How Can Your Staff Minimize Risk Of Ransomware Attacks

How to Prevent Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware is a type of malicious software, or malware, designed to deny access to a computer system or data until a ransom is paid. Many companies are experiencing events such as this throughout the country. Attacks such as this can take a thriving business into doors being closed permanently is your business does not have the proper tools in place.

Here are several things your staff can do to minimize your risk of being taken offline by a ransomware attack:

• Back your data up religiously. This isn't so much a prevention strategy as it is an insurance policy.  It should go without saying, but too many SMBs don't do this, so we wanted to list it first.
• Make sure your employees are absolutely phobic when it comes to opening attachments from people they don't know and trust. Even in cases where they recognize the sender, it's always best to take the step of phone verification before actually opening the file.
• All attachments should be scanned with a robust antivirus tool before opening
• Be sure your people know not to connect Remote Desktop Services directly to the internet. Everyone using such services should do so via a VPN.
• Make sure all Windows updates and security patches are installed in a timely fashion. Many a problem can be avoided simply by keeping your software up to date.
• If you're not using some type of security software that relies on behavioral detection or white list technology, you're not doing your company any favors.

None of these things (even taken together) will absolutely ensure that you don't fall victim to a determined hacker, but they will dramatically reduce your risk.

Contact our technician team today at (301) 259-3332 or follow us on Facebook for updates on cyber security information and news.