Ransomware attacks have all but dominated news headlines in recent weeks. Managed service providers (MSPs like us) know the risks of ransomware and how important it is to have a plan in place to respond to an attack when they have an impacted client. There are many different factors to consider, but it’s best practice to have a strategy for detection, prevention, and response. We put together a comprehensive infographic on the journey of ransomware and how we can prepare our clients – here’s a preview.
How Can Businesses Prevent Ransomware Attacks?
The reality is, there is no foolproof way to prevent a ransomware attack. Even the most protected and prepared businesses can fall victim to ransomware. However, we can take steps to lower the chances of our SMB clients falling victim to an attack. For one, we arm our customers with antivirus. These tools have been around a long time but are still critical in a ransomware prevention strategy. Automate patch management. When software providers identify bugs, they publish that info and offer a patch. With automated patching, businesses are less susceptible to being exploited by bad actors looking to capitalize on those bugs. Often times, ransomware attacks can infiltrate a business’s systems, going undetected. One way to drastically improve ransomware prevention is to have tools that identify it before it spreads across a network.
Detecting a Ransomware Attack
Ransomware attacks can go undetected, but there are ways to identify if a hacker may have impacted your client. We ensure our clients notify us if they see unusual changes to file names, lockout screens, or a pop-up with a ransom note.
Responding to a Ransomware Attack
If a ransomware attack is detected, it’s important to respond as quickly as possible. First, we scan networks to confirm that an attack is underway, and once identified, isolate the infected computer(s) immediately. Then we immediately secure backup data or systems by taking them offline and ensure backups are free of malware. These are the immediate steps to take when alerted of an attack. From here, we tend to focus on ensuring hackers can’t get back in.
These are just a few ways to prepare for a ransomware attack and are certainly not a comprehensive list. To learn more about how we can help prevent your business from falling victim to a ransomware attack, contact us at Sales@datasafellc.com