Cyber attacks are on the rise and specifically ransomware attacks. A ransomware attack is one where a cyber criminal is holding your data and information hostage. These can be crippling to a business, because if the information is eventually leaked, there’s no getting it back. The information is usually taken via malware or access is given internally through a fake email. These pose a real threat to a business of any size. Today, we are giving you some tips on how to respond to the rise in ransomware attacks. 

Everyone is Vulnerable

Knowing that all businesses are susceptible to ransomware attacks is a start. Big agencies like Pipeline as well as locally owned small businesses are targets for ransomware attacks. Your team needs to understand that they are all targets and could be targeted at any time. Let them know what to look for and to not download anything onto their devices if it isn’t a 100% trusted source. 

Secure Accounts 

Securing all of your company accounts is something you must do in order to keep your information safe. This can be guiding your employees on how to make a good password, enabling two-factor authentication, and using a password manager for all of your business accounts. All three of these solutions make it harder to access information and accounts that hold important data. Using these strategies will ensure that your data is protected. 

Be Cautious of what you Download

We have already mentioned that you and your team must only download something if it is from a trusted source. If you voluntarily download something that has malicious intent, even without knowing it, you have the potential to kill your organization. Malware is malicious software that users have to download themselves. Being mindful of what you are downloading at all times is one simple thing that will increase the security of your business. 

Beware of Suspicious Emails

Knowing who an email is coming from is always a good idea. Cyber criminals will attempt to disguise themselves as one of your coworkers or superiors in an attempt to get access to important information. They may also disguise themselves as someone who has or needs information such as a bank or creditor. Looking at the email address that sent the email can tell you if it is a legit email or not. Checking external links or downloadable files in an email to assure that they are what they say they are is also important. This is an expansion on being mindful from our previous tip, but it can very well save your company. 

Ransomware attacks are on the rise. If you can prepare your team so that if you’re targeted your information will be safe. Response time is extremely important to cyber attacks and preparing for them is even more important. If you prepare properly, then there should be no need to worry! 

Getting your team to understand the importance of cybersecurity is important to the survival of your company. It can be hard for your team to understand just how important it is. Their jobs can potentially be at stake due to a cyberattack. A shocking statistic states that 60 percent of small businesses go out of business within the first 6 months after a cyberattack. So, getting your team to understand just how important protecting your data is a crucial part of your business. 

Educate but Don’t preach

The first thing you need to do is to understand the difference between teaching and preaching. Set up individual or group meetings and give your team the knowledge they need to set up cybersecurity measures. Once they have the tools and knowledge, just give a hard deadline on when people should have these systems implemented. Check up and let them know that you’re there to answer any questions they have. One thing to remember, don’t preach or get on anyone too soon because the hard deadline is already set. 

Have Clear Rules

Along with a hard deadline, make sure you have a standard set of rules that your company must follow. This can be about sharing passwords, mandating two factor authentication, using a password manager, or any other rules that you want to have set. Making this clear and sticking with them is key to a successful implementation. As the leader, you need to follow these rules to set an example so that the implementation process goes smoothly.

Have Someone to Turn to 

This one is the most important for sustained success. In our first step, we said that you should make your team aware that you are available for any needs that they may have through the implementation process and beyond. Having a point of contact to communicate and help with any problems that arise is essential to success. The point of contact will also ensure that all your employees are staying up to date with keeping all of your information secure. 

Plan for an Attack

No matter how many measures and how secure you think you are, a breach can still happen. While this can be devastating, there should always be a plan in place in case an information breach happens. First, letting your employees know what a cyber attack can look like in the implementation process is a good way to limit risk. The plan is typically handled by your I.T. professionals and has to do with malware detection, address issues, and data theft. 

Having an information breach can be devastating to a small business. Taking the right steps to prevent them before they happen can save your business. For more tips on this or for help getting started, give us a call today or set up contact us here.