As technology continues to evolve, so do the threats to organizations and their data. One of the most common threats is ransomware attacks.
Ransomware is malware that encrypts data and prevents access to a system, device, or data until a ransom is paid. In 2020, its negative impact cost businesses over $400 million.
As a result, organizations must take proactive measures to protect their data and systems from these destructive digital threats.
To ensure your organization is prepared for a potential ransomware attack, here are five tips for strengthening your organization’s defenses and keeping your data safe.
1. Maintain Your Backups and System Updates
Backup files should be adequately secured and stored offline or out-of-band to keep intruders at bay. Additionally, cloud services may reduce ransomware threats since they keep copies of data, allowing you to restore an unblocked version.
To reduce the chance of an attack, you must constantly evaluate the efficiency of your backups and update your system with the latest security patches and automatic software updates.
2. Create Efficient Plans and Policies
Your policy should outline the guidelines for maintaining secured networks, controlling access to data, and responding to security threats. Develop a ransomware response plan that outlines the steps the IT security team should take if an attack occurs.
You can also establish a “suspicious email” policy for your company. It will help train your staff on what to do if they get an unusual email. It could be as easy as getting the IT security staff involved.
If you’re in Sydney, there are many expert IT services for Sydney businesses. So, you should consider contacting any Sydney IT services to assist you in developing best practice policies and plans to prevent ransomware.
3. Examine The Port Settings
By examining the port settings of your systems, you can determine if they’re configured in the most secure way possible. Ensure to disable unused ports and restrict access to only those users who need it.
Additionally, consider adding a firewall and whitelisting unnecessary applications to reduce the risk of malicious attacks.
4. Strengthen Your Endpoints
Endpoints are particularly vulnerable to ransomware attacks, so it’s important to ensure they are properly secured. Make sure to use strong passwords and two-factor authentication to protect user accounts.
Additionally, consider using endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions to detect and respond to security threats.
5. Establish An IDS
An intrusion detection system (IDS) is a powerful tool for detecting and responding to malicious activity on your network. IDS solutions can help you detect incoming threats, assess the risk of an attack, and take the necessary steps to protect your organization. You should ensure that they have an IDS in place and that it is regularly monitored.
Conclusion
Implementing these five tips can help protect your organization from ransomware attacks. If you need additional guidance in strengthening your organization against these digital threats, consider partnering with an experienced cybersecurity provider. With their help, you can ensure that your organization is properly secured against ransomware
