With new digital threats bombarding our networks and devices every day of every year, one can always find themselves asking the same question, “How do I keep myself safe from these threats?” Such a question is difficult to answer, especially since various threats affect different devices differently.
However, this does not mean that there is no good solution to stay safe from these threats. In this article, we will share with you the “digital hygiene” tips you need to remain as safe as possible from digital threats, specifically ransomware.
1. Backup your files
Ransomware works by encrypting all your files, preventing you from accessing them. As such, backing up is an excellent way to recover from such an attack, as you can easily replace the encrypted files with copies you have backed up recently.
You may lose some of the most recent data when reverting to your backups, but it certainly beats having to pay the hacker to restore your files for you. You will end up paying more than you need to, and there will be no guarantee that the hacker will even recover your files.
2. Patch your systems
Your systems need to be patched as often as possible. That is because these patches contain security patches to keep your devices safe and secure from the latest threats. Any delays will increase your devices’ likelihood of getting hacked, and ignoring patches is just asking for more trouble.
That said, be sure to patch everything in your business, from critical systems to non-core applications. Any open door is a way for a hacker to attack the entire system, so you must ensure that you close them all.
3. Create a response plan
No matter how good your security is, anything can happen and compromise your system. For that reason, you must have a response plan for such an emergency. This plan will not only cover the technical side of addressing the threat; it must also tackle how the business will recoup any possible losses.
An attack will hurt your business in more ways than one, and a plan that covers as many aspects as possible ensures the resulting damage is kept to a minimum.
4. Educate your employees
One of the most common ways an attack reaches your systems is not through some elaborate plan by a hacker to secretly connect to your network to install nefarious files. Instead, it is your employees unknowingly infecting your system in various ways, from working with an infected USB drive to clicking on a suspicious email.
In other words, staff members who are not aware of these threats may unknowingly put your business in danger. Because of this, you must take the time to educate your employees of the dangers they face and how they may accidentally facilitate the process of infecting your systems. When they know what to do and how to be careful, you significantly minimise the chances of ransomware attacking your business.
Ransomware attacks can happen anywhere, anytime. If you are not prepared, these attacks can do serious harm to your business and even put you at risk of closing permanently. Being prepared ensures that you can easily fight back any ransomware attack, restoring the files you need as soon as possible and getting your operations back up and running in no time.
If you are having trouble ensuring your business is secure, do not hesitate to work with a cybersecurity agency. They have the expertise you need to keep you safe from various risks to give you peace of mind while you grow your business.
FraudWatch International is a brand protection company that protects brands worldwide from phishing, malware, social media threats, and more. If you are looking for ransomware prevention services, work with us today!