If your company’s software systems aren’t ironclad, you’re playing with fire. From 2015 to 2016, ransomware attacks spiked 6,00 0 percent, according to a December 2016 study from IBM Security.
During the first three months of 2016, cybercriminals earned nearly $209 million from ransomware attacks, according to the FBI. The total for 2016 was expected to reach nearly $1 billion.
What is a Ransomware Attack?
If your business is the victim of a ransomware attack, the data on computers and other devices used by employees will be encrypted and held for ransom. Quickly becoming more prevalent, ransomware composed nearly 40 percent of all spam emails sent in 2016, according to IBM X-Force research.
Protect Your Company From Ransomware Attacks
More than 69 percent of senior executives surveyed in the 2017 report, “Enterprises Re-engineer Security in the Age of Digital Transformation,” by Forbes Media and global IT solutions firm BMC, are planning to restructure their cyber strategy, due to the changing digital climate.
Invest in Secure Technology
Powering your systems with old, outdated technology makes your company especially vulnerable to threats. The Forbes Media and BMC report recommends investing in flexible and adaptable systems that can easily absorb new data if breached.
Protect Key Data
More than just protecting software, you also need to safeguard the data inside your systems, according to the report. The growing prevalence of data housed in cloud and mobile technology must be addressed.
Safeguard Data Against Known Threats
New security breaches appear all the time, but plenty of well-known threats continue to plague businesses. According to the report, 64 percent of companies plan to increase spending to safeguard against known security threats in 2017.
Sharpen Incident Response Capabilities
When a ransomware attack strikes, you need to fight back fast. Over the next year, 68 percent of executives who responded to the report said they plan to build better incident response capabilities.
Enhance the Role of First-Line Managers
More than just a concern for IT, first-line managers need to be actively involved in the prevention of ransomware attacks. The report revealed 72 percent of company leaders want line-of-business managers to help develop security strategies.
From safeguarding your company against ransomware attacks to hiring dynamic new employees, your workday is pretty busy. ECS is here to ease the burden by assisting with your contingent labor workforce. Contact us today to find out how what we have to offer.