MSPs are all too familiar with the panicked calls received from prospects whose hardware has been infected by Ransomware. As they call for immediate assistance, you can hear their panic. We don’t want them to panic and rush in as the A-Team IT and solve their problems immediately. Instead, we make sure that we have a good conversation. Why? Before the client spends any money on ransomware elimination, we want them to be informed about the likely outcome. It’s too late for anything to be saved Ransomware decryptor.
Ransomware is a serious threat
Let’s start with some perspective. Ransomware is on the rise. Ransomware attacks have increased by 165 percent in the first quarter of 2015. Cyber security news is buzzing with stories of businesses being attacked by these malicious threats. Ransom ransom has been demanded for $17,000 to secure computer systems and hospitals.
The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center received 992 complaints last year about CryptoWall ransomware. Victims suffered losses of more than $18 millions. This is why the FBI recommends that businesses “just pay the ransom” instead of trying to remove ransomware. FBI! The FBI!
Ransomware removal is so difficult
Ransomware 2.0 is deceptively very good software. It blocks you from accessing your data, then searches for other victims in your network. You are more likely to get another infection if you have already had one.
The best way to avoid ransomware is to restore from a backup. However, we often discover that the client was only protecting their servers and not their data.
Unfortunately, no one is immune. Both small and large businesses are hacked at the same rate. Ransomware attacks can also affect personal and family photos. It is always a sad day when clients lose their personal memories. Although their business data may be protected on a secure server, personal files of our clients are often not. We have to wipe infected computers completely. The worst part is that this can be avoided.
Ransomware attacks are a threat
Preparation is key to staying one step ahead in ransomware attacks. Backup of your sensitive data is an important step you can take. Ask your MSP what tools they use. Security is best when there are multiple vendors involved.
Also, ensure that your staff knows which emails they should not open. Unknown senders should be blocked. Your staff should be vigilant and block any malicious websites. You can’t risk anything, as ransomware removal is not an option.
You can also use solid security tools and business processes as a way to protect your company. Talk openly with your IT provider. It’s been said 100 times, but data security is a matter of prevention more than cure. You may not be able to prevent total data loss.