In 2019, there is no greater threat to the safety of your business than ransomware. According to a 2018 survey conducted by Datto for 2,400 managed services providers specializing in data security for small to midsize businesses, over 55% of clients had been targeted by a ransomware attack within the first six months of last year. The biggest issues cited were poor end-user cybersecurity training, risky user practices, and weak passwords.
But the biggest issue of all may simply have been ignorance.
The #1 threat for SMB CEOs is thinking they are immune for some reason,” said Michael Drake, CEO of masterIT. “They think they don’t have anything the hackers want, so it’s not worth the price to protect themselves.” But the numbers don’t lie: Hackers are zeroing in on the low-hanging fruit of small businesses in droves – it’s time to wake up and invest in the protection your business needs to survive.
– SmallBusinessComputing. com, 11/19/2018
What Exactly IS Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that infects a computer and restricts users’ access to it until a ransom is paid to unlock it. Ransomware variants have been observed for several years and often attempt to extort money from victims by displaying an on-screen alert. Typically, these alerts state that the user’s systems have been locked or that the user’s files have been encrypted. Users are told that unless a ransom is paid, access will not be restored. The ransom demanded from individuals varies greatly but is frequently $2,000–$4,000 dollars and must be paid in virtual currency, such as Bitcoin.
How Can I Protect Myself and My Network?
• Keep your operating system up to date and install the latest security patches.
• Use caution when clicking on web links, ESPECIALLY those contained in emails.
• Open email attachments with caution. Make sure it is from a trusted source, especially if you weren’t expecting an attachment from them.
• Don’t visit websites that aren’t using SSL encryption.
•Use up to date commercial anti-virus products. Don’t use a free product and expect serious protection.
• Get cybersecurity training for you and your staff.