Will Firewalls and message screening do the job?
Not necessarily— According to email studies on phishing attack statistics, using a filter tool doesn’t entirely eliminate the risk of ransomware screening but can be of some use. However, 1 in 3,000 emails that pass security filters contains malware, including ransomware according to industry expert Fortinet. To avoid falling victim to ransomware, employees should learn how to differentiate between legitimate and malicious emails. Investing in a reliable email encryption service is also helpful.
Using a reliable e-mail hosting service such as NPV can be a first line of defense as they will trap suspicious e-mails before they can hit your system. And, they can provide training to your staff to enhance security.
Unintended openings in a network can be gateway to attacks – many Virtual Private Networks (VPN’s) used in organizations are used to keep some distance between your company and the web. However, they can be compromised in many ways through openings and gateways you may be unaware of. Smart phones are an obvious way, but cameras, scanners, printers and many other devices can give scammers an opening if not secured properly. Simply adding devices on your VPN can be problematic if not handled properly with safeguards. your company or organization is vital than ever in these difficult times.
Malicious direct attacks vs phishing– Hackers can attack for many reasons—such as data theft and political disruption, and are often launched by means of “phishing” with e-mails and notices. Ransomware attacks , however, are often directly targeted and all about making money.
For example, the ransomware software that a gang known as DarkSide was used shut down Colonial Pipeline, disrupting gasoline supplies, while demanding a $4.4 million payoff in Bitcoin.
Partnership with IT Pro’s–Using a reliable IT service provider such as NPV can make the difference. They are experts is setting up VPN’s, local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs).
What protection steps can businesses take in a hostile environment?
Get an NPV audit of your IT systems, operations, equipment, software and data storage. They can assess your system from design architecture to equipment to software looking for vulnerabilities where ransomware can get in. Openings to the internet even within your VPN may be an issue. Tracking usage of company computers is important and scanning for unwanted files phishing may have planted. Cameras and other devices should be checked also for vulnerabilities where ransomware can get in. A key is the storage of your company data and records that need to be safeguarded.
NPV can be your best ally against ransomware attacks.