Being an employee of a small business comes with a lot of responsibility. Not only do you have to be aware of the day-to-day operations of the company, but you also have to be mindful of security threats that could potentially disrupt business operations. One such threat is ransomware.

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts a victim’s files and demands a ransom be paid to decrypt them. This can be a serious problem for businesses, as it can result in the loss of important data and downtime.

While there are no guarantees when it comes to cybersecurity, there are some steps you can take as an employee to help protect your company from a ransomware attack.

Cybersecurity Awareness

One of the most important things you can do to protect your company from ransomware is to be aware of cybersecurity threats. This means understanding what ransomware is and how it works. It also means being vigilant about spotting red flags that could indicate an attack is underway.

Keep Your Software Up-To-Date

Making sure all your software is up-to-date is another important step in protecting your company from ransomware. This includes not only the operating system but also any applications that are installed on any of your company computers.

Outdated software can contain security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by ransomware attackers. By keeping everything up-to-date, you can help close these vulnerabilities and make it more difficult for an attacker to successfully encrypt your company’s files.

Use Strong Passwords

Strong passwords could be the difference between a successful ransomware attack and a thwarted one. Be sure to use complex passwords that are difficult to guess. It’s also important to use different passwords for different accounts. This way, if one password is compromised, the others will remain safe.

Consider using a password manager to help generate and keep track of strong passwords. Most password mаnаgers will аlsо include аn аutomаted password chаnge function that will help keep your pаsswords strong аnd up-to-date.

Multi-factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication is another security measure that can help protect your company from ransomware. This type of authentication requires users to provide more than one piece of evidence to prove their identity.

This might include something you know (like a password), something you have (like a key card), or something you are (like a fingerprint). By requiring multiple forms of authentication, it makes it more difficult for an attacker to gain access to your company’s systems.

Backup Your Data

Backing up your data is one of the most important things you can do to protect your company from ransomware. This is because if your files are encrypted by ransomware, you will still have a copy of them that can be used to restore your system.

There are a few different ways you can back up your data, including using an external hard drive, cloud storage, or a backup service. Whichever method you choose, be sure to regularly test your backups to ensure they are working correctly.

Make Use of VPNs

Using a VPN (a virtual private network) is another great way to help protect your company from ransomware. A VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a secure server. This makes it more difficult for an attacker to intercept your traffic and inject ransomware into your system.

VPNs can also help prevent your IP address from being exposed, which can be used to track your location and identity. So if you’re working out of the office or using public Wi-Fi, be sure to connect to a VPN first.

Avoid Unknown Links and Attachments

One of the most common ways that ransomware is spread is through phishing emails. These are emails that appear to be from a legitimate source but are actually coming from an attacker. They typically contain attachments or links that, when clicked, will infect your system with ransomware.

To protect your company from these types of attacks, be sure to avoid opening email attachments or clicking links from sources you don’t know or trust. If you’re unsure about an email, you can always contact the sender to confirm its legitimacy before taking any action.

Reporting Suspected Attacks

Even if you follow all of the tips above, there’s still a chance your company could be targeted by a ransomware attack. If you suspect an attack is underway, it’s important to report it to your IT department or company management immediately.

The sooner an attack is detected, the easier it will be to contain it and prevent it from causing any further damage.

No Security Measure Is Perfect

As an employee of a small business, you play an important role in protecting your company from ransomware attacks. By following the tips above, you can help make your company a harder target and reduce the chances of a successful attack.

However, it’s important to remember that no security measure is perfect. So even if you do everything right, there’s still a chance your company could be attacked. If this happens, the best thing you can do is report it to your IT department or company management immediately.

The sooner an attack is detected, the easier it will be to contain it and prevent it from causing any further damage.

Need Help With Improving Your Cybersecurity Posture?

Ready to take your cybersecurity game to the next level? Contact the friendly team here at GEEK911. We can help you improve your security posture and enhance security awareness in your organization.

Call (866) 433-5411 today!