Most ransomware attacks we hear of in the news are targeted at major corporations or government entities. However, even small and mid-sized organizations can be targets. While some industries are more vulnerable than others, it’s important that any business take the necessary security steps to be prepared for any type of threat.
Defending against ransomware requires an all-hands-on-deck approach from your entire organization. Here are 5 ways you can help mitigate your organization’s risk and limit the effects of ransomware.
Maintain Backups
Backing up important data is one of the most effective ways of recovering from a ransomware attack, should it occur. When you organize a backup, files should be stored in an offline, appropriately protected place so they can’t be targeted by attackers. Additionally, you should routinely test backups for efficacy. Cloud services can help mitigate ransomware as many retain previous versions of files that allow you to roll back to an unencrypted version.
Develop Plans and Policies
Having a response plan in place for ransomware or other cyber-attacks can help increase the response time of an attack. A plan should include defined roles and communications to be shared during the attack, as well as a list of contacts including vendors or partners that would need to be notified. Policies such as a “suspicious email” policy where employees are trained to recognize suspicious emails and can then forward to their IT team can help mitigate human error.
Cyber Security Awareness Training
Human error is one of the major causes of ransomware attacks. Human error includes employees having weak passwords, not being able to recognize malicious emails, or having access to organizational information they don’t need. Cyber security awareness training at your organization can greatly reduce the risk of infection.
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Keep Software Patched and Updated
Keeping all of your organization’s operating systems, applications, and software updated regularly will help close the security gaps that attackers are looking to exploit. New ransomware versions come out regularly, so updating your software will ensure your anti-malware recognizes new threats.
Harden Your Endpoints
Ensure your systems are configured with security in mind in order to prevent ransomware or other cyber-attacks. Secure configuration settings can help limit your organization’s threat surface and close security gaps leftover from default configurations.
When it comes to cyber security and mitigating risk to your organization, there’s always more you can do. The threat landscape is ever-evolving, which means organizations need to implement cyber security best practices and necessary tools to lessen the threat.
Stay Secure with Kyber Security
Here at Kyber Security, our SecurityFirstTM philosophy ensures that your organization will always have security top of mind. Our dedicated professionals experienced in protecting organizations from ever-increasing cyber threats will work tirelessly to keep your organization protected from ransomware and other cyber threats.
