Ransomware is among the most prevalent types of malware attacks that businesses face today. It works by encrypting data and prohibiting access until the victim pays a ransom fee.
What Are The Worst Types Of Ransomware?
Ransomware is constantly evolving, and cyber attackers are perpetually finding different ways to target their victims. These are some of the worst types of ransomware:
- Crypto Ransomware: This is the most popular type of ransomware and the most damaging. It works to encrypt data, files, and binary by restricting access to the content, which a description key can only access.
- Lockers: This type of ransomware attack completely shuts the victim out of the system. A lock screen appears with a ransom message and a countdown timer, increasing urgency and forcing victims to act fast.
- Scareware: The fake software inside scareware works by tricking victims into thinking they have a virus on their computer. A payment screen will then pop up and demand a ransom to remove the virus.
5 Best Ways To Protect Your Business From Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware is used to infiltrate vulnerable business networks and take advantage of weak infrastructure. This leaves the door wide open for some businesses to be targeted.
These are the best ways to protect your business from ransomware attacks:
- Educate Your Employees: Training and educating your employees in basic IT security is essential to the survival of any business. Workers are often the first line of defense within an organization. The proper knowledge and adequate security systems in place go a long way in preventing these harmful threats.
- Have a Data Backup and Recovery Plan: Back up your data offline or on external devices so that you’ll still have access to vital information and files in the event of a ransomware attack. Make sure that you backup your data regularly once you have a sufficient plan in place.
- Manage Privileged Accounts: Privileged accounts should be limited and only accessed by those within the IT department. Doing so will restrict the amount of unauthorized software from being installed and drastically decreases the overall threat to your network.
- Keep Your Devices Updated: All business-related devices, including computers, tablets, and mobile phones, need to be updated regularly. You should install the latest antivirus and anti-malware software with automatic updates turned on so that your operating systems function successfully.
- Be Aware Of Harmful Email Links: Email links are by far the easiest way that a ransomware attacker can gain access to your previous data. If you can’t authenticate the link or the sender, it’s probably best not to click on it. It would be best if you also avoided attachments from unknown sources because they can contain harmful viruses and malicious software designed to weaken the integrity of your system.
Moving Forward
Ransomware is becoming more and more sophisticated every day. Cyber attackers are quickly advancing and can easily hide their digital footprint.
With little to lose, these types of attacks are becoming increasingly popular. They rely on vulnerable businesses that lack basic cybersecurity knowledge and use it to extort vast sums of money. Use the tips above and seek professional IT advice to ensure that your business has the best chance of combating harmful ransomware attacks.