Steps to Prevent Ransomware

Ransomware is malicious software that locks a computer screen or encrypts important data/files with a password to demand a fee to be paid to retrieve these locked computers or important files. Ransomware is still a huge problem today as new versions of it are evolving and it is forecasted that the ransomware cost will cross $20 billion by 2021. In addition to the proactive steps mentioned above, it is crucial to adopt a multi-layered approach to ransomware prevention. While user training, system updates, and data backups are essential, there are additional measures that can further enhance your defenses against ransomware attacks. Follow these steps to prevent ransomware or at least minimize its impact if you encounter it.

1. Provide regular training to the users

Even though the users are the first link for the defense, they often tend to be the weakest link in preventing ransomware. This is why it is always recommended to deploy regular cybersecurity training for the end users. The training will guide them on how to prevent this malicious software by explaining the different processes by showing samples of how ransomware emails might look like. The training should also include fake phishing tests to make sure the concepts and prevention plan are understood.

2. Always Patch and Update Your Systems

IT admins usually do not update their systems immediately. It is wise to always update and patch your antivirus, firewalls, spam, and RMM software to avoid being exploited by cybercriminals.

3. Data Security Solutions

Always make sure that your company’s cybersecurity policy includes data backup and recovery solutions. Regular backups will provide you with peace of mind as you still have the backup image that was taken before the system was affected by ransomware or other disasters. So make sure to take backups as often as you can and put them in another storage repository to ensure data redundancy. Downtime is just as bad as data loss, so plan your recovery strategy which determines how fast you must recover data. Planning your recovery strategy also helps you to know at what interval you should back up your data.

4. Testing your cybersecurity solution

Once you are set with your data security strategy, it is wise to regularly test backups to ensure that they are fully recoverable. These tests will help IT admins and users to evaluate their ability to eliminate downtime. The more you test, the more prepared you will be in handling a disaster.

5. End-point Security Solutions

One such measure is the implementation of robust and reliable endpoint protection solutions. These solutions employ advanced threat detection algorithms, behavior analysis, and machine learning to identify and block ransomware before it can cause any harm. By investing in reputable endpoint security software, you can add an extra layer of defense to your systems and reduce the likelihood of successful ransomware infections.

Conclusion

In an ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, ransomware remains a persistent and costly problem for individuals and organizations alike. As the forecasted cost of ransomware continues to rise, it is crucial for us to remain proactive in our defense strategies and take steps to minimize the impact of such attacks. By implementing regular cybersecurity training for users, keeping systems updated and patched, incorporating data security solutions with regular backups, and testing the recoverability of those backups, we can significantly strengthen our resilience against ransomware attacks. However, it is also important to recognize that combating ransomware requires ongoing vigilance and expertise.

If the potential cost of such disasters is a concern for your company, our Managed Services can provide proactive, round-the-clock support, allowing you to focus on your core competencies while we safeguard your systems against these evolving threats. Together, we can navigate the challenging landscape of ransomware and protect your valuable assets.

Learn more about our Cybersecurity Training & End-point Security.