Ransomware has become one of the most popular methods used by cybercriminals to extort money from businesses and organizations. This is because of the potential financial windfall that can occur if an organization decides their data and computing systems are more valuable than the ransom. So how can you go about protecting your business with the rise in ransomware? In this post, we’ll go over some of the most important aspects of cybersecurity that businesses should implement to reduce the consequences of a cyberattack.
As the saying goes, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” And this is especially true when it comes to computing and information technology. Taking care of the routine, mundane tasks can go a long way towards ensuring you’re not as vulnerable to a ransomware attack in the first place. Continually making backups and keeping your computer systems updated with the latest patches and software downloads are easy ways to make sure that any known bugs or system flaws are fixed as soon as possible. It’s often worth it to contract out these services if your organization is having difficulties finding the time to stay on top of this. Using strong passwords, firewalls, email filters and DNS security systems are routine protocols that should form the basis of every IT security system.
Part of preventing the threat of ransomware is training your personnel to understand how they can be vulnerable. Making personnel aware of how cyberattacks occur and the role they play in helping or hindering these attacks can provide a strong first layer of defence. Ensure that everyone involved with using IT systems can recognize threats and employ best practices when faced with such threats. This should also be extended to anyone outside the organization who has access to your systems to fully protect your business from the rise in ransomware.
IT systems need to be consistently monitored for breaches and other threats posed by cybercriminals. Automating these kinds of detection and monitoring systems can reduce the amount of hands-on work necessary to keep your systems safe. It’s important to have a thorough understanding of your potentially vulnerable assets and monitor them so you’re immediately alerted if they come under attack. Being able to identify and deter any potential threats to these assets is a first step toward keeping your systems secure. Implement security tools such as endpoint detection and identity access management to increase your detection capabilities.
A protocol should be in place so that there is an immediate and established response should ransomware ever infiltrate your systems. This protocol should be actionable with specific steps for every person involved in the response. There should be a clear chain of command so that everybody knows who they are reporting to and who they’re responsible for. There should be a central log or documentation system that allows everyone involved to understand what’s occurred and what’s being done. The response should also include a data recovery plan and a procedure to get the system back up and running.
Once you have your backup systems and plans in place, it’s important to run through them in practice mode to ensure that everyone is familiar with and capable of what needs to be done when called upon. This will allow you to evaluate the effectiveness of the plan and make any corrections deemed necessary. Ideally, you want everyone to be able to carry out their duties without panic or confusion. The best way to ensure this is to run simulations, practices and drills until everybody is comfortable with the procedures.
To learn more about how MBC’s can protect your business from ransomware, get a free assessment today.
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