Ransomware has been everywhere in the news lately. It seems like everyone is getting hit this year, including the city of Atlanta, the PGA, hospitals, and countless others—including private businesses who chose to pay up rather than face public scrutiny for what might be perceived as poor security practices.
Ransomware is a kind of computer attack which involves a hacker forcefully encrypting files on a computer network, usually by means of a network security flaw or tricking victims into running a malicious file. The hackers then demand to be paid for the decryption keys, which the victim needs to retrieve their files.
It’s not pretty. As you can see from the examples above, recovering from a ransomware attack can be extremely costly. Understand that the examples given are high profile targets to prove a point. The reality is that small businesses are even more frequently targeted.
If you happened to come across this post after becoming the victim of a ransomware attack, please go and read security expert Brian Krebs’ excellent guide Before You Pay that Ransomware Demand…
For the rest of you, please know that prevention is truly the best cure. In this post, we’ll examine a few strategies to prevent ransomware attacks.
Regular Backups Are a Must
If you have a regular data backup plan in place, it will be significantly easier to recover from a ransomware attack. Instead of losing all of your files (or worse, paying), you’ll be able to rest easy knowing that your files are safe and secure. If possible, try to keep your backups outside of your internet-connected network—that way, attackers have no chance of getting to them.
Train Staff in Best Security Practices
Your staff needs to understand a few key security procedures:
- Keep software and operating systems up to date at all times
- Use antivirus and/or anti-malware software
- Never open suspicious email attachments
- Perform regular backups if an office-wide solution doesn’t exist
Note that this list is non-exhaustive! Also, if you work in an office that allows employees to take devices home with them (e.g., laptops, tablets) make sure that they follow these procedures on those devices as well.
Yes, Hackers Will Try to Use Your Printer as an Attack Vector
If you have a networked printer—which you very likely do—understand that hackers will try to use it as an area of attack, just like any other computer or internet-enabled device. Make sure that your printer is secured on your network by following the manufacturer’s recommendations. If you’re unsure about your printer, it may be in your best interest to have a security audit for your entire network.
Let’s take a moment to discuss how Xerox products can protect you from ransomware and other attacks:
How Xerox Office Equipment Protects Your Business From Cyber Attacks
Ransomware and other kinds of viruses or malware can really wreck your day. The good news is that modern Xerox products meet ISO 15408 standards, which we discussed at more length in our post How to Balance Ease-of-Use With Security Precautions for Your Xerox MFP. That post is a must-read and an excellent follow up to this one. In a nutshell, a properly implemented and configured Xerox MFP or other device will be very secure.
To learn more about how Xerox products can help keep your business safe and vastly improve your entire team’s workflow efficiency, please feel free to reach out to us today at Preferred Document Solutions via email or by calling (719) 634-1134. You can also visit our convenient location on North Tejon Street in Colorado Springs.
If you already know what devices you’re in the market for, you’re more than welcome to request a free quote.
