Top Tips to Protect Cloud-Based Data from Ransomware Attacks

Image credit: “Cryptolocker ransomware” by Christiaan Colen – CC BY-SA 2.0.

One of the most common and devastating attacks against modern-day companies comes in the form of ransomware. All it takes is one unaware employee to click a link within a phishing email, and cybercriminals gain access to sensitive data. In the case of ransomware, the data is withheld from the company and requires a fee to release it.

Like the character Kit from an episode of The Resident (on fuboTV), anyone in charge of critical systems is forced to think about paying the ransom amount. After all, ransomware attacks can compromise confidential information such as internal communications, employee records, and unique processes. So how do you protect cloud-based data from such attacks?

Proper Training

One of the ways a business can take an active approach to protecting cloud-based data is through employee training. Systems can become vulnerable through things like weak passwords, clicking on unfamiliar email links, and gaps in other security processes. These employees are most likely unaware of the dangers and unintentionally putting the company at risk.

Consider additional training to familiarize workers with proper security protocol, how to create strong passwords, and avoiding phishing emails. Training is a great way to prevent intrusion from cyber criminals looking to hijack employee logins or gain access to company data with links that contain malicious code.

Backup Company Systems

Another way to subvert a ransomware attack is to back up company data regularly. While the ransomware attack focuses on the most recent data, companies can revert to a previous backup. This situation may result in some data loss, but the threat of losing everything is no longer possible.

Performing regular backup procedures may seem redundant, but it’s essential to maintain data security. Ensure that your company has a set plan in place in case of a ransomware attack. With a straightforward process in case of a data breach, you can quickly react to prevent further incidents.

Invest in Cybersecurity Tools

While solid training for employees and regular data backups help minimize risks, some tools can also help. There are specialized detection tools that can identify threats to data and detect breaching attempts. You should consider implementing these detection and response tools to watch over data stores continually.

There are many options for companies that would prefer to have detection and response performed by specialists. Cybersecurity management is available from several firms that focus exclusively on data protection. Consider hiring specialists to help keep company data safe from ransomware attacks if in-house management isn’t an option.

Summary

A business’s data is vital to ongoing operations, and sensitive information should never fall into the wrong hands. With ransomware attacks an ever-present danger to every company, securing and preventing intrusion is critical. Training employees to identify possible phishing attempts, improve password strength, and have transparent processes goes a long way.

Always back up data regularly to ensure integrity. If the worst-case scenario of a ransomware event occurs, a company could retain the majority of its sensitive data. Do not underestimate the importance of maintaining a recent data backup, as it could make a difference during a breach.

One of the other ways to prevent ransomware attacks is to be proactive. Detection and response tools can monitor data continuously and quickly identify possible issues. For even more specialized help, a cyber security firm can consult and work with your business to protect data. These companies focus purely on cloud-based data security and have access to the latest in technology.