7 Concrete Ways to Avoid Ransomware Attacks [UPDATED]

Editor's note: This post was originally published on November 15, 2020, and has been revised for clarity and comprehensiveness.

Are you worried about falling victim to ransomware attacks? Do you know the critical steps to protect yourself and your business? 

With ransomware becoming an increasingly sophisticated threat, businesses are more vulnerable than ever. Rob Schenk, the Chief Security Officer at Intelligent Technical Solutions (ITS), stresses that while cybercriminals constantly adapt, businesses can still mitigate the risk through proactive cybersecurity practices. In this guide, we break down the seven concrete ways to protect your organization and its data from ransomware. 

From strengthening password security to setting up reliable backup strategies, here are the essential steps you need to take to stay safe. 

How to Protect Your Business Against Ransomware 

1. Secure Your Accounts with Strong Passwords and MFA 

A robust password is your first line of defense against cyber threats. Combine complex passwords with multi-factor authentication (MFA) to significantly reduce the chances of unauthorized access. MFA requires users to provide two or more verification factors, making it harder for attackers to breach accounts, even if they obtain a password. 

To implement this, set up MFA on all critical accounts and encourage your team to use a password manager to generate and store unique, complex passwords. 

2. Regularly Back Up Your Data 

Backups are essential in any ransomware attack recovery plan. By maintaining regular backups of critical data, your business can restore operations quickly without paying a ransom. Ensuring backups are stored off-site or in a secure cloud service disconnected from your primary network will also help to avoid ransomware infection.  

How often should you back up your data? Schedule daily backups for vital files and verify their integrity regularly to ensure you can recover if needed. 

3. Keep Software Updated to Patch Vulnerabilities 

Outdated software is a common entry point for ransomware attackers. Regularly updating operating systems, antivirus programs, and other business software reduces vulnerabilities. Each update often includes security patches that protect against the latest threats, so keeping your systems current is critical. 

Whenever possible, enable automatic updates or assign a team member to check for and apply updates weekly. This proactive approach prevents attackers from exploiting known vulnerabilities. 

4. Train Employees to Recognize Phishing and Suspicious Links 

Your team members are on the front lines of cybersecurity. Educating employees on recognizing phishing emails and suspicious links empowers them to avoid ransomware traps. Phishing attempts often contain attachments or links that, once clicked, can install ransomware on a system. 

To strengthen your defense, schedule quarterly employee training sessions and conduct simulated phishing tests to evaluate their awareness. Continuous training helps reinforce best practices and keeps everyone alert to potential threats. 

5. Limit Access and Permissions Based on Role 

Not all employees need access to sensitive data or critical systems. By implementing role-based access control (RBAC), you can restrict permissions based on job responsibilities, minimizing the risk of ransomware spreading across your network. 

6. Use Managed Detection and Response (MDR) for Advanced Threat Detection 

Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services provide round-the-clock monitoring and advanced threat detection, helping identify ransomware attempts before they escalate. MDR combines human expertise and advanced technology to detect, investigate, and respond to threats in real time, offering a proactive approach to ransomware prevention. This service is especially valuable for businesses without an in-house security team, as MDR providers act as an extension of your IT team. 

Consider partnering with an MDR provider to enhance your cybersecurity posture with real-time threat detection and response. 

7. Invest in Cloud App Security Solutions

Cloud-based applications are integral to modern businesses but can also become points of vulnerability. By investing in cloud app security solutions that offer real-time monitoring and alerting, you can gain better visibility into suspicious activities and act promptly to mitigate potential threats. 

These solutions continuously monitor your applications, flagging unauthorized access or unusual behaviors that may indicate an impending ransomware attack. Ensure your solution includes robust encryption, user behavior analytics, and customizable alerts to stay a step ahead of cybercriminals. 

Ready to Protect Your Business from Ransomware? 

Ransomware attacks continue to be a serious threat to businesses of all sizes, but by following these seven essential practices, you can significantly reduce your risk. From implementing strong passwords and regular backups to training employees and limiting access, each step builds a stronger defense against potential attacks. 

Remember, proactive security measures are always more effective than reactive ones. Regularly updating your defenses and educating your team will keep your business prepared against the evolving tactics of cybercriminals. By taking these steps now, you protect your data, ensure business continuity, and avoid the costly consequences of a ransomware attack. 

If you want a cybersecurity strategy customized specifically to your business, talk to one of our ITS cybersecurity consultants. You may also check out our free Learning Center resources on ransomware: 

• [FREE EBOOK] Everything You Need to Know About Ransomware Before, During and After an Attack 
• [FREE CHECKLIST] What to Do in a Ransomware Attack