Ransomware remains the most prominent malware threat, and attacks are becoming more frequent and more costly. Because of this, companies lose billions of dollars every year. In fact, experts estimate that a ransomware attack occurs every 11 seconds in 2021. Due to the rise in remote work prompted by the pandemic, attacks are up 148 percent.
To help protect you and your business from this threat, you need to build a successful ransomware prevention strategy. In this article, we will discuss how you can do it.
Why Is Data Backup Important?
Lockers and crypto-malware are the two primary forms of ransomware. Regardless of their distinctions, both forms of ransomware have the same goal: to prohibit a user from accessing their data unless they pay a ransom. That’s why, in the case of a ransomware attack, businesses need a method to retrieve their data.
Organizations may retrieve their data using data backups on a machine that has been wiped clean of ransomware or on a newly acquired replacement device, all without having to pay the ransom.
What Can You Do about Ransomware?
It’s critical for businesses to thoroughly discuss and effectively implement their Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) plans. This can be achieved through tabletop exercises. This is critical since many victims may find themselves needing to recreate their data in unexpected ways.
Experts recommend the 3-2-1 backup technique. This method refers to having three independent copies of your data saved on two different types of media, at least one of which is stored off-site. Following this method ensures that even if one copy of your data is corrupted, you will always have backups.
However, a data backup strategy is not a one-time plan. It’s a never-ending process that should be reevaluated and recalibrated at least once a year. Unfortunately, many organizations that have been affected by ransomware believe they have robust backups in place, but they haven’t tested them.
The thing is, ransomware can infect backups. Organizations and users must verify that their backups are always secure and functional to avoid losing data due to ransomware attacks or other catastrophes. Because of this, you must test their backups regularly. This is also important to ensure that you did not back up erroneous data or overlook some crucial servers in unexpected places.
What Are Other Ways to Prevent Data Loss?
Businesses should take the initiative to reduce losses from online cyber-attacks, in addition to testing and documenting their BCDR using the 3-2-1 backup technique.
Adopting two-factor authentication on all critical internet-accessible applications and using a password manager are two strategies that will keep your data more secure. You should require your employees to use passwords of at least 14 characters and teach them to recognise and prevent email-based phishing attempts. Finally, every two to three years, you must perform a cybersecurity risk assessment.
Conclusion
A ransomware attack isn’t just about losing millions of dollars. A company’s internal data is its lifeblood. It will not only put your privacy at risk, but it will also have an impact on your entire operation. Patching and restricting network users’ access privileges and security technologies such as mail filtering, virus scanning, firewalls, and network monitoring can help you prevent getting infected with ransomware. However, the most effective data security is a robust backup plan.
If you are looking for IT support in Edmonton to help you with data backup, My IT Central provides tailored IT solutions to help you and your business to help accomplish your goals! We specialise in using IT as your competitive advantage. Talk to us now!
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