Ransomware: Is your Business Ready for the Biggest Cyber Epidemic?

Only a few days ago, businesses across the globe were grappled by a ransomware cyber-attack that locked computers and demanded Bitcoin money or other online payment services in ransom to release the locked data. Since then, computers and IT systems have been affected across 150 nations.

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a cyber security threat. It is a type of a malicious software that is capable of installing itself on computers and locks the files only to be released in return of ransom money demanded by the hackers. According to tech and cyber experts, the malware is not about stealing data, but it is about making a user unable to access his/her data.

Enterprises across the world are still enduring from the recent cyber attack fallout with several businesses wondering if they are vulnerable to this threat.

The malware affected a glitch in one of the most used operating systems worldwide. However, cyber security experts and authorities predict that the malware can get extremely detrimental in the coming few days if businesses fail to take precautionary measures.

Is your Business at Risk?

The ransomware targets machines and systems that run on a vulnerable operating system. It was a security defect leaked earlier this year and hackers are capitalising on it.

If your business runs on such vulnerable operating system, you could be at high risk.

How do I protect my business?

Here’s some advice:

1. Understand your IT infra. This may include legacy IT and all other operating systems that your enterprise is running.
2. Understand your company’s exposure to the World Wide Web. Ascertain all your cyber defence tools and support that helps to keep your business data safe.
3. Understand your organisation’s network connectivity. The malware has multiplied itself by moving through networks.
4. It is advisable to understand how different services and servers connect with each other, because if you are affected, you ought to understand as how to intervene to stop the malware from affecting your network.

Here’s how your business can escape such tech apocalypse

5. Run the recent operating system update.
6. Ensure that your anti-virus and anti-malware software programs are up-to-date and scan the systems for any malicious program.
7. Back up all your critical/important information and data.
8. Ensure that every email, be it incoming or outgoing from the company is scanned for malicious attachments or files.
9. Educate your employees on how to identify scams and malicious emails/links that may contain the malware. Ensure that your employees download software/programs from trusted sources only.

What if your business is already contaminated?

1. Avoid paying the ransom money, as there is no evidence of hackers giving back or restoring the locked files after the money is paid.
2. Businesses should immediately reach out to cyber enforcement authorities.
3. Run back restores at the very sign of malware being detected.

Here’ s how you can determine network security risks for your business:

Sage Software Solutions Pvt. Ltd. suggests businesses to put multi-layer protections to safeguard IT infrastructure against the ransomware.

Next, it is advisable to scan your servers and firewalls for malware vulnerabilities. Scrutinise all your firewall configurations for locating any open ports or vulnerabilities. Also, ensure that all your firmware is up-to-date and is patched on a regular basis.

It is also recommended to have a good website content filtering software that prevents your employees from surfing non-business or potentially inflicted websites.

Why wait for the disaster to strike!

As the types of ransomware have evolved over the years, security and backup has turned inseparable. A robust network and cybersecurity protection plan is all that you require for safeguarding your business from such cyber threats.

To learn more about cloud based enterprise technology solutions that could act as the perfect savior for your business during such unfortunate times, contact us here. You can also SMS SAGE to 56767 or drop us a mail at sales@sagesoftware.co.in for free demo and consultations.

Disclaimer: All the opinions, views and information conveyed in this blog are those of the authors and the respective sources/websites and in no way reflect the principles, views or objectives of Sage Software Solutions (P) Ltd.

Sources: BT, Nettology & CNBC