This is Two Minute Tech Tips, I’m your host Lester Steward. In this series we are discussing Business cybersecurity and what you need to know to protect your business.
Ransomware has grown as a threat over the last several years. When I first encountered ransomware, it was just a big warning webpage that blocked the screen, maybe a loud sound to pressure you into going out and buying 300 hundred dollars in green dot gift cards. There was usually an easy fix to bypass the screen and clean the PC with little issue.
Now when an attack occurs it generally locks all the files on the PC or server and cleaning out the intruder is almost impossible. The only real way to make sure all is clean and secure is to wipe out the entire PC and start over. That’s why a good backup schedule is so important. Because when this attack happens and there are good, secure, and clean backups a wipe and reload of all the data is easy and the issue is resolved.
Some ways to prevent a ransomware attack are to have a firewall system, strong passwords that change often, multi-factor authentication, and education about how to be safe online. But when an attack does occur don’t panic, don’t pay the ransom. Paying the ransom will likely not free all your files and it just gives the attacker more power. Knowing that this business is willing to pay may incentivize them to try again.
Whatever you do, don’t panic. Just keep up with backups and security.
If you need any information on this subject, please let North Tech Group know by visiting our website ntgak.com.
On the next episode I’ll be discussing managing change inside a business network.
Thanks for joining me, Lester Steward for your Two Minute Tech Tips, helping you keep safe in your cybersecurity world.