Worried About a Ransomware Attack? Learn How You Can Stay Safe
In Part 1 of this series on ransomware, we sought to clear up much of the worry and confusion around ransomware using easy-to-understand definitions and explanations about malicious attacks. If you haven’t read that post yet, we highly recommend it.
This newest post outlines the ways you can protect your business so you can avoid an attack, and we’ll also talk about how you can recover your files without paying a ransom if you do become a victim. Let’s get to it.
How Can Someone Avoid Ransomware?
We completely understand if you’re feeling spooked about ransomware, but it’s not worth it to waste your time worrying. The good news is that there are steps you can take to avoid ransomware.
- Keep your security up to date
Most ransomware targets old, outdated security holes and if you patch your system regularly and download those security updates your computer has been bugging you about, you’ll be less likely to become a victim.
- Be careful where you surf online
Look at the address that you’re being sent to when you click links or search results. If it looks weird to you, it’s best to avoid that site entirely.
- Employ caution when downloading files
It’s a good practice to call senders to verify that they’ve sent you something you weren’t expecting. While this does create an extra hassle and takes time, it can protect your business computers, save you from trouble, and it also means you get to catch up with clients and partners more often. That’s a potential triple win.
An Important Note on Preventative Measures
All of the techniques we mentioned above will simply make it less likely that you’ll suffer a ransomware attack. If you still become a victim, there are only two ways to guarantee you’ll get your files back safe and sound.
1. Back Up Your Systems Regularly
You already know you should be backing up your systems, and you also know why. We’re not going to belabor the point… but we will mention a recent study, which found that 36% of businesses don’t have a backup plan in place. If you haven’t set up backups yet, please do so.
To be completely frank, the reason why people delay and don’t set up a backup plan right away (and probably the reason you haven’t) is because backups are a total pain in the neck.
In addition, backups usually only protect files. That means that, if you do need the backups, you’ll have to reload user data, re-personalize all your network settings, and reinstall a lot of software. Ugh.
We understand that this is a hassle, which is why ISM suggests the following option as the best way to ensure that you always have the backups you need, exactly when you need them.
2. Use a Business Continuity Solution
Business continuity is an enterprise-level form of backup and disaster recovery that automatically copies your entire computer network and settings, including software installs and personalization.
These copies happen every few minutes with no interruption to your network, and all backups are securely stored off-site. This means that if your network gets infected with ransomware, your business continuity providers will be able to rewind your entire network to a safe point just a few minutes before the attack happened.
It’s like time travel.
That’s right: With a business continuity system, you won’t have to deal with the hassle of backups and you also won’t have to worry about ransom payments or time-consuming business restoration. Instead, you’ll have total confidence that your files are safe and that your business can move ahead no matter what.
Contact ISM to learn how your company can stay confident and protected from ransomware at all times with business continuity software.
Going to be in Portland, OR soon? Check out our upcoming Events schedule to register for an in-person ransomware and business continuity seminar (including a delicious free lunch and great networking). See you there!