Client Area
  • Home
  • Sectors
    • IT for Business
    • IT for Education
    • IT for Charities
  • Our Services
    • IT Support Services
    • IT Security Services
    • IT Cloud Services
    • Microsoft Teams
    • Microsoft 365 Business Voice
    • Managed Connectivity
    • Managed IT Infrastructure
  • IT Masterclass Training
  • The ITSB Byte
  • Contact
IT Support Business IT Support Business
  • Solutions
    • COVID-19 Solutions
      • iDisplay Digital Thermometer
      • Protection – LCD Hand Sanitisers
  • Sectors
    • IT for Business
    • IT for Education
    • IT for Charities
  • IT Services
    • IT Support Services
    • IT Security Services
      • Managed Detection & Response (MDR)
      • Microsoft 365 Security Monitoring
      • Office 365 Advanced Threat Protection
      • Penetration Testing
      • Dark Web Monitoring
      • Cyber Essentials
        • Cyber Essentials
        • Cyber Essentials Plus
      • SSL Certificates
    • IT Cloud Services
      • Microsoft Teams
      • Cloud Protection For Microsoft Office 365
      • Power BI – Data Reporting and Visualisation
      • Email Signatures For Microsoft 365
    • IT Automation Services
      • Intelligent Automation
      • Microsoft Power Automate
    • Modern Workplace
      • Power BI – Data Reporting and Visualisation
    • Microsoft 365 Business Voice
    • Managed Connectivity
    • Managed IT Infrastructure
    • IT Masterclass Training
  • Company
    • About Us
    • Join The Team
    • The ITSB Byte (Blog)
  • Contact
  • Client Area
Support
Security
Cloud
Call Us: 0333 344 2204
View our Audio Visual Solutions
IT Support Business
Call our experts

downtime

Home / downtime
16Oct

Our Guide to the Dangers of Ransomware

October 16, 2019 IT Support Business Cyber Security 6

More and more, ransomware has emerged as a major threat to individuals and businesses alike. Ransomware, a type of malware that encrypts data on infected systems is on the rise. When the malware is run, it locks victim’s files and allows criminals to demand payment to release them.

Ransomware is a hot topic these days and it is on the rise! The number of new ransomware strains saw an increase of 62% in the previous year with the total number of identified strains at 16 million. Ransomware is difficult to protect against because, just like the flu virus, it is constantly evolving.

How is Ransomware Spread?

Email is a common method for infection, where people are tricked into downloading an e-mail attachment or clicking a link. Once the person takes action, the malware installs itself on the system and begins encrypting files. It can happen in the blink of an eye, with a single click.

isometric restaurant horizontal banner

Protect Against Ransomware

While small- to-mid-sized businesses aren’t specifically targeted, they may be more likely to suffer an attack. Frequently, businesses that are stretched thin rely on outdated technology. This is the perfect storm for ransomware vulnerability.

Thankfully, there are ways to protect your business. Security software is essential; however, a proper strategy requires a three-pronged approach, comprising of education, security and backup.

Education is essential to protect your business. It’s critical that staff understand what ransomware is and the threats posed. Provide your team with examples of suspicious emails and clear instructions on what to do if they encounter a potential ransomware lure.

Antivirus software is essential to protect against ransomware and other risks. Ensure your security software is up to date, to protect against newly identified threats. Keep all business applications patched and updated to minimise vulnerabilities.

Some antivirus software products offer ransomware-specific functionality. ESET, for example, offers technology that monitors systems to detect ransomware activities.

As ransomware evolves a secondary layer of defense is critical. Modern backup technology can take backups every five minutes. This means you can recover to a point-in-time before the incident. As a result, you don’t need to pay the ransom to get data back and since you are restoring to a point-in-time before the infection you can be certain everything is clean and the malware can’t be triggered again.

Conclusion

Knowledge spreading and security software helps avoid cyber attacks. Be certain that your software is up-to-date and secure. In the end, backup will help you pick up the pieces when all else fails, so consider using a modern backup which can permanently eliminate downtime. 

If you fancied discussing any of the points in this article further then please email us on hello@itsb.co.uk or give us a call on 03333 44 22 04

IT Security Services

Find out why we take Security so seriously and how we can help you.

Learn More
Our Testimonials

See how we’ve helped our fantastic clients across all sorts of sectors

Learn More
Our Partners

We’re proud of our amazing relationships with these great companies

Learn More

You won't want to miss a thing!

The truest words ever muttered by Aerosmith. Sign up to our mailing list and receive our newsletter encompassing all things IT support! You’ll also be first to hear about industry news aswell as upcoming sales and promotions of our solutions and products. 

[mc4wp_form id=”9637″]

Read more
scape-logo-dark

Uniquely impact magnetic models through sticky metrics. Authoritatively disintermediate strategic.

© 2019 All rights reserved

Company

Resources

Other products

For one week only ITSB has gone gold!
Click here to find out why