You’ve probably heard of ransomware by now. It’s software designed to block access to a computer system until money, a ransom, is paid. In today’s heavily digitized world for business, the rise of ransomware attacks is a big concern for small and large businesses alike. In 2022, ransomware attacks increased by 80% year over year.
When a business’ information is attacked by ransomware, it can result in financial loss, operational disruption, reputation damage, and potential legal and regulatory implications. Without proper protection, businesses may face prolonged downtime, loss of critical data, and even closure in some cases.
How can you protect your small business from ransomware attacks?
- Educate your team.
Human error is the largest point of failure for many data breaches and cybersecurity problems. Regularly remind your team what phishing emails look like, not to click on random links, or to share any important information without being certain that it’s safe.
- Back up your data.
Ensure your company has a strong backup and disaster recovery solution in place for your business data. This includes protecting customer data, financial data, historical information, communication, and more. Verify your backup runs regularly and multple versions are retained. In the event of a disaster or breach, you want everything your business needs to be easily and quickly restored from a recent backup.
- Limit employee access.
All employees do not need access to everything. Limit access for each employee to only what is necessary for their role and responsiblities to reduce exposure and liability.
- Practice good password management.
Passwords are only protecting your information if they are strong, unique passwords. Set up a password reset program so that every 6 months, employees must create a new password. Teach employees to follow password best practices and, wherever possible, set up multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security.
- Invest in security software.
Install trusted antivirus and antimalware programs on all network devices. Conduct regular malware scans and enable real-time protection to detect and block threats promptly.
Ransomware attacks pose a significant threat to small businesses. By implementing proactive cybersecurity measures, your business can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to ransomware. Stay vigilant and prioritize cybersecurity to safeguard your organization’s valuable assets and maintain smooth operations in the face of modern cybersecurity breaches.
Contact us if your company needs help with a cybersecurity audit or plan.