Ransomware Survival Guide

VMware, a cloud software and services company, said 88% of Canadian businesses were victims of a data breach. As you already know, cybersecurity is a hot topic these days. It seems to me that every week a new company makes the front page of the newspapers after being the victim of a data breach.

Now I know what you are thinking, these are huge companies, hackers are not interested in my SME. This type of reasoning is completely false and ignorant. Most of the time, hackers send large-scale cyberattacks, from a huge list of emails they have obtained, in the hope that an employee will be mistaken. A click of the mouse is enough to get caught and fall into an expensive trap. If an employee clicks on a malicious email link, the hacker instantly infects your corporate network with ransomware. None of your employees will have access to their computers until a ransom, usually in Bitcoin, has been paid to the hacker.

If you haven't done so already, your business will likely be hacked soon. Even with the implementation of sophisticated cybersecurity solutions, your network is never 100% secure. It is therefore important to prepare for the day. What will you do if you are next?

If you are a ransomware victim, do not pay

All businesses must have access to their files. However, paying a ransom does not guarantee that you will get the decryption key, or that your files will be returned in good condition. Even if you pay, a type of ransomware "Ryuk" is known to damage databases, which can force your business to rebuild its systems. Payment only entices cybercriminals to continue using ransomware to make money. Stop the cycle and protect your business by consulting cybersecurity experts who can help you decode ransomware. If that fails, you will have to bite the bullet and rebuild.

MicroAge recommends that you use a number of ransomware protections, including employee training, regular backups and updates, as well as security scans and early detection systems.

Employee training

In 2017, 92% of Canadian businesses reported having at least one digital technology or service integrated into their business. It only takes one person to accidentally open an attachment to an infected email, and you can say goodbye to your data.

You should organize a security training program that informs your staff about ransomware and other viruses. Your staff must learn to recognize the signs and must be constantly informed of the latest threats. Ransomware can be inserted into email attachments, placed on vulnerable web servers, and infect outdated web pages.

There are a variety of different versions of ransomware:

• Encryption. This type of ransomware encrypts all types of files and folders and makes them inaccessible. Users can only become aware of the problem after clicking on an encrypted file or folder. A ransom message (in the form of a text file) is often provided to inform the user of the payment and the place of dispatch. Some versions of ransomware encryption will also lock your computer screen.
• Screen locked. This variant locks your computer screen and displays a browser telling you that you need to submit a payment to unlock the computer. The advantage is that no personal file is encrypted.
• Master Boot Record (MBR). Located on the first sector of the hard drive, the MBR contains information that facilitates the initialization of the operating system in the computer's RAM. This type of software rewrites the MBR, causing interruptions and displaying the ransom message.
• Encrypted web servers. Content management systems are notoriously vulnerable, making it possible to deploy ransomware to encrypt files.
• Mobile devices. Android mobile devices are susceptible to unwanted downloads, in particular through the use of fake ads designed to look like popular services.

Spam filters do not protect businesses, but secure passwords, as well as training on policies and protocols will strengthen your cybersecurity. Ask employees to test their skills with simulated phishing campaigns. This method will show where employees need to improve. Encourage your employees to ask for help in identifying phishing emails and other threats. Continue the cybersecurity dialogue by including cybersecurity in your internal newsletter and participating in cybersecurity conferences!

Backups and updates

Yes, making frequent backups and updating your systems constantly takes time. But think about the hassle and money you will save if you are attacked by ransomware or a natural disaster. First of all, you will not even consider paying the ransom, as you will always have all your data. On the other hand, you will not need to start from scratch with system rebuilding and data recovery once the malware has been removed. In the event of a ransomware attack, you can restore your backup and resume your business activities.

Using cloud backup solutions will protect your information from cyber-attacks, but you need to make sure you're using a trusted company. You have every right to know where your data is, where the company's servers are, and what steps are being taken to protect your data.

In addition, stay informed of the latest versions of the software so that you can deploy all the necessary fixes to prevent hackers from entering your systems. Updates can also protect you from exploitation kits made up of automated threats. They use web browsers to run malware. Of course, if you don't do regular scans or install early warning systems, you won't know that your systems are under attack.

Security scans and early detection systems

Frequent analyzes are important. They find, eliminate or quarantine viruses before they cause harm. However, the analyzes are only part of a larger protection plan. What will make your business a cyber fortress is an annual assessment, which can include penetration tests and social engineering assessments. Annual assessments are a type of early detection method that allows you to locate vulnerabilities before hackers find them.

Add threat management and detection programs to your arsenal of cybersecurity tools. It searches for suspicious activity and alerts you if something goes wrong. With managed IT services, you benefit from optimized cybersecurity without having many collaborators on site or spending too much money on a multitude of resources.

Above Article is associated with DICC offers cyber security course in delhi.. DICC is a well-known ethical hacking institute in Delhi.