What Is Ransomware?

Written by Marcel Manning on March 29, 2020 Under Newsletter, Who can you trust with your business technology?

Try These Proven Methods to Gain the Edge Against Ransomware Technology Immediately!

Learn how to protect your company’s computers from devastating ransomware attacks and other types of malware! These easy steps will help you every day.  

The word “ransomware” strikes fear into the hearts of anyone who relies on a computer to get things done. When stories come out that say that it was able to get past firewalls and other basic security methods, the feeling is even more unsettling. Just what is ransomware, and how can you keep it from infecting the computers at your company?

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a particularly nasty form of malware that, once installed, encrypts all of the files, folders, databases, and other data on your computer(s) so you can’t access or use them. It then demands that you send a certain amount of money to a specified account.

If you pay the ransom, the criminal may then send you the code needed to decrypt your data. Even if you decide to pay, you’ll likely find the process difficult. This is because criminals usually demand to be paid in Bitcoin or another untraceable cryptocurrency. If you aren’t already familiar with the process of obtaining it, you’ll have a bit of research to do before you can comply with the demand.

However, if the criminal is extra-nasty, he or she will just take your money and leave your files unusable. Due to the encryption, recovering data without the right code is all but impossible.

Which Businesses Can be Affected?

All businesses and even individuals are at risk of a ransomware attack. Therefore, you must always take protective measures.

How Can You Protect Yourself from Ransomware Technology?

There are several steps you can take to keep your Central Florida company safe from ransomware, whether you are located in Leesburg, The Villages, or somewhere else.

Have a Disaster Recovery Plan in Place

Make backups of all of your data and databases, both on-site and in the cloud. Do this at least every day, and if your business is busy, do it even more often. This way, if one of your systems is compromised, you can restore your information from another source.

Invest in Cybersecurity

Install and use antivirus software, anti-malware software, DNS filtering, business-grade firewalls, and more. Make sure you keep everything up to date, too, because hackers love to prey on security holes that haven’t been patched yet.

Verify the Authenticity of the Senders of All Attachments

You and your staff must never, ever open an e-mail attachment without verifying that the person that it says sent it, actually did. Many hackers, as well as already-hacked computers, will send malware under the name of a person who seems like a legitimate possibility. Verifying everything helps to thwart this trick. If the email looks suspicious or doesn’t pass verification, delete it without ever opening the attachment.

Many of the most notable cases of ransomware and other malware attacks end up being caused by someone opening an email without thinking twice. It could be the staff, but surprisingly often, it’s someone in a management or even ownership position.

Have Regularly-Scheduled Cybersecurity Awareness Training Sessions

These keep both you and your staff up to date on the latest best practices, threats, and other critical information.

Carefully Vet Your IT or Cybersecurity Company

If you outsource your IT or cybersecurity work, be sure the company knows about security. Many claim to know, but can’t back it up. Check them out thoroughly before you sign on, so you don’t have to worry about them missing or even creating security holes.

These are just some of the many things you can do to keep your Central Florida company safe from ransomware. For more ideas, just talk to an experienced IT or cybersecurity company.