Protect Your Office From Ransomware

STI Managed Services had one of its busiest Decembers due to offices being brought down by Ransomware attacks. These criminals are getting more and more creative. Some offices saw nearly a week of lost productivity. The most common attacks are from old and open Firewalls, clicking on infected attachments in emails, not maintaining security patches in your operating system, and the use of generic usernames with simple passwords. Learn how to protect your office from this type of malicious behavior before it is too late.

Firewalls
Firewalls are the defense between your office and the public internet. They should be upgraded every 5 years or so. The companies that make them are always coming out with new technology and will then no longer update the older ones.

Email Attachments
Remember to never click on any links or attachments unless you are expecting them. Even if you are expecting one, if it doesn’t seem right click with care.

Security Patches
Hackers use security flaws in Windows and other software to hack your system. Always be up to date with the latest operating system patches.

Username and Passwords
Everyone knows that the more complex a password is the harder it will be for someone to hack into your system. Did you know the same thing goes for usernames as well? If anyone in your office uses ID’s such as User, User1, Remote, Remote1, etc. please modify this right away. Your network needs to be reconfigured with more secure usernames and passwords.

How Should I Respond to an Attack
If you see a message that you’ve been attacked and they are asking for a ransom, immediately turn off all the computers in the office, including the server. (This is when backups become lifesaving to your business!) If you find that you’ve been attacked, contact STI Managed Services. We have over 25 years of experience dealing with viruses, spyware, and malware.