Is Your Business Vulnerable to Ransomware?

Ransomware has been in the news lately as a string of attacks has hit healthcare systems in at least four states. Is it coincidence that these attacks hit when healthcare systems are already under extraordinary strain due to the COVID pandemic? Probably not. The criminals who coordinate these attacks take advantage of vulnerable organizations and populations. 

Medical organizations are especially vulnerable because they simply can’t afford for their patient files to be compromised when lives are at stake. 

Other factors that make a target attractive are:

• Organizations that routinely store sensitive data, like law firms
• Universities, due to the sheer amount of file sharing and traditionally small IT support departments
• Retailers, or any company with customer credit card data
• But, really, any company with confidential personal or financial data! 

And, although many attacks are targeted, some simply spread via the internet. 

Is your business vulnerable? Learn more about ransomware from NSG.

Could Your Business be a Target for Ransomware?

Ransomware has been in the news lately due to recent attacks on vulnerable healthcare systems. Do you know what ransomware is, and if your business could be a target?

Ransomware is an attack that takes your files hostage for ransom. An attack uses a file that encrypts or blocks access to targeted files on your computer or network. After it infects your computer, it displays a message instructing you to pay up or lose your data or functionality. The message itself gives instructions for payment. Paying is no guarantee you’ll get your files back – these are criminals, after all! 

Ransomware attacks can target home users as well as businesses that have IT support, and can have a catastrophic affect due to:

• Temporary or permanent loss of data
• Disruption of operations
• Cost to restore files
• Loss of client trust

How do you know if your company is vulnerable? Learn more or contact NSG. We’ll audit your network and make recommendations for keeping your business safer.