Ransomware attacks in the U.S. have more than doubled year-over-year. As one of the fastest growing cybersecurity issues, it’s critical for organizations to act to prevent such attacks from impacting their operations. The best method of prevention is to keep confidential information and important files securely backed up in a remote location that is not connected to your main network.
Consider the following prevention measures to protect your business from ransomware attacks:
- Educate your employees. Use a training program to make employees aware of the threat of ransomware, how it’s delivered and the importance of preventing it. Show your employees how to detect suspicious emails and attachments. For example, watch for bad spelling or unusual symbols in email addresses.
- Implement smart software. Install strong spam filters, anti-virus and malware programs, firewalls, and patch management systems on all devices. Update your company software as soon as new updates are released. In doing so, you can patch the security vulnerabilities that cyber criminals rely on and avoid becoming an easy target.
- Enforce access controls. Only allow trusted, competent and qualified individuals access to sensitive systems or data.
- Ensure business continuity. Be sure to back up data frequently. In addition, conduct annual penetration testing and vulnerability assessments.
- Have a plan. Establish a cyber incident response plan to minimize potential losses in the event of a ransomware attack. Test this plan regularly. Include a protocol for reporting incidents of ransomware and other suspicious cyber activity.
- Purchase cyber liability insurance. Obtain coverage that not only helps you respond to threats but can also help cover the cost of the ransom and any other losses incurred as a result of cyber extortion.
For more strategies to protect your organization from cyberattacks, contact a member of our team.
