Ransomware infections can be devastating, but the good news is that there are protective measures you can take right now to prevent your IT infrastructure from being hijacked:

• Backup all critical information and test backups regularly. Network-attached backups can also be affected by ransomware, so critical backups should be stored offline.
• Keep operating systems and software up-to-date with the latest patches. Doing so greatly reduces the number of exploitable entry points available to an attacker.
• Maintain up-to-date anti-virus software, and scan all software downloaded from the Internet prior to executing.
• Restrict users’ ability (permissions) to install and run software applications. This helps prevent malware from running or limit its spread throughout the network.
• Avoid enabling macros from email attachments. This is a common way malware is executed on computers. It is best to block email messages with attachments from suspicious sources. Do not click on unsolicited web links in emails.
• Use application white listing to block unapproved programs and malicious software from running.
• Report suspicious behavior of computers and servers immediately so they can be disconnected from the network and limit the spread of malware.

We’re ready to work with your people to set up more effective security policies and best practices that can better defend your business. Contact us today: 800.787.4848 or jnolte@ctsmd.us.