Organizations of all sizes and across all industries are susceptible to ransomware attacks. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is taking steps to help organizations safeguard their data and networks against these attacks.
DHS this week provided the following security tips to protect data and networks against ransomware:
- Back up your computer. Conduct frequent backups of systems and files and verify these backups regularly.
- Store your backups separately. Store backups on a separate device like an external hard drive; that way, backups are inaccessible from a network and cannot be corrupted during a ransomware attack.
- Offer cybersecurity awareness training to your employees. Perform regular, mandatory cybersecurity awareness training sessions to keep employees up to date about evolving cyber threats.
In addition, DHS offered the following tips to prevent ransomware infections:
- Update and patch your computer regularly. Ensure applications and operating systems have been updated with the latest patches.
- Proceed with caution when opening web links and visiting web addresses. Avoid opening emails and clicking on web links from unknown senders. Also, pay close attention to website addresses, as malicious website addresses often appear almost identical to legitimate sites.
- Protect your personal information. Find out if a website uses encryption before submitting any information on the site.
- Remain informed. Stay up to date on the latest cybersecurity trends.
- Deploy preventative software. Use antivirus software, firewalls, email filters and other preventative software to guard against malicious network traffic.
MSSPs can protect organizations against ransomware, too. They can provide endpoint protection, managed detection and response (MDR) and other security services to help organizations quickly identify and address cyberattacks, as well as empower organizations with the insights they need to enhance their security posture.
