How to Protect Your Company's Data in the Wake of Incessant Ransomware Attack

Data protection is expedient to the success of any business organization. The 21st century has heralded an era of malware proliferation and ransomware seems top of the list. Owing to the frequency and volume of attacks recorded in recent times, it has become pertinent to include ransomware protection as part of your company’s data protection policy.

Recent advancement has extensively redefined our mode of data storage as virtually all of our data now comes in electronic format. Expectedly, it has come with its own challenges. Malware and hacks have been the ugly side of this development – the most veracious of them being ransomware.

What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malware. Malwares are intrusive software programs that are illegally introduced onto a computer by a third party usually for malicious reasons. The process of introducing Ransomware onto a computer typically begins with unsolicited emails or adverts which appear to contain links to viewing an attachment or visiting a website.

However, in reality, the links neither contain attachments nor links to webpages but a link to download the malware onto your computer. Once clicked, the Ransomware is introduced to your computer, it capitalizes on flaws in the operating system and compels it to run the Ransomware code. It then encrypts files and data on the computer, prevents access and demands a ransom payment. If connected to a network, the ransomware replicates itself and spreads around all other computers on the network.  This entire process is called a Ransomware attack.

How do you protect your company’s data from Ransomware attack?

Ranging from intellectual property to financial records to customer data, tons of confidential data is stored on your company’s computer on timely basis. You wouldn’t want anyone holding you to ransom and demanding payment for access to them. Also, the operational disruption and data compromise involved in a Ransomware attack is not an experience to savour.

Here are five ways to protect your company data from Ransomware attacks.

1. Create a backup of company data: The most effective way of dealing with Ransomware is to back up your data regularly. In the event of an attack, you can restore your computer to a recent time with your files intact. Adopt a frequent and consistent data backup method that fits your business needs.
2. Update your software regularly: Outdated software are vulnerable to Ransomware attacks. This is because software companies tend to reduce or altogether halt security support for software as they age. Malware authors exploit this vulnerability by targeting people with outdated software. It is important to keep your software programs regularly updated, especially the operating system.
3. Use a reputable anti-malware suite: It’s is a good idea to have a software program that detects unusual and malicious behaviour on your company’s computers. Anti-Malware suites now come with a lot of features such as firewall, internet security etc. which alerts you of potential harm to your computers.
4. Never attend to unsolicited mails and adverts: As espoused above, e-mails and adverts are the most common ways through which Ransomware attacks computers. Make ‘Non-response to unsolicited e-mails and adverts’ top on the list of your company’s data protection policy.
5. Quarantine the infected computers: Should all known protection methods fail and you get attacked, promptly disconnect the affected computers from the network to prevent further spread.