Ransomware: An existing 'undercurrent' threatens businesses

Ransomware is the name of a malicious code that encrypts data on a victim's device and blackmails them. The victim cannot recover the data encrypted by the ransomware. They display a request for victims to pay a 'ransom' for data using the Bitcoin digital currency. However, even if the victim pays to save his important data, it is unlikely that the cybercriminals sent the correct decryption key. Therefore, ransomware becomes a nightmare for businesses, especially small and medium enterprises.

'Small businesses can download the free CyberFit Score tool from Acronis Cyber ​​Protect to scan their computer systems. The tool will make the appropriate security enhancement recommendations. '

In August, the University of Utah (USA) was affected by ransomware to employee and student data of the school. School administrators have been forced to pay a ransom of nearly half a million dollars so that hackers don't publish important data online.

And most recently in October a series of hospitals in the states of Oregon, California and New York (USA) became the target of the Eastern European cybercriminal group with the Wizard Spider or UNC 1878 cyber attack campaign with malicious code. ransomware, forcing US federal officials to call on health care facilities to re-build information technology systems.

Experts say that these attacks are at a bad level when the shutdown of computer systems for medical services in hospitals can lead to a loss of life.

According to data released from Acronis Cyber ​​Protect, US hospitals have become a major target for cybercriminals when it recorded nearly 1,000 successful attacks of ransomware in 2019.

Small and medium businesses often operate on networks that are not tightly established or uniform, with loosely secured computers. Therefore, this is a lucrative target of cybercriminals, especially ransomware type malware.

Choosing to use combined network security solutions such as Kaspersky Internet Security for computer systems including firewalls, virtual private networks, anti-virus, private data protection online can bring about initial results. in ransomware prevention. At the same time, businesses need to organize information security training for all employees to minimize errors. '

"Data is a vital resource of the business, so businesses need to have a plan to back up important data daily, weekly and monthly in addition to using security solutions. Small people can choose specialized software for data backup to automatically meet the appropriate requirements such as Acronis Backup for Business Data backup is the most effective way to restore data in case of malware data cryptocurrency ".

Isabella Humphrey

Update 18 November 2020