5 Steps to Mitigating the Risks of Ransomware for Utah Businesses

lock on laptop keyboard - ransomware risks and cyber threats

A ransomware attack can be a devastating event for a business. Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts the data on your computer, making it unusable. The cyber attacker then sets a price and demands a ransom payment in order to decrypt the data. Cybersecurity services and safety practices can help prevent successful attacks from occurring.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss five steps that Utah businesses can take to mitigate the risks of ransomware.

Recognize the Types of Ransomware Attacks

There are three types of ransomware attacks: direct, indirect, and email.

  • Direct: In a direct attack, the attacker will send you an email with an infected attachment. When you open the attachment, the ransomware will encrypt your data.
  • Indirect: An indirect attack is where the attacker compromises a website that you visit, and injects malicious code into it. When you visit the compromised website, the code downloads ransomware onto your computer.
  • Email: Email ransomware is similar to direct attacks, but the email will usually contain a link to an infected website instead of an attachment. When you click on the link, your computer will be infected with ransomware.

Educate and Train Your Employees

One of the best ways to protect your business from a ransomware attack is to educate and train your employees about cybersecurity. Galaxy IT offers comprehensive employee training on identifying phishing emails and malicious websites and what to do when they encounter them. For example, never open attachments or click on links from unknown senders.

Invest in Professional Cybersecurity Services

Another way to protect your business from ransomware is to invest in professional cybersecurity services. Cybersecurity experts can help you identify vulnerabilities in your system and provide recommendations on how to fix them. They can also help you create a comprehensive security plan that’s tailored to your business and industry.

Backup Your Data Regularly and Securely

One of the most important things you can do to protect your business from ransomware is to backup your data regularly. You should back up your data to an external hard drive, secure server, or cloud storage service. Be sure to encrypt your backups and store them in a secure location.

Disaster Recovery Plan

If your business is hit with ransomware, it’s crucial to have a disaster recovery plan. This plan should include steps for how you will restore your data from backups, how you will notify your customers and employees, and how you will communicate with the media.

Access Cybersecurity Protection Through Galaxy IT

By following these five steps, you can help mitigate the risks of a ransomware attack on your business. Cybersecurity is critical to protecting your business, so be sure to invest in professional services and create a comprehensive security plan. And finally, always remember to backup your data regularly.

For more information on cybersecurity and protecting your business, contact the experts at Galaxy IT. We offer a wide range of cybersecurity services and can help you create a custom security plan for your business. Visit our website or schedule a FREE IT Assessment to learn more.