5 Security Steps to Protect Users from Ransomware

Advanced security hacking techniques known as ”ransomware attacks” are on the rise, especially in the health care industry. Ransomware occurs when a cyber criminal encrypts an unsuspecting user’s data and demands payment in return for access. In most cases, there is not much to be done if data is stolen by a cyber criminal, and while it’s difficult to say whether any of these attacks could have been prevented, it is important to know about the proactive security measures organizations can take against acts such as ransomware. In this slideshow, WinMagic COO Mark Hickman offers five tips for protecting against ransomware.

Proactive Ransomware Security Measures

Click through for five steps organizations can take to protect users and data from ransomware attacks, as identified by WinMagic COO Mark Hickman.

Educate Yourself on Encryption

More and more organizations are turning to encryption as a means of securing data. Encryption providers that offer intelligent key management, i.e., the enablement of centralized encryption key management from within an organization, allow end users to control their own data. This method protects against third-party attacks on the network.

Understand Other Security Measures

In addition to securing your data via encryption, consider other security measures such as advanced threat protection technology that protects your network not just from the outside perimeter, but also from within the network. An integrated, layered approach to security will increase the chances of successfully fighting back a cyber criminal with malicious intent.

When in Doubt, Back It Up!

Consider replicating and storing important data on an external drive that is not connected to the hard drive within your computer or to the Internet. Backing up data is important because if lost or compromised, the data can still be retrieved from an isolated location. Make sure that when backing up your data, you’re able to access the information through another device, e.g., a brand new machine.

Stay Up-to-Date

Make sure to always install the latest security updates for your system. Patches are pushed out by OS providers for a reason – to protect end users from unknowingly compromising their data. Patching a security flaw will prevent cyber criminals from breaking into a network or standalone PC through a gaping hole. But remember, you can only be prompted by your OS provider to install a security patch, if your OS provider still supports this kind of protocol.

Protect Admin Passwords

If you see the user account control come up asking for the Administrative password, think twice; ask yourself do you really want to initiate the UAC dialog? If you’re not 100 percent sure, click NO!