The recent WannaCry Ransomware attacks have highlighted real consequences for businesses of all sizes who do not have Cyber Security processes in place.
As a small to medium sized business, you may think you are too small to be of interest to hackers. In reality, you are their ideal target. Ransomware attacks often impact individuals or small and medium sized businesses who are less prepared to defend against such an attack.
The recent high-profile infection of ransomware ‘WannaCry’ made headline news in over 100 countries because once this infection was in a network, it spread through the entire system on its own. This means you don’t have to be big enough to catch a hacker’s attention, as the virus is designed to spread to as many computers as possible, without consideration of size or type of business.
What is Ransomware?
Ransomware, such as that used in the recent WannaCry attack, hacks the files on your computer system and blocks your access to them. They then demand a ransom (usually to be paid in BitCoin) for the release of your files.
Why Should I Worry About Ransomware As A Small To Medium Business Owner?
What would happen if you lost every file on your business computer system? Would you be able to continue to run your business? How much revenue would you lose while you rebuilt your files and systems?
Would confidential data about your customers and business be in the hands of hackers? How would that effect your reputation? What would happen if that data was released to your competitors?
The answer to all those questions, is why you should worry about Ransomware.
According to the Telstra Cyber Security Report 2017, 60 per cent of Australian businesses experienced a ransomware incident last year. Of these incidents, 57 per cent paid the ransom - but at least one third of those did not recover the impacted files.
How Do I Protect My Business From Ransomware?
There are a number of simple things you can do that will go a long way towards protecting your business from cyberthreats such as ransomware.
Remember to apply these measures at home as well as work and finally, like the flu, viral software does not discriminate. These types of attacks will infect any network it gains access to, regardless of what type of business you have. Practicing good cyber “hygiene” using these simple, convenient and low cost tactics, could save you a lot of money, frustration and heartache in the future.
Further Resources:
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