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October 2023
Omar Zarabi
Small and mid-sized business owners face many threats to their companies and their data, but the rise of ransomware has been a particularly troubling development. Other forms of malware may steal the information in your files, but ransomware encrypts those files and locks them away.
If you want those files back, you need to pay up, and that is what makes ransomware so insidious and so dangerous. Some small and mid-sized business owners have been victimized again and again, paying the required ransom only to find their files locked once again.
“62% of all Cybersecurity breaches were at the SMB Level”
As with so many online threats, the best defense against ransomware is a good offense. Taking proactive steps to protect your data is essential to cybersecurity in general and ransomware protection in particular. Here are four ways you can protect yourself from this growing threat and keep your files safe.
1. Make Regular Backups and Check Them Often
The threat to hold your files hostage carries far less weight when you know you have valid copies waiting. No matter what the size of your business or how many devices your network encompasses, make sure that all your files are backed up on a regular basis, either to a cloud storage service or to a properly secured backup device.
Backing up your data is only the first part of your ransomware defense strategy. You should also be checking the validity of your backups on a regular basis to ensure that the copies are accessible and contain the information they should.
2. Protect the Human Element
Ransomware is a dangerous threat, and a growing one, and in many cases the human element is to blame. The writers of ransomware programs are getting smarter and smarter, and they are employing all kinds of psychological tricks to get workers to install the software that will compromise the network and put the company's files at risk.
Training sessions on the importance of cyber security are a good first step, but even the best training only goes so far. Updating the settings on the company email to prevent the clicking of links is a far more effective strategy. Preventing employees from clicking emailed links may be inconvenient, but this step can enhance your protection from ransomware and a host of other online threats.
Port53 Cybersecurity Essentials end user training platform and simulated phishing attacks empower your employees with the knowledge and tools to quickly identify and stay ahead of cyber threats, cultivating a sense of ownership for proactively protecting themselves, their teams, and the entire organization.
3. Keep Your Hardware and Software Up to Date
Putting your software updates on automatic can help a lot, so take this proactive step to protect your data and secure your files. New threats are emerging all the time, and software makers are constantly releasing security patches to address them. Waiting even a day or two could increase your risk, so make sure your operating systems, office productivity suites and other software are updated as soon as new threats are discovered.
Establishing a realistic upgrade schedule for your hardware is just as important. Having the latest hardware will improve the speed and performance of your network and give you access to newer and more secure software programs.
4. Work with Port53 to Protect your Data
f your defenses fail and you are contacted by a ransomware writer, call Port53 immediately. We can help you determine whether the threat is real and then help you map out the steps you can take to respond.
If necessary, we will guide you in contacting the authorities to help protect your rights and ultimately bring the perpetrators to justice.
The fact that you have a valid backup of all your files gives you additional options and time to respond, making it easier to recover and protect your business.
“60% of SMBs that reported a breach were out of business within 6 months”
Ransomware is a scary threat for both individuals and businesses. However, while home users may lose access to their family photographs and music files, small business owners have far more at stake. Falling victim to a ransomware attack could devastate your company and your brand, and even put your organization of business. That is why it is imperative to protect your businesses before an attack, taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of your data.
