Are you ready?

WHAT IS RANSOMWARE AND HOW DO YOU PROTECT YOUR BUSINESS?

You’ve got a virus. Your files are inaccessible and a hacker is demanding payment. It’s every business’ worst nightmare: it’s ransomware.

This software holds your files hostage in exchange for a ‘release’ price. To make matters worse, organisations now consider it to be a top cyber threat for businesses, which means that your company cannot afford to ignore it.

So, where does ransomware come from and how do cyber criminals get it into your network?

HOW RANSOMWARE WORKS

Criminals can deliver ransomware in different ways. Usually, it’s via links in malicious emails that trigger the automatic download of malware. This malware then takes advantage of vulnerabilities hidden in your software.

ESET’s recent security bulletin states that vulnerabilities in internet browsers are the cause of 62 percent of malware infections, which include ransomware. The other 38 percent of viruses exploit common software, such as Adobe Flash Player and Java.

Once you download ransomware, depending on what type of ransomware it is, it can either lock your computer screen or encrypt your files using cryptographic keys.

DON’T PAY THE CRIMINALS

The criminal behind the attack will then demand payment before they either unlock your screen or give you the private cryptographic key so that you can un-encrypt your files. Of course, paying this ransom is not a guarantee.

Some criminals will take your money and leave you with nothing.

The bottom line is, ransomware is dangerous for both you and your business. In the last year and a half, the service sector contracted 38 percent of organisational infections and this percentage is only rising.

Fortunately, there are simple ways to protect your business from these attacks.

Ask yourself these questions

DO YOU BACK UP YOUR DATA REGULARLY?

There are many ways to guarantee that your data is accessible in the case of an emergency. For example, back up your information on an online service or data centre, such as Dropbox for Business.

IS YOUR FIREWALL TURNED ON?

You don’t want anything creeping in unnoticed.

DO YOU USE TRUSTWORTHY ANTIVIRUS PROGRAMMES?

For the safety of your business, spend more money on effective antivirus programmes, rather than gambling with the risks that come with free software.

HAVE YOU INSTALLED AD-BLOCKING SOFTWARE?

This will reduce the likelihood of suffering a drive-by infection from malvertising.

ARE YOU AND YOUR EMPLOYEES CAUTIOUS?

Malware is always adapting. For instance, some pop ups can look credible, but if they set off alarm bells close your browser tab or window. If you want to check a source, anti-virus heroes ESET regularly update their website with detailed information about the changing threat landscape.

ARE YOU ABLE TO FILTER SPAM OUT OF YOUR INBOXES?

Some spam emails can look professional and are written well. But, ask yourself these questions: did I subscribe to these email updates?
Do the links within the email look credible? Often, common sense is all you need to figure out the fake from the legitimate.

Why use VectorCloud?

WORST-CASE SCENARIO

If ransomware does get into your network, it’s not the end of the world.

Try to stay calm, focus and do not pay the criminals. There’s no guarantee that you will get your files back.
The safest thing you can do is shut down all the devices in your network and run a full security scan. Providing you have all your information available elsewhere, you always have the option to wipe your devices clean and reinstall your data.

If you require further assistance, act appropriately and refer to specialist IT support.

WHY USE VECTORCLOUD?

Vectorcloud is a specialist managed IT service provider for businesses throughout the UK. We are experts in IT disaster recovery, managed IT services, business continuity, and consulting. Our goal is to adopt best-in-class products for our infrastructure and systems. We offer a proven track record in innovative
network solutions.

Call our Technical Director, Kevin Mitchell on 01698 430111, for a free in-depth review of your network and backup system.