Ransomware Prevention: Protect Your Data with Backup Strategies

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Workable Solutions	Benefits
Don't Click the Link	It's really the most effective way of prevention...Full steps
Make a Backup	Back up the important data to the server...Full steps
Update the Email System	Greatly avoid virus or hacker attacks...Full steps
Strengthen Employee Awareness	Avoid critical information falling into hackers...Full steps

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim's files, with hackers using the encrypted data as leverage to extort money. It spreads through networks, encrypting all accessible files, databases, and applications, making them inaccessible to the victim. In exchange for decryption keys, hackers demand a ransom from the victim.

Numbers in Ransomware

11

There is one ransomware attack every 11 seconds, costing organizations and individuals about $20 billion, as reported in 2021.

81% and 71%

81% of reported ransomware attacks targeted enterprises, with 71% of those being small businesses.

67%

67% of ransomware attacks start with a spam or phishing email, and the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant surge in phishing emails.

$116k

The average ransomware demand is a staggering $116,000, with some notorious cases like Ryuk demanding as much as $12.5 million. However, even after paying the ransom, a significant 40% of victims still don't receive their data back.

ransomware facts

How to Prevent Ransomware

Small and medium-sized businesses, in particular, are the main targets of ransomware attacks, which can result in significant financial losses and potentially irretrievable data. As a result, it's essential to take preventive measures in daily life and work to avoid falling victim to such attacks.

1. Don't Click the Link!

The most effective way to prevent ransomware attacks is to be cautious when receiving unfamiliar emails. Since many attacks start with spam and phishing emails, it's essential to verify the sender before clicking on any links. By doing so, you can avoid falling victim to these malicious schemes.

It's best to avoid downloading software from unofficial websites, as it may contain hidden viruses or ransomware codes that can compromise your computer's data security and potentially affect other computers in the local area network.

Don't click phishing emails

2. Make a Backup

As an enterprise manager or head of the IT department, it's crucial to prioritize data backup. While enterprise backup services are available, they can be costly. For small businesses with limited budgets, a more affordable option is to use third-party software to create backups in-house. This approach can be a cost-effective solution for safeguarding important company data.

Qiling Backup is a recommended enterprise backup software that supports businesses of all sizes, from single workstations to large enterprises, and works in a simple way to minimize backup time and process. It allows users to set a backup schedule based on their needs, such as a specific time or event, and automatically backs up data to a selected location like disk, NAS device, virtual machine, or cloud service.

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Qiling Backup Enterprise

3. Updated the Email System and Firewall

To minimize spam and phishing emails, businesses can set up their own email system's spam filter, which can block most unwanted emails. Additionally, keeping the email system up-to-date with timely updates can also help prevent virus or hacker attacks.

A firewall is a crucial security measure that protects a company's computer network from potential security risks and data transmission issues. It detects and resolves problems in real-time, ensuring the integrity of user data and information, and providing a safer and better computer network experience. To maintain this security, it's essential to keep the firewall up-to-date.

Update the email system and firewall

4. Strengthen Employee Safety Awareness Training

Investing in security training courses is crucial for organizations to equip employees with the skills to manage information security risks. Employees must understand how to handle sensitive data on their devices and the risks associated with information security. Providing effective cyber security awareness training is essential to prevent critical information from falling into the hands of hackers, resulting in significant losses.

Warning: Never Pay for Ransomware!

After a ransomware attack, it's recommended to report the incident to your local authorities and seek the help of a cybersecurity expert to assess the damage and guide you on the best course of action. You should also disconnect the affected device from the internet to prevent further spread, and consider backing up your data to a secure location to prevent future losses.

Cybercriminals have found a profitable and sustainable "business" model in ransomware, putting every organization at risk. Paying the ransom is often the easier and cheaper way to recover data, but supporting this model will only lead to more ransomware attacks.

Law enforcement agencies discourage making payments to ransom demands as it encourages continued criminal activity and may even be illegal, as it funds criminal activity.

Engage with professional incident response teams, law enforcement, and regulators before negotiating with attackers to ensure a safe and secure resolution.