Credible software manufacturers make sure the software programs they develop offer an acceptable level of data security. However, no software is perfect. Knowing this, cybercriminals constantly work to find vulnerabilities in popular software programs which they can exploit to gain access to your data. Security patches and software updates work to prevent this by fixing or patching known vulnerabilities.
So, you need to take the time to make sure that all of your software is up-to-date:
- operating systems
- browsers
- drivers and firmware
While it makes sense to start with the software on your computer, don’t forget your phones and tablets as well as other mobile and smart devices. It is important to keep all of your devices up to date, because cybercriminals can find ways to invade your network and data from any internet-connected device. For example, you have your work email configured on your phone. Compromising your phone can give them access to your work email and consequently to work data. Make sure all of your devices, are patched, updated and secured.
What happens, if your cybersecurity mechanisms are breached despite your best efforts to secure them?
This is where backups enter into the picture. Ransomware attacks are where cybercriminals gain access into your network or data and lock you out of your own system preventing you from accessing critical business data. In most cases, your data is encrypted, which means it won’t be legible to you. They then demand a ransom to unlock or decrypt your data. Unless you pay up, you won’t have access to your data. Even if you pay, there are no guarantees. After all, you’re dealing with criminals.
Having up-to-date, quality backups ensures you don’t have to worry about losing access to your data or paying up the ransom, which the FBI advises against anyway, as you would have a recent copy of your business data readily accessible. You can make backups on external hard disks, servers located at a location different from your place of business or even on the cloud. You want to ensure that any solution you choose actually provides ransomware protection. A drive left permanently attached or connected during a ransomware attack, may itself become victim and render your backup useless.
Good backup solutions offer peace of mind that your company won’t be held hostage by cybercriminals. Contact an MSP to design workable backup procedures that will protect you ransomware–and other disasters.
