Suitably named, Ransomware threats cause the loss and authorized access or acquisition of data. The loss of data is more than an inconvenience or frustration. The reality of this virus restricts access to the user unless a ransom is paid. Getting the data back may not happen. Not to mention, clean-up costs the business even more.

The first known Ransomware attack occurred in 1989 (Becker’s Hospital Review), it targeted the healthcare industry. After three decades, it is still going strong. In the past four weeks, there are 11 Ransomware breaches out of 31 notable successful breaches world-wide.

What’s even scarier, the levels of threat are consistently changing to match the next level of technology. Ransomware becomes a profitable industry. They research and target their prospects; once a victim is “trapped,” they have a robust delivery and collection process in place.

A typical example:

What they want you to know:

  • A Catchy Headline ? “Ooops, your files have been encrypted!”
  • Create a Situation ? “If your anti-virus gets updated and removes this software automatically, it will not be able to recover your files even if you pay!”
  • The Solution ? “if you want to decrypt all your files, you need to pay.”
  • Call to Action ? “How Do I Pay?”
  • Urgency ? “Payment will be raised on” “Your files will be lost on” ? Clock is ticking.
  • Proof/Guarantee ? “once the payment is checked, you can start decrypting your files immediately” “If you need our assistance, send a message by clicking .”

Will you get your data back after Ransomware? You can’t count on it.

Verizon reported in its 2019 Data Breach Investigations Report that 43% of breaches involved small business victims. Other than money, small businesses are targeted for their intellectual property and customer data access. Small businesses can also become a vector to attack a larger parent organization or the supply chain of a larger target. Smaller companies are less prepared in cybersecurity and become an easy target for Ransomware perpetrators.

In September 2019, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) outlined the measures organizations should take to handle the threat of Ransomware.

The outlines provide advice on how to protect against Ransomware, how to prepare for a potential incident, how to recover, and where to find help. It includes practical recommendations ranging from keeping systems patched, training end-users, and creating and executing an incident response plan.

Schedule an hour FREE meeting with us and let us help you to identify what you can do to PREVENT and Survive a Ransomware attack.

Susie Chow ? ITensure

Call/Text: (714) 633-9454