How to Prevent Your Small Business From Becoming a Ransomware Target?

Authored by Athena Nagel

In recent times, small businesses have been in the spotlight for malicious ransomware attacks. According to surveys, more than 46% of the small companies worldwide are viewed as a target for the attacks.

No one running a small business will like the idea of getting locked out of the system. As even one minor mishap can affect the credibility and success of your business, you must have preventive measures like office 365 backup solutions in place.

Such cloud backup and recovery solutions will help you dodge dangerous ransomware attacks by keeping your data safe.

Basics of Ransomware and Its Functionality

In definition, ransomware is a type of malware intentionally designed to block access to a computer. Once it is blocked, a ransom will be demanded to restore the access, hence justifying the name “ransomware.”

Such malicious attacks can lock essential data stored in computers, networks, smartphones, and other devices with internet access.

However, for this to happen, the attacker may first have access to your network. Usually, the attacker gains easy access through different social engineering tactics like phishing.

With more and more small businesses falling prey to ransomware, it is essential to check if all the precautionary measures are in place. One way to do that is with the help of cloud data and recovery platforms like office 365 backup solutions.

Why does ransomware target small Businesses?

Ransomware attackers very much hit small businesses because of their faulty perception of the security measures. For a long time, small business owners have believed their existing perimeter and endpoint security to be strong.

So, the defenses and security measures deployed may be less sophisticated compared to more giant corporations. Without a dedicated cybersecurity policy, specialist IT experts, and data protection experts, there are high chances of attackers accessing your network and devices quickly.

How to Protect Your Business From Ransomware?

Rather than cure, prevention remains one of the best defenses against ransomware. Instead of paying the ransom and encouraging future attacks, you must follow some standard practices to reduce potential risks. Ransomware Recovery is a fundamental thing to understand when dealing with these types of attacks, as it’s easy to get panicked in the heat of the moment.

Evaluate Your Existing Defenses

The majority of the small businesses are protected by a traditional wall of defenses like email scanners, firewalls, and endpoint security agents. However, relying on conventional defenses will not hide your business from modern attackers.

So, you must evaluate the level of defenses currently deployed and think of ways to improve it with the help of cloud data backup solutions.

Establish a Reliable Endpoint Antivirus Security

An endpoint security solution helps block different types of malware from infecting the systems. The admin can also easily identify a compromised device before it is too late. Endpoint solutions also stop you from downloading malicious files by signaling the users.

Cloud Backup and Recovery Solutions on Time

Suppose ransomware attacks your system and compromises the data in it, the only way to protect your business is by restoring the lost data quickly, thereby minimizing the downtime.

Cloud data recovery and backup solutions like office 365 backup can help businesses recover lost data in the aftermath of a ransomware attack.

As installing safety measures will not take up much time of your day, there are no other reasons for you to have second thoughts about the process. Without further ado, check your existing security measures and upgrade them to keep away the attackers.