What is a Ransomware?

A ransomware is a malicious software, that encrypts computer files preventing users to access their files or that threatens to publish the victim’s data and asks for ransom payment to not publish the data or decrypt or unlock the files it has locked.

According to Malwarebytes, ransomware was the tool of choice by cyber attackers in 2017. Ransomware attacks against businesses increased by 90% in 2017, Malwarebytes reported. It added that the rate of monthly ransomware attacks increased 10 times in 2017 from the rate of 2016, with September 2017 having the largest volume of ransomware attacks ever documented against businesses.

Preventive Measures

Here are some security best practices to protect your company’s server from ransomware attacks, specifically those with worm-like capabilities:

1. Keep Server Operating System (OS) Updated

Any software is not released as perfect software. Cyber Attackers are always in search of a security loophole in the softwares. On many occasions software makers are able to find the security loophole and launches a new improved version that has taken care of the vulnerabilities. Hence an updated server OS is essential to keep your data secured against the known and fixed security loopholes. Failing to keep your Server OS updated only exposes your organization’s server to cyberattacks. WannaCry from May 2017 was one of the Ransomwares that used unsupported server OS.

2. Segmentation of Business Network

It is not always feasible to update the security patches as soon as they the software makers release it. By segmenting the business network, businesses can limit the effects of a cyberattack.

Network segmentation involves dividing your company’s computer network into subnetworks. Even if one subnetwork is affected by a ransomware or a cyber attack, other subnetworks are not infected.

3. Regular Data Backups

Backing up critical data is a must in every organization. Ransomware attackers won’t have leverage against your company if regular data backup is consistently done. Cloud backup is also essential when dealing with natural disasters like earthquakes, fire or flood and also when a theft or accidental deletions is involved.

At GigeE, we help many businesses across Canada to be well prepared by offering services like cloud or on-site backup solutions, Server OS updates and best anti malware and ransomware softwares. Call 888-366-4443 for more detailed information on our services.