It should be no secret by now that ransomware attacks can affect your business in various ways – from extended downtime to financial and reputational damage. To recap, a ransomware attack is a harmful operation wherein unidentified cybercriminals lock or encrypt your data. Only after paying a sizable “ransom” up front will the victims be able to get their files and data back.
All organisations, from SMEs to large corporations, are susceptible to ransomware attacks. Small to medium-sized firms are particularly vulnerable to these attacks since they might not have the means to strengthen their defences against cyber threats.
So, what should you do if you find your business in the midst of a ransomware attack? Keep on reading to find out!
1. Keep calm
When you first find out that your company’s cyber security has been compromised, it can be challenging to maintain your composure. A million thoughts will be racing through your mind and many business owners may rush to pay the ransom in the hopes of getting their data back.
However, in such situations, the first thing to do after being infected with ransomware is to maintain composure. Keeping your cool and maintaining a level head will ensure that you do not rush into any decisions that could potentially compromise your company’s cyber security any further.
2. Isolate the attack
Isolating the attack from other endpoints and storage devices on your network will help keep the virus contained. Disable Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, then disconnect the device from any LAN or storage device it might be attached to. This controls the propagation and prevents the ransomware from getting in touch with the perpetrators.
Just be aware that there may be more than one “patient zero” you are juggling. There are several possible ways for the ransomware to have gotten into your device and it could be idle on another machine already. So, treat each networked and linked computer as a possible host for ransomware until you can be certain.
3. Make a report
Make a report to the authorities as soon as you become aware of a ransomware attack.
Because ransomware attacks are illegal, they should be reported to the authorities as soon as possible. It is understandable that there are situations where businesses might consider simply paying the ransom and dealing with the situation on their own, such as wanting to keep the situation under wraps.
However, remember that the best way to prevent someone else from becoming a victim is to report it. The authorities’ understanding of who is responsible for assaults, how they get access to your system, and what can be done to stop them grows with each reported incident!
Prevention is better than cure
When it comes to ransomware attacks, prevention is the greatest kind of defence. Without strong preventative protection measures in place, your business may frequently find itself faced with ransomware attacks. Why put your business in a situation where you have to recover from a ransomware attack when you can prevent it from happening altogether?
If you are looking to strengthen your organisation’s cyber security plan, TYPENT is the company you can trust. We offer a range of products and services such as Singapore firewall services, Fortinet Fortigate, email security solutions, antivirus software, Trend Micro EndPoint Security and more, to help you protect your company’s data and network from ransomware attacks. In addition to offering a selection of reliable products, we are specialists in the field with over ten years of expertise and can help you create a tailored cyber security plan for your business.
Do not hesitate to contact us today for more information!