You may hope that you never become a victim of cyber crime. However, 39% of UK businesses were targeted in 2022. Taking a proactive approach could help to prevent you from becoming a part of future statistics.
The first ransomware attack recorded occurred in 1989, targeting those in the healthcare industry. Since that time, technologies have continued developing, giving hackers more avenues to explore.
While there is no question that these technologies are vital for business continuity and growth, they do have associated risks. Therefore, educating yourself on ransomware is essential.
There are five types of ransomware that you are most likely to come across during your working day.
With each of these, there will be some level of urgency regarding making payment. However, it’s important to note that, even if you did cave to the hacker’s demands, there is no guarantees your files will be returned.
There are some great ways to mitigate your risk of succumbing to ransomware.
Doing a deep dive into where the different risks can stem from can allow you to be more cautious during your working day.
Ransomware isn’t always obvious. It may come from an unsafe website, or even your email inbox.
Even emails from trusted individuals should be checked thoroughly. Hackers have the ability to spoof email addresses. This may make it appear that an email has come from a trusted sender or, frighteningly, even your own account. Speak to the person about whether or not they sent the email, and be cautious if links or attachments are present.
Thankfully, a good anti-virus software should flag up any dangers, preventing you from opening or running anything that could cause significant harm to your device.
One of the best ways of avoiding ransomware on your devices can be to ensure that your security is watertight.
Poor security can give hackers the entryways they need to access your systems.
A good first port of call can be to test your cyber security to see how it performs in light of the wide variety of threats in existence.
Undertaking a penetration test could also prove insightful, allowing you to figure out where your existing weaknesses are and rectify them.
Not only could this greatly reduce your chances of falling victim to hacking, ransomware, or other cyber crime, but it may also help to protect you from legal ramifications should an attack still occur.
As a business owner, it is your responsibility to ensure your business is protected from ransomware. Failure to do so could see you facing fines, as well as reputational damage.
In accordance with GDPR guidelines, you must be seen as having taken appropriate measures to mitigate your level of risk.
This can include:
Although there are significant risks with using technology, these same systems may be essential for your working day.
Rather than living in fear of potential dangers, you should instead adopt a proactive approach.
Taking cyber security seriously can help to protect your business, employees, and clients from data theft.
For more support, it is advisable to speak with an IT expert who understands the importance of cyber security. Start protecting your assets today to avoid becoming another statistic of cyber crime.
Anne-Marie Blazdell
Anne-Marie Blazdell is a Marketing & Communications Manager with expertise in digital marketing, content creation, and IT solutions. With a strong foundation in graphic design, she trained at Farnborough College of Technology and Southampton Solent University before advancing into marketing and business IT support.
Since joining Syn-Star in 2022, Anne-Marie has specialised in crafting SEO-optimised website content, managing social media, and helping businesses navigate the complexities of IT. Her work bridges the gap between technology and business, making IT more accessible and effective.
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Anne-Marie Blazdell
Anne-Marie Blazdell is a Marketing & Communications Manager with expertise in digital marketing, content creation, and IT solutions. With a strong foundation in graphic design, she trained at Farnborough College of Technology and Southampton Solent University before advancing into marketing and business IT support.
Since joining Syn-Star in 2022, Anne-Marie has specialised in crafting SEO-optimised website content, managing social media, and helping businesses navigate the complexities of IT. Her work bridges the gap between technology and business, making IT more accessible and effective.
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