Ransomware On The Rise, It’s Time For A Better Defense

The rise of ransomware attacks across the U.S. has businesses of all sizes on edge, and for good reason. Cybercriminals are becoming more advanced and demanding higher ransom payments from their victims. As the news continues to flood with latest attacks many people are starting to ask themselves, “Is my data at risk? Could my business be next?”

Without a healthy cybersecurity posture in place, it can happen to anyone.

In May, the Colonial Pipeline paid the hackers $4.4 million due to a compromised password. Not long after, JBS, the world’s largest meat processor, was forced to pay $11 million in ransom. Earlier this month, Kaseya, an IT solutions developer, was demanded $70 million to end an attack. These events speak to the importance of prioritizing your cybersecurity.

IDT can enhance the stability of IT systems and provide cybersecurity solutions to fit the most specific business need. “From a cyberattack perspective, our level of support gives clients peace of mind knowing that their systems are constantly being looked at and managed 24/7. We see firsthand how our solutions paired with our ‘whatever it takes approach’ is what’s needed to protect all the sensitive data within a business,” says Robert Bell, Director of Operations at IDT.

Your IT should have a long-term cybersecurity strategy that addresses the challenges of today’s world. Whether you’re at home or in the office, vulnerabilities lurk around every corner. When the rapid shift to remote work hit the onset of pandemic lockdown, IDT put together a plan to support this change called Work Everywhere IT – with cybersecurity being a major component.

Robert continues to say, “When we work everywhere, we have to be secure. We see the major challenge of businesses letting remote employees work on their personal computers that could be infected with botnets and then having them connect back to the HQ network. Cybersecurity policies and the right remote management solution can prevent major disasters.”

What are some other cybersecurity tips you should consider?

1. Automatic Software Updates: Keep your operating systems as current as possible by turning it on for all personal devices. This includes applications on your cell phone; take special care to update anything you use to conduct financial or personal business.

2. Public Wi-Fi: While it can be appealing for business travelers, it is particularly vulnerable to security issues. Don’t use public Wi-Fi without a Virtual Private Network (VPN). It acts as a bulletproof vest for your internet connection.

3. Employee Education: The human firewall is one of the best security tools. Awareness Training can satisfy your compliance requirements and help you stay in the know. Everyone needs to understand the role they play to help combat security breaches.

4. Multi-Factor Authentication: Stop 99.9% of hackers with an additional security layer like MFA. It’s easy to use and the user is granted access to a website or application only after successfully presenting two or more pieces of evidence to prove it’s really you.

5. Be Careful What You Click: Phishing scams are the most common threat where hackers attempt to trick you into sharing personal information by sending links through email. Be suspicious of any email that is asking you to take some form of personal action.

IDT can help you build a reliable, security-minded workforce. We understand that now more than ever, businesses depend on data to function and survive. With the rise in ransomware, two of the most important investments you can make are 1) ongoing Cybersecurity Awareness Training for your team, and 2) a trusted managed cybersecurity service you and your customers can rely on.

As we continue through these summer months and enjoy a boost of relaxation, we must be mindful that cybercriminals never rest. We want you to be able to let guard down at the beach or by the pool knowing that IDT is always alert and attentive when it comes to your security. If you’re ready to take the next step in protecting your business, let’s schedule a call.