How to Protect Your Network from Ransomware

From Using Cybersecurity Services to Educating Employees, Here’s How to Protect Your Network from Ransomware

Ransomware is a kind of malware that encrypts files, making them inaccessible. When the original owner of the files realizes what happened, the malicious actor demands payment, or what is essentially a ransom, to decrypt them. This is a growing threat to businesses of all sizes, and it’s important for every organization to take steps to defend against it.

The easiest way to mitigate ransomware attacks is by using cybersecurity services. The experts who work for a reliable managed service provider can devise and implement measures to keep malicious actors at bay. Here are some of the most effective steps they’ll take:

1. Keep All Software Updated: Software updates often include security patches that can protect from known vulnerabilities. Staying on top of these updates is part of total IT support. The techs will make sure to install all available updates for the client’s operating system, web browser, and other programs as soon as they become available.
2. Install Antivirus Software: Antivirus software can detect and remove ransomware before it has a chance to activate and encrypt the files. IT techs can install and maintain antivirus software on all the network’s computers, so it’s always running in the background. 
3. Use a Firewall: Firewalls can protect computers from unauthorized access. As part of their cybersecurity services, a managed IT services provider can procure, implement, and configure firewalls for their clients. 
4. Back up All Data Regularly: If files do get encrypted by ransomware, it may be possible to restore them with a recent backup. IT techs are trained to help companies devise and implement systems for continuously backing up all data to an external hard drive, cloud storage service, or other safe location. This ensures files are always readily available if disaster strikes. 

In addition to relying on the experts for cybersecurity services, there are a few steps that companies can take themselves to protect their networks from ransomware. These include:

1. Using a Password Manager: A password manager allows users to create and store strong passwords for all accounts. This makes it much more difficult for hackers to access any of them.
2. Using Multi-Factor Authentication: Multi-factor authentication requires users to enter an additional code when logging in. That means even if the password has been compromised, a malicious actor will not be able to get in because there is an added layer of security.
3. Educating Employees About Ransomware: One of the best ways to protect a company from ransomware is by educating all employees. Make sure they know how to recognize phishing emails and other scams, as well as how to create strong passwords and then protect them. 

By taking the above steps, an organization can reduce the risk of falling victim to ransomware. Should an attack occur anyway, they will already have measures in place—like data backups—to minimize the extent of the damage. 

Turn to NOYNIM IT Solutions for Comprehensive Cybersecurity Services

NOYNIM IT Solutions offers a variety of cybersecurity services to help businesses protect themselves from ransomware and other cyber threats. Our team of experts can help you assess your security risks, implement security solutions, and train your employees on cybersecurity best practices. Contact us today to learn more about our Denver IT services.