Ransomware is one of the most prominent cybersecurity risks currently facing organizations. Here are five tips to protect your organization from ransomware attacks.
1. Back up your systems regularly
Ransomware attacks involve attackers taking your data and locking you out of your own systems. This acquisition of your data by a third party compels the victim to pay considerable sums to retrieve it. There is also the possibility of it leaking online. However, if you keep backups of your data, you are not in a position to be compelled by attackers. In the unfortunate incident of an attack, you can simply disconnect infected devices, wipe them clean, and rebuild them in a safer environment. Make sure that you keep three copies of your data, a production copy, and two backup files. Have them stored on two different media with one located off-site so that you may use it in the event of any unfortunate mishap.
2. Apply patches immediately after release
Updates are often released by vendors discussing and fixing vulnerabilities that harbor the potential of exploitation. As soon as a patch is announced, cybercriminals are alerted about it, thereby increasing the chances of an attack. It is imperative to address the issues as soon as possible by looking at your operating system and software. Weaknesses on either front may result in attacks. Make sure that updates are applied automatically wherever possible.
3. Install firewalls and gateways
Firewalls and gateways provide a basic level of protection at the point where users connect to the internet. While antivirus software protects the system against any unwanted programs, firewalls help keep attackers and external threats from acquiring access to your system from the get-go. Make sure to look at both hardware firewalls that protect your network at the exterior and software firewalls that protect your computer.
4. Beware of Managed Service Providers
Cybercriminals can breach your system in more than one way. If not directly, they may be able to do so via someone in the supply chain, particularly your managed service provider. A successful attack may harbor an impact on many other networks. The greater the breach, the more pressure there is for ransom. An MSP’s security system is much weaker than that of an organization’s internal protections. There is a wider surface area for vulnerabilities when working with different databases and connections. Therefore, when working with an MSP. Take your time to review their security practices.
5. Prepare for social engineering attacks
Most ransomware attacks start with infected attachments within phishing emails. It is one of the simplest ways to breach into an organization’s system because you do not have to invest any time in looking for technological weaknesses if there is an opportunity for exploitation available on the inside. Attackers attempt to trick recipients into opening attachments by imitating genuine senders, like individuals or trusted organizations. Henceforth, it is critical to educate and train your staff about the risks of ransomware and be up to date with everything concerning its cybersecurity.
