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.
Wouldn’t it be nice to go back to time before life on the internet was fraught with people trying to steal everything? When it was a place to share information that uplifted and furthered society? Honestly, I don’t think it was ever that pure I just happened to grow during the 90’s and that’s how I saw the internet, well that and video games. Soon after this time of purity came ransomware. Some bad people thought it was a good idea to create a way tolock down a computer or network and demand money to unlock it.
The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency defines Ransomware as, “…an ever-evolving form of malware designed to encrypt files on a device, rendering any files and the systems that rely on them unusable. Malicious actors then demand ransom in exchange for decryption.” While ransomware has been around for some time now it still seems like most businesses don’t rearguard it as a clear danger to them. The CISA warns that “anyone with a computer connected to the internet is at risk” of a ransomware attack and the impact “can be devastating to an individual or an origination.”
We know there’s a danger, so how do we prevent or fight against it? First, keep your system software up to date. Have a regular scheduled time of the month to check and complete updates. Second, never click on email attachments or links that you are not sure about. Third, backup all your data often and keep a backup offline so it can’t be reached by an attack. Fourth, educate yourself on good internet habits. Following these few tips will give anyone the best chance of not becoming a victim and will greatly help your peace of mind.
On the next episode I’m continuing this discussion with the subject of computer viruses and how to prevent them.
If you need any information on this subject, please let North Tech Group know by visiting our website ntgak.com and give us a follow-on Facebook or Twitter, where I post more tips to staying safe online.
Thanks for joining me, Lester Steward for your Two Minute Tech Tips, helping you keep safe in your cybersecurity world.