Ransomware is a type of malware that is a troublesome security threat. When the network is infected, the ransomware shuts down the infrastructure and leaves instructions to pay a certain amount of money in order to regain access. If the business doesn’t pay, access will not be granted. While it is not a good idea to give in to ransom demands, it may seem impossible to deal with a ransomware attack when it occurs. The solution, then, is to prevent one from occurring in the first place and to take measures to restore an infected system rather than give into demands. Here’s more information about this:
Install Antivirus Software
According to tests conducted by the private network service provider NordVPN, about 30% of popular antivirus programs can successfully detect and neutralize a ransomeware attack. Though this doesn’t seem like a lot, this still means a large number of computers are automatically protected from ransomeware. In order for this strategy to be effective, though, you must keep your antivirus up to date, otherwise newer software risk going unseen and infecting your computer.
Keep Current on Updates
Ransomware is able to infect computers by exploiting security vulnerabilities in older versions of software. By regularly installing updates to the programs the business uses, this lessens the chances of falling prey to an attack. This is especially important for computers working over a network, as a single infected machine can spread the virus to every other computer that accesses that network. For best results, set the computer to automatically install new updates from the manufacturer and contact the company’s IT department for additional instructions.
Train Employees on Best Practices
Employees need to undergo training to help prevent them from accidentally infecting the network with ransomware. People shouldn’t be clicking on links and attachments with an unknown origin. This strategy is one of the first things to learn when accessing the Internet, as it works well in fending off many forms of malicious software including ransomware. If there is an email from an unknown or suspicious sender with a poorly spelled message about clicking a link within it, it’s best to avoid it altogether.
Create Regular Backups
Keeping up-to-date backups of all the data contained on company computers is a good strategy for avoiding disaster and losing valuable resources and time. In the event a hacker is able to infiltrate your computer, these backups can be used to restore the computer to an earlier state without the virus or ransomware, minimizing the loss. It can also be helpful to backup select important files like presentations or reports if you fear losing them may substantially damage the company.
While ransomware is a dangerous security threat, there are things that can be done to prevent an attack and to minimize its impact. It is important to contact an IT professional and exhaust every option for fixing the problem before taking drastic action. Contact Roan Solutions for more information.
