our technicians can help assess your company’s line of defense and make recommendations to protect your business. Contact us today to ensure you have proper backups and that your company’s network security is set up properly with the systems in place to keep you protected.
