Keeping an eye out for ransomware – how it can harm your business
Running a website for your business isn’t the easiest thing in the world to do, but if you rely on the internet for internal and external communication between colleagues, clients and suppliers, there is a growing threat you need to be aware of – ransomware. A type of malware which blocks access to files until a ransom is paid to the cybercriminals, it can be extremely damaging for those affected.
Ransomeware
For businesses in particular, which tend to have more money than many individuals, ransomware can be extremely dangerous and, from the perspective of those behind this emerging type of malware, very lucrative. As incidences of malware become more commonplace, the need to tackle it head on becomes more pressing.
Protection: Easier than you think?
Guarding against ransomware as well as all other forms of malware is imperative, but how simple is it? As it happens, it can be surprisingly easy. Among the basic steps you can take in order to keep an eye out for ransomware are:
- Performing daily malware scans on all computers/servers on your premises
- Keeping all your anti-malware software up to date
- Keeping all your important software such as your web browser and files from the likes of Microsoft, Adobe and Java up to date too
- Backing up your important files on a regular basis
All of the above steps will help to catch out anyone thinking of infecting any device or server in your network with ransomware, but there are other steps you may consider taking, just to be sure.
Keeping abreast of developments
Cybercrime
Some developments in ransomware including the latest scams are often circulated online. Keeping tabs on what to look out for is useful – Norton’s Cybercrime page is useful for know how many threats are out there and what you need to know about each one.
The Cybercrime Index has a daily number change, in keeping with what threats are known about. You can view it here and learn a little more about how ransomware, as well as other well-known types of malware can be destructive.
