In the digital age, the terms cybercriminals and ransomware have become household names. Most cybercriminals use ransomware to demand payment of any sort from the owners of the data that they hold hostage. The payment that cybercriminal usually accepts is fiat currency, crypto coins, or other forms. Businesses keep important personal information of their customers, and they know how important it is to make sure that their data is safe and secure. It is possible to put their customers’ data in danger when their security is breached.
When there’s a ransomware attack, the malware infects your device (i.e., Mobile phone and tablet) and prevents you from accessing your data. Modern businesses rely on computers to store their important data and information regarding their customers. Your business may become paralyzed when there’s a ransomware attack. You need to do everything in your power to shield your business from ransomware.
Listed below are ways to protect your business against ransomware
Refrain from clicking On Unverified Links Within the Email
Most of the time, an email that comes from an unverified source may carry a link that activates the ransomware. The email appears to be legitimate, and it entices you to click on the link within its content or instructs you to download something.
Some of these emails are well crafted that they can pass the anti-virus software, DNS blocking services, and email security without being detected. To make sure that you will not introduce ransomware into your network or computer system, you may also do the following:
- Block unverified email addresses on your server, especially those with attachments.
- Set up your mail server to block addresses of verified malware and spammers.
- If you don’t have an in-house mail server, make sure that the security services that you employ can sort out the good email from the bad.
- Install the anti-malware and antivirus software on the email server to safeguard the integrity of your emails.
As much as possible, don’t click on any ad that you see
If the attractive-looking ad looks suspicious or the product is unknown, it is wise not to click on it. The link may carry a link that activates the ransomware and will infect the computer system when somebody clicks on it.
Even your tablets or cell phones are not safe because there are different types of mobile phone ransomware out there, and it is prudent to educate yourself about them. You need to know what ransomware is, how it works, the different types, how to remove it, how you can protect your data and other important matters.
Cybercriminals or hackers incorporate a code, which is the link to the ransomware, deep within the legitimate-looking online ad. When the ad is clicked, the embedded link connects the user to the cybercriminal’s server that will send the malware to the user’s computer network system.
Everyone in your company should think before you click. If you receive an email with attachments that have an extension, scr, .vbs, or .exe at the end of their link, don’t open the attachment. Whether the attachment came from a known or trusted source, don’t click it when it bears any of the mentioned extensions. They may contain malware or virus.
Make sure that your business has the proper IT infrastructure
A proper IT infrastructure can help a lot in maintaining the security and safety of your computer network. It also ensures that your software will never miss an update. The IT infrastructure can also monitor your network all the time and give a warning when something is amiss.
Aside from having a proper IT infrastructure, everyone in the company must undergo consistent and regular training on cybersecurity. Everyone should know the latest cyber threats that lurk the net. The anti-virus and anti-malware software packages are not the only ones evolving. The cyber threats, such as ransomware, are also taking in a deadlier form.
The best protection is still prevention. Everyone in the company must do their share in protecting the integrity of the company data. If everyone can recognize the cyber threat at a glance, the ransomware may never have a chance to deliver a menacing blow.
Take advantage of the privacy and security that VPN provides
A VPN, especially the one with military grade encryption keeps your computer safe even when you’re accessing the internet from a public hotspot. Security experts from ZoogVPN are confident that the use of a virtual private network provides better protection against malware threats such as ransomware. By using a VPN all of your online data and everything that you do online will be encrypted. You will also be accessing the internet with complete anonymity.
If you share files or download files, everything will be encrypted. Plus, if you’re using a VPN, your IP address will be kept hidden so hackers can’t find their way to your computer or network. Therefore, your privacy and all your vital information are protected. If you’re looking to sign up for a VPN account, choose the service that is capable of blacklisting dubious Urls. This way, the risk of your computer and data being infected with malware will be reduced to zero.
However, this doesn’t mean that with the use of VPN you can just click a suspicious pop-up window whenever you want to. Of course, the use of a VPN must be coupled with responsible internet use. Avoiding suspicious pop-ups and steering clear from any prompts to download anything that comes from an unknown source must still be kept in mind all the time.
Install anti-malware/ransomware and anti-virus software
You still need to install anti-malware/ransomware and anti-virus software for added protection. It is also important to update your software regularly. Sometimes, the new version of malware or virus can only be blocked or quashed by the updated version of the software.
It
is also important to run scheduled and random security scans to make sure that
your network is safe and secure. Create a strong, secure password and change it
periodically. Seasoned cybercriminals may hack your system time and again if
you don’t change your password, now and then.
Most cybercriminals always return to the scene of the crime, especially if they
already know their way into the company’s computer and network systems. Veteran
cybercriminals are difficult to trace and won’t leave any trace behind. They
can hide their internet address and may even use another identity when
collecting the payment.
Make sure that your system, files, and data have backups in the cloud or other location.
It is important always to back up your systems and files. You may keep the backup copy using cloud storage or other media that you are familiar with. You may never know when a cybercriminal attacks your system. It is prudent to have a backup. There are cloud storage providers that offer their services for free and there are those that require you to pay a certain fee. Keep in mind that the cloud storage that comes with a free offer can only provide limited services. You need something that can give you the protection you need for your backup system and won’t limit the amount of data that you can store.
Don’t allow ransomware to ruin your business. Protect your data at all costs and remain vigilant and updated. Your quick action and a wise decision can help save time, money, and your precious data. Once you pay up the ransom, you may end up doing it over and over again until you become the cybercriminal’s favorite client.
The ransomware and other malware can evolve into something more destructive and troublesome. You and your staff must make sure that your anti-malware/ransomware software, IT infrastructure, browsers, and cybersecurity are always updated to keep providing your business with the right protection against ransomware.
Yaroslav S.CEO at ZoogVPN. Yaroslav is a versatile manager with extensive customer support experience. His historical background and a deep passion for philosophy perfectly complete a real desire to create meaningful content and tech products.
