Follow Jeremy Linkedin Twitter Facebook
Email Jeremy Email
Technology
Feb 17, 2022

37% of Orgs Said They Were the Victim of Ransomware In 2021

Sponsored Content provided by Jeremy Tomlinson - Owner, Enfuse Technology Solutions

While ransomware has become increasingly common, less than 10% of the companies victimized claimed to lose money. That’s a good thing, as it indicates that while ransomware attacks may be on the rise, it also illustrates that businesses have heeded the warnings and are taking the precautions that are necessary to protect themselves.

So, what types of things are companies doing to protect their files and sensitive data from becoming encrypted and having to pay a ransom to the hacker to receive the decryption key? Here’s a look at some of the simple, yet highly effective strategies that business owners have put into place – and that you can try using, too!

Develop and Implement Training and Awareness Program
Developing and implementing programs that are designed to bring awareness to and train end users is an absolute must. Since end users are the most common targets of ransomware attacks, making sure that employees are aware of the threats of these malicious attacks, how these attacks are delivered, and how to identify them, is an absolute must. After all, you can’t very well protect your business if your employees aren’t aware of the dangers.

Enable Powerful Spam Filters
In order to block out phishing emails (attempts that are made by malicious entities in order to obtain sensitive information via email) from making their way to employees and authenticate emails that are coming into inboxes, implement technologies like Domain Message Authentication Reporting and Conformance (DMARC), Sender Policy Framework (SPF), and DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM).  These technologies are great, as they are highly effective at preventing email spoofing.

Be Diligent with Emails
Make sure that you – and that all of your employees – take care to scan all messages that come into inboxes. It’s also important to check outgoing emails to see if you spot any threats that may have been attached completely unbeknownst to you. Filter executable files that are utilized to perform various functions on computers so that they won’t be able to reach employees.

Create Firewalls (and put them in place)
Take the time to configure firewalls that will block any access to IP addresses that are known to have malicious intent. This simple tip can be a real lifesaver.

Scan for Viruses and Malware Regularly
Be sure to set up anti-virus and anti-malware programs. Set these programs up so that they execute scans on devices in programs (email, etc.) on a regular basis – and that they check your programs on a regular basis.

Manage Privileged Account Use
It’s also a good idea to manage privileged account that is based on the least privilege. For example, you should not assign any administrative access to any employee, unless doing so is absolutely essential. If it is necessary, employees who are assigned administrator accounts must be instructed to use them only when doing so is absolutely vital.

Configure Access Controls
This includes directory, file, and network share permissions, and the configuration should (again) be done with the least privileged in mind. For example, if it’s only necessary for an employee to access and read certain files, he or she should not be granted write access to the files, shares, or directories.

If you are concerned about the damage Ransomware or other security issues can do to your system, give us a call to go over our security options.



A UNCW alumnus and Army veteran, Jeremy has called Wilmington home since 1992. He started Enfuse Technology in 2011 to give small businesses a trusted IT partner to help navigate the quickly changing technology landscape. With almost 20 years of technical and management experience, Jeremy is passionate about helping people use technology. Experienced leading organizations through technological strategy and change, Jeremy loves helping businesses find out what they need from their IT systems to succeed. 
 
 

Enfuselogo 422122447
Ico insights

INSIGHTS

SPONSORS' CONTENT
Tommytaylor ceo unitedway

How Philanthropy Fits Into Your Financial Plan

Tommy Taylor - United Way
Mcwhorter 0005

The Coastal Corridor is Helping Wilmington Startups With Connected Devices for Life Sciences Industry

Heather McWhorter - UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Cfss headshots parker robert webversion 21422121214

The Latest Solar Scams and What You Can Do to Help Stop Them

Robert Parker - Cape Fear Solar Systems

Trending News

New Hotel Proposed Along Market Street In Ogden

Emma Dill - Mar 15, 2024

Businesses Reopen A Week After Grace Street Facade Collapse

Emma Dill - Mar 15, 2024

Tech Upskilling Cohort To Host First Wilmington Class

Audrey Elsberry - Mar 15, 2024

In The Current Issue

Q&A: Andrews Reflects On Leadership

Pender County Manager David Andrews is slated to retire this summer after 33 years in local government....


Park Progress

The planning for Pender Commerce Park began in the early 2000s when the county wanted to create an economic driver on its largely rural west...


Topsail-area Realtors Share Updates

Pender County Realtors recently shared updates about the coastal market at an event hosted by the Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Associa...

Book On Business

The 2024 WilmingtonBiz: Book on Business is an annual publication showcasing the Wilmington region as a center of business.

Order Your Copy Today!


Galleries

Videos

2023 Power Breakfast: Major Developments