Ransomware – The New Business Security Threat

Let’s be honest. We all know someone at work (*cough* ourselves *cough*) who doesn’t always practice what the IT person preaches when it comes to security. All of those methods your IT person harps about are of particular importance to start adhering to with the new Ransomware schemes that are out there.

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that blocks your access to files, folders or entire computer systems until the ransom is paid to the hacker who got you.

This system started out targeting individuals but has quickly moved on to businesses. It is becoming a lucrative way for hackers to extort companies into giving in to their demands. Especially ones who rely on daily access to customer databases (i.e. healthcare, merchants, and financial institutions) to conduct business. When data is unreachable, you’re stuck until you pay the fee or restore the data backup system in place.

Data backup is an inexpensive solution to this problem (it also solves the problem of accidentally deleting files you didn’t mean to…whoops!) and can be done a couple of different ways. You can back up to an external hard drive, the cloud or hire a Managed Service Provider to conduct the service for you.

External hard drives are safest from hackers (when disconnected from computers), but you need to be diligent in backing up the data. A dedicated individual needs to ensure the data stays intact, the backup is completed every night, and data is not corrupted when backed up incorrectly. This method is also highly susceptible to theft, fire and hard drive failure, thus rendering your data backups like they never happened.

Backing up to the cloud is more vulnerable to hackers than the external hard drive method. It is also much slower to back up your data due to the speed of internet that you will be sending information over. The pro is that this method is done offsite, so you don’t have to worry as much about fire and system failures.

With hiring an IT service provider who will manage your backup for you, the provider gives you security knowing your data is safe and secure. The Managed Service Provider will also monitor the backup, ensuring it was completed correctly, and be there to help you out when you need any files restored. While it won’t be a one-time cost, as the external hard drive, it is a monthly low-cost option you can budget and work into your current financial plan.

Networks Unlimited can guide you through the process of data backup & recovery of your files, so you don’t have to worry about getting locked out of your business information. Contact Rob Benjamin, Director of Managed Services today to see what options are available to you!  (970) 243-3311 / rbenjamin@networksunlimited.com