A. Ransomware is a type of malware used by criminals to encrypt your data rendering it unusable. Since you need your data and software to run your business, you'll likely be willing to pay a ransom to the criminals to get your data back, that is, if you have no other choice.
To guard against ransomware attacks, implement these simple steps:
- Backup your data, ideally into the cloud in real time. This can be supported by having a simple secured backup drive in the office - not connected to the network and therefore exposed to malware;
- Add anti-malware, firewall and anti-adware software to better prevent phishing and trojan type attacks from reaching you and your employees;
- Education, no one in your office should click on ANY email links that are from unsolicited/unknown sources;
- Keep your computers updated with the latest patches. 98% of all successful attacks occur from vulnerabilities that are more than six months old;
- Test your ability to restore from your backup. Unless you test the process, you are not ready to address the ransomware threat.