Series Introduction – The Business Guide to Ransomware
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, has become a lucrative option from cyber extortionists. When the malware is run, it locks victim’s files and allows criminals to demand payment to release them.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you are probably well aware that ransomware is a hot topic in the news today. Organizations of all types and sizes have been impacted, but small businesses can be particularly vulnerable to attacks. And ransomware is on the rise. In the McAfee Labs June 2018 Threat Report, the number of new ransomware strains saw an increase of 62% in the previous four quarters. This increase brings McAfee’s total number of identified strains to roughly 16 million. Ransomware is distributed in a variety of ways and is difficult to protect against because, just like the flue virus, it is constantly evolving.
There are ways to protect your business against ransomware attacks. In this series you’ll learn how malware is spread, the different types of ransomware proliferating today, and what you can do to avoid or recover from an attack. Hiding your head in the sand won’t work, because today’s ransom seekers play dirty.
Cyber extortionists using ransomware are a definite threat to today’s businesses from the local pizza shop to the Fortune 500. However, a little bit of education and the right solutions go a long way. Make sure your employees understand what to watch out for and you can avoid a lot of headaches. Never underestimate the dedication or expertise of today’s hackers. They are constantly adapting and improving their weapon of choice. That’s why you need top-notch security software and backup.
Knowledge spreading and security software can help you avoid cyber attacks. Patch management is essential. Be certain that your software is up-to-date and secure. In the end, it is a backup that will help you pick up the pieces when all else fails. These tips, among many others will be discussed in this series, so let’s get started.
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