How to Protect Your Organization From Ransomware Attacks
Whether you work in an enterprise or a small business, ransomware attacks are a major threat to organizations today. This threat has the potential to grow in sophistication as more technology advances and criminals become more sophisticated. The best way to combat this threat is to decrypt every infected device.
Public infrastructure is a major target. Infrastructures can be vital to a city or a nation, and criminals are aiming to attack these networks. In addition, cybercriminals may target industrial control systems and other critical infrastructures.
In addition, attackers may use phishing emails or social engineering techniques to install malware on victims’ systems. These techniques can lead to malware that encrypts files or installs malicious software. A security awareness program can help employees avoid these attacks, as well as regular drills and tests.
Ransomware is an illegal act, and it should be reported to the proper authorities. In most cases, attackers will require a ransom payment in order to regain access to the system. This reinforces the ransomware business model and puts the victim at risk.
Public institutions have irreplaceable data, and they may not have the technology to protect their systems from ransomware. They may also be using outdated cybersecurity technology. However, with a partnership with international law enforcement, perpetrators may be brought to justice.
Businesses should also keep backups of their digital data. In the event of a breach, restoring systems from backups will minimize disruption and downtime. Restoring systems from backups also allows businesses to quickly restore encrypted files.