(Newswire.net — January 2, 2017) — Nothing is worse than getting your business data encrypted by ransomware, just at the exact moment you need to put that data into use.
Ransomware is a computer malware used in encrypting the data on an individual’s computer, thereby blocking out such individual from having access to the data on such computer. Once the data is encrypted, it becomes unbreakable.
Ransomware majorly infects the computer through email attachments. The victim is tricked into opening an email, and unknowingly installs the ransomware.
And that’s not even the worst part; it’s also a means of cyber extortion. Right after encrypting the data, it goes further to demand a certain amount of money to be paid in order to decrypt the data and not publish it.
Many people have fallen victim to this vice and have been left with the choice of either paying up the unbudgeted money requested in order to get the data back or lose the data forever. Of course, no business owner would want to lose their business data, so they mostly pay up to retrieve their data, especially when the data consists of sensitive information, like trade secrets they wouldn’t want published.
These ransomware creators target business owners a lot because they tend to get more money from them than individuals, and because they know most business owners would not want to report any malware attack for fear of destroying their reputation.
Now, how do you protect your business data from Ransomware?
1. Have backup
The mistake most business owners make is disregarding the need for a backup. They feel too comfortable like nothing could possibly go wrong with the data they possess.
This gives ransomware easy access in. But with the help of a cloud backup, you get to safely keep a copy of all your business data so you wouldn’t have to panic or succumb to extortion, in case of a ransomware strike. All you’d do is wipe the system clean and restore the backup.
2. Update the security of your operating system
Make sure the security on the operating system storing your business data is up to date. This measure will see to it that every impending ransomware attack is blocked out and your business data stays secured.
3. Be extra vigilant with your online behaviour
Most times when people are online they lose themselves and forget that there are potential dangers hidden in certain areas of the internet.
To protect your business data from ransomware, be sure to not open spam emails or emails that are from people you do not recognize. Also don’t download the attachments that come in any spam email and do not click on the links in them.
More so, be careful of the sites you visit, and avoid clicking pop-ups. In fact, it’s ideal you install a popup blocker in your browser.
4. Install a reliable antivirus program
To prevent your business data from being attacked by ransomware, install an antivirus program that is reliable and is regularly and automatically updated. A good antivirus tool will secure your business data and protect it from ransomware attack.
Follow these four ways to protect your business data, and you’ll never find yourself in the ugly situation of trying to decide whether to pay a ransomware’s requested ransom or not.