As we near 2020, it’s surprising to see companies still not implementing cyber security best practices, especially when it comes to ransomware protection. In 2019, every 14 seconds a new business fell victim to a ransomware attack. The average cost of an attack is $133,000!
What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a form of malicious software meant to lock and encrypt the victim’s computer and data then demand ransom to restore access. The victim will be asked to pay the hacker within a certain amount of time or risk losing access to their data forever.
Although the files remain on the compromised device, the malware will hold them hostage, encrypting them so they are not accessible until payment is made. Even if payment is received, there is no guarantee the information will be restored. There are several different types of ransomware, some more harmful than others, but they all ask for one thing: a ransom.
While ransomware can spread across the internet without specific intent, cybercriminals can and do choose targets they believe can pay larger ransoms or who lack a large security team. Law firms, medical facilities, banks, and other organizations can be specifically targeted due their typically large quantities of sensitive data.
How to Protect Your Device
Luckily, Windows Defender has created a new security feature that will enable you to protect your computer and data from ransomware. The feature is called “Ransomware Protection.” The default setting of Windows 10 has this feature disabled, but with a few easy steps, you can enable this feature and protect your device from ransomware. This article from bleepingcomputer.com can walk you through enabling ransomware protection with Windows 10.
In addition to enabling ransomware protection, there are further tools you should utilize to prevent your devices from being compromised. Keeping your security software up to date, utilizing the cloud to retain and store files, keeping up with your operating system updates, and backing up your data to an external hard drive are all ways to deter cybercriminals and protect your system from a ransomware attack.
Advantages to Utilizing Ransomware Protection
There are many benefits to ransomware protection software in addition to protecting your system from cyber-attacks. Most ransomware protection software will include data recovery, allowing you to sync your files on a drive or to the cloud in order to have a backup in the event of an attack.
Another feature included is a cleaning utility. This gives the user the ability to clean up any infected files and avoid spreading the attack to other devices within your network. Once you have installed ransomware protection, you will also receive alerts when any suspicious activity occurs, allowing you the opportunity to clean or delete the malicious file from your computer.
Concerned about More Than Just Ransomware?
If you would like help enabling ransomware protection or if you’re concerned that your cyber security is suboptimal, we can help! Strategy offers a multi-faceted security assessment that will reveal areas of cyber-security weaknesses as well as the recommended solutions for network safety. Contact us today to get started!
