5 Steps to ensure prevention from Ransomware attacks

We hear about hacking, malware attacks and cyber threats almost every day but how concerned are people about them and how do they think such attacks will affect them is still a question. Many people are afraid about the fact that cyber-attacks destroy the data, but maximum of them are not aware of the strategies which can prevent data loss. Cloud computing is evolving and it makes businesses more efficient and cost-effective. In order to prevent your data from data loss you require a complete backup and disaster recovery plan.

Cyber criminals are getting efficient in their work day by day and they are now leading large organized cyber rings. Ransomware is the type of cyber-crime which is causing major demolition.

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is type of malicious software which keeps your data hostage until the ransom amount is paid. The data is locked and inaccessible. The decryption key is only provided when the amount is paid. The payment can be claimed cryptocurrencies like Litecoin, Bitcoin, Ethereum (ETH) so that the criminal’s identity remains unknown. The ransomware attacks are spreading from the year 2012.

Ransomware Survey:

The survey by Accenture concludes that the cyber-attacks have been increasing from 14% in 2016 to 27% in 2017. It is also predicted by Cybersecurity Ventures that the ransomware attacks will increase each 14 seconds by the year 2019. The damages include:

• ·         Loss of mission critical data.
• ·         Business downtime
• ·         Productivity loss
• ·         More recovery time
• ·         Post attack disruption
• ·         Bad reputation
• ·         Disruption to regular operations
• ·         Financial losses

In all this dark shadow there is a silver lining. There are some prevention steps which can help you out to save your data from being affected by ransomware attacks.

5 Steps to ensure prevention from Ransomware attacks:

Today or tomorrow Ransomware attacks are going to happen. Prevention is the key here. Here are steps which can allow you to save your data without paying the heavy ransom.

• 1.      Backup your files:

The first and the most important one is to backup your files. Backing up data can be highly tiring but if you have an easy to manage cloud backup solution then your most important files can be saved in case of ransomware attacks. There are many cloud based service providers which provide good backup solution for your enterprise. One of them is StoneFly which provides you a storage, backup and disaster recovery ALL-IN-ONE solution at low price tag.

• 2.      Activate your anti-spam settings:

Mainly ransomware attackers access your files through a mail. They hijack the data if you click any unauthorized mail. Many eye-catching emails are sent to people and they contain contagious attachments which can block your files and then leads to ransomware.

• 3.      Thick before you click:

The attacks can happen in any shape. Mails, hyperlinks, adds, messages, links on social media and more. There are many options boiled by the ransomware attackers. Internet professionals can’t do it all. You have to be sure when you are going to click on any of the options.

• 4.      Install Anti-virus:

Indeed the antivirus can’t do it all but a little prevention is better than none. You can acquire an antivirus system which can detect any type of suspicious activity.

• 5.      Enhanced Disaster Recovery Software or Appliance:

Backups are important but with backups, disaster recovery is important too. There is no value of backups if they can’t be recovered when needed. You should have a backup and disaster recovery appliance which can help you out when any of the attacks happen.

As it is said, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”. Prevent yourself from ransomware effects you.