How to Protect Your Software Efficiently?
Cybercriminals typically perform ransomware attacks in order to obtain money from a business, corporation or other entity. The act involves installing some type of malicious malware or software containing a code that locks access to all of the computers in a targeted facility until the hacker receives payment of the ransom demand.
Ransomware costs billions annually in lost productivity and revenue. There are steps that companies should consider to ensure they have adequate protection.
Backup Files
Companies and organizations must backup important data and files on a regular basis using an external device, the cloud or an off-site server if possible.
Encrypting the data further ensures safety. In this way, should on-site equipment fall subject to hacking and a hostage situation, vital information remains accessible when needed. Select facility employees are then able to access files using personal or backup equipment.
Install Anti-virus and Malware Protection
All systems must have some brand of software protection installed on in-house systems, which is appropriate for their business. Make sure that the software is updated regularly for optimal efficiency. The protection chosen must have a strong endpoint solution to block potential infections.
Quality programs additionally alert users and administrators when a system becomes compromised. Businesses or organizations might also consider having an IT security team such as Zscaler periodically assess the system to determine possible vulnerabilities requiring correction.
Safeguard Email
Ransomware commonly enters a system via email. Employees must receive instructions as to what constitutes suspicious emails and avoid opening the transmission. Some of the more obvious telltale signs include bad grammar and urgent action requests.
Avoid opening emails displaying an unfamiliar originating address or individual’s name. Systems using secure email gateway technology filter transmissions by implementing URL defenses and sandboxing attachments to detect possible threats.
Exercise Individual Precautions
When an employee leaves a workstation, they should lock their computer screen if possible and resist leaving important documents or files exposed. Precautions are especially necessary if working from a remote location.
Locations offering public Wi-Fi do not have secure networks. Thus, it is not difficult for someone within close proximity to someone performing actions online to inadvertently make system information available to others.
Upgrade Hardware and Software
Companies and organizations commonly resist upgrading their computer systems to save costs. But, updating equipment periodically remains less expensive than having to pay exorbitant ransoms.
Oftentimes, older machines and software no longer receive much-needed security updates secondary to being aged out of more modern technology. Thus, old computers and operating systems become vulnerable to attack.
Regulate Access to Complex Systems
Businesses and companies commonly utilize complex computer software featuring different functional aspects for different departments.
Administrators must ensure differentiation as needed between departments and employee access to designated program features. Employees must be assigned strong passwords and use password security to prevent a system breach.
No business, company or organization, small or large, is exempt from being targeted by cybercriminals. Taking necessary measures protects entities and their clients from serious damage should ransomware attacks occur.
