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Ransomware is one of the biggest cyber threats that a company can face today. No matter how small or large your organisation is, if you have employees working on computers, you are at risk of a ransomware attack.

There are essentially two main types of ransomware: Encrypting and Locker. Encrypting ransomware stops your computer from assessing any of its system files and demands a payment to a secure account for the decryption key that should unlock your files again. Locker ransomware completely shuts users out of their computer’s operating system and, again, asks for payment to unlock it. The term “ransomware” comes from the act of the viruses prompting the computer user into paying a ransom to free their operating system of the virus.

One of the most horrific things about this type of attack is that there is no guarantee the computer user will ever be able to access their files again, even if the ransom is paid. Therefore, paying this ransom is always a mistake, especially since the average amount that is demanded has risen in the last few years.

There are a few ways to protect against a ransomware attack, but once the virus is inside your system, even an expert might not be able to save it. To prevent an attack, ensure that you keep all of your security systems updated and use a trustworthy antivirus software. You should use an antivirus that protects your data but doesn’t disrupt a user’s experience – if you have an antivirus popping up every hour, it’s probably not a great one.

Always backup any sensitive or personal data that you have lurking in your systems. Customer data should be locked down and secured to avoid any leaks or mishaps that could cause issues. Using strong passwords can help secure your operating system but be aware that most ransomware comes in the form of downloads or attacks your system from junk emails.

Cyber insurance can be helpful if you believe your organisation may be a target for ransomware attacks. The insurance can help with expenses that come from recovery, forensics work, the ransom itself, and any disruption costs. It is always a good idea to ensure that your staff members are properly security trained, and that none of them are making any mistakes when working during the day. Ongoing awareness sessions will help your employees spot strange emails and teach them to identify them even before opening them. These training sessions should cut down your need to use your cyber insurance to fix issues by stopping the issue before it happens.

Finally, make sure that your organisation is only working with security companies that are recognised and positively reviewed. If you can’t find testimonials, you shouldn’t be working with that particular company – websites or companies without reviews in a world where it’s so easy for a customer to review them shouldn’t be quickly trusted unless you’re willing to put in some serious research. Stick to companies that you trust.

 

At Greenaway, we don’t offer cyber security. Sorry. But we do help protect your company data through effective, secure data disposal. In other words, we stop criminals being able to get the information they need to break into your systems in the first place. We make sure that all of your paperwork is securely shredded either on or off site, your old hard drives are wiped and destroyed (and not sold on) and your information is kept out of the hands of cyber criminals. To find out more, just get in touch with the team today.