The number one threat to your business?
Imagine this: You’re starting a normal day, coffee in hand, ready to tackle your to-do list. Suddenly, a red screen flashes on your computer, and a message pops up: “Your files have been encrypted. Pay up to get them back.”
That’s ransomware, a cyber attack that’s fast becoming the number one threat to businesses worldwide. It’s become a top choice for cyber criminals because it’s profitable, easy to deploy, and very effective.
Cyber criminals get their ransomware software onto a computer, often from something as simple as a link in a phishing email (that’s an email pretending to be from a trusted source). When clicked, it installs software that gives them access.
They lock your files, making them unreadable. The cyber criminals demand payment, usually in cryptocurrency, and promise to return access once they’re paid. Some even threaten to leak sensitive info if you don’t comply.
It’s scary and the consequences for any business are huge. It’s not just the loss of data, it’s expensive, time consuming, and could break the trust you enjoy with your customers and suppliers.
So, how do you keep your business safe?
The good news is that basic security practices can go a long way. Start by training your team not to click on suspicious links or open unexpected attachments. Regularly updating applications and security software is also crucial, as it closes security gaps cyber criminals might try to exploit.
Most importantly, create a reliable backup system. Set up isolated, “cold” backups that are disconnected from your main system. So, if an attack hits, your data remains untouched. Regularly test these backups to make sure they work when you need them. In a ransomware attack, being able to restore your data from a safe backup can save your business from costly downtime or ransom demands.
Ransomware is serious, but a proactive approach can make all the difference. With the right prep, you can keep your business running smoothly. If you’d like help with that, get in touch.
