How to defend against ransomware attacks.

COVID-19 has thrown almost everything into complete chaos—and that might include your cyber security solution. It’s on you to take the necessary precautions to protect your company.

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that cyber criminals deploy to block users from accessing their own data unless they pay a fee or “ransom.” The hackers encrypt files on your system before typically adding extensions to the data they’re keeping from you so that you’re unable to access it until you pay up. The infection that the hacker has deployed within your system can spread rapidly—it can move quickly from your shared drives to your servers to any hardware being used within your network. 

In the age of COVID-19, your individual users may be more vulnerable than ever before. With each user operating from the comfort of their own home (and Wi-Fi network), the risk of a ransomware attack is greater than ever. Hackers know this, and you can guarantee that they’re exploiting the circumstances to their advantage. That’s where 42, Inc. comes in.

Taking the right precautions starts by collaborating with a qualified, experienced MSP. At 42, Inc., we want to give your team all of the tools required to protect your network from any number of cyber threats. And while a number of our services can be immediately applied to protect you from hackers, there are steps that your team can take on your own to solidify your cyber security. Here are some tips you can use right away:

• Always operate under the assumption that a link is unsafe. Check the URL, vet whoever sent it to you, and make sure you know what you’re clicking before you click it. (You can hover over a link to see where it’s going to take you.)
• Learn how to identify phishing emails too. It’s not just about ransomware. There are plenty of threats out there, and your entire team needs to be up to date on what’s lying in wait beyond the protective walls of your network. 
• Same goes for attachments—if the source seems fishy or the subject matter of the email seems especially out of the blue (or even a little out of the blue), think twice before opening. 
• Patch your home workstations. Just because you’re out of the office doesn’t mean hackers can’t find you. In fact, it’s quite the opposite—you’re probably more vulnerable in your home than you are at the office.
• Be mindful of your money. Don’t transfer money, gift cards, or any alternative form of payment without verifying where you’re sending it. If there’s a phone number or email listed on a contact page, use it—reach out before you actually finalize the transaction. It might seem like an overly cautious step, but would you rather have your sensitive financial information or data floating out in the world?

At 42, Inc., we’re acutely aware of the struggles you’re facing—the transition to full-time remote life (provided you’ve yet to return to the office) has been difficult for some, and it’s not just because your co-workers with children have suddenly become part-time teachers. Maintaining a unified front and having a predictable, reliable workflow when your team is so scattered can be extremely difficult if you don’t have the infrastructure in place. Zoom meetings have been a revelation for connection-starved teammates and for meetings with clients, but there’s a lot more work to be done beyond virtual meetings. And it starts with cyber security. 

From teaching your team how to protect against ransomware and phishing attacks to fortifying your firewalls, the presence of an experienced, high-quality cyber security provider can make a massive difference for your company. 42, Inc. works diligently with your internal team to make sure you have everything you need to remain safe and sound and out of harm’s way.

The longer you wait, the more likely you are to be a target. The best time to update your cyber security solution would’ve been several years ago—the second best time is today. Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you’re ready to protect your sensitive information with a high-quality, experienced MSP, look no further than 42, Inc.