In 2021, ransomware attacks surged across multiple sectors, including healthcare and government.  There were several high-profile attacks on all sizes and types of businesses from food processing and energy to medical and technology companies—all lending to further supply chain complications.  While it may seem like ransomware attacks happen to big, high-profile companies, your small business is just as susceptible.  According to Dmitriy Ayrapetov, VP of platform architecture at SonicWall, “ransomware operators are profit driven.”  Many criminals have become entrepreneurs and have now created ransomware as a service.  They can create the software needed, and in return, get a monthly payment or a percentage of the ransom.  Attackers threaten to withhold information unless a ransom is paid.  The payout is often lower than the original demand.  This doesn’t mean you should settle.  The best offense is a good defense, so let’s discuss how you can prevent a potential attack.

First, security threats are always adapting and changing, so staying up to date and educated on current risks is very important.  Maintain current and up-to-date antivirus and ransomware protection.  Employees should be trained and aware of security strategies.  Maintain best practices to employees, clients, and vendors are following security protocols too.  Knowing what data you might lose is also important so you can focus your backup efforts.  Utilizing a co-located backup strategy is the best way to prevent potential loss.

Know your plan.  If you are exposed to a ransomware attack, it is important to know your incident response plan.  Know who will get your computers up and running, your network back online, and how long your business can stay offline.  Should you pay a ransom or not?  Do you have access to an incident response expert?  To emphasize again: plan ahead to prevent potential loss.

SCI has solutions to help prevent ransomware attacks, back-up your data, and help you plan in the event of an attack.  Contact us for more information.