Ransomware is on the rise in 2020;

What can you do to protect your network?

What is ransomware?

Ransomware is malware that cybercriminals use to infect computers and encrypt files until the user pays the “ransom” to free the data. Once installed, ransomware will spread to network devices and computers, encrypting files and rendering them useless until ransom demands are met – often monetary demands.

“Oh, it won’t happen to us…”

This is a statement we’re all too familiar with. Coveware reports that ransomware payments are on the rise, increasing 33% in Q1 2020 with an average payment of $111,605. But where do the attacks come from? Coveware reports over 50% of recent attacks occurred due to poorly secured Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), where access point credentials can be purchased from dark marketplaces for as little as $20. Aside from RDP, over 25% of Q1 2020 attacks occurred from phishing emails—a daily threat many of us receive in our inboxes.

As ransomware attacks rise, we can’t be complacent in assuming our networks are secure. We should instead assume our networks are insecure and evaluate solutions for data security. Assumptions that corporate networks are safe and operating as we intend are not always found to be true. Any weak link in the chain of your network can lead to a collapse.

Proactive Planning

The MCMTS cybersecurity team is passionate about ensuring your organization’s safety from these attacks. With proactive planning, MCMTS can help mitigate the risk of ransomware with advisory services to determine a custom action plan for potential cybersecurity vulnerabilities. For our clients, these services can range from evaluating network security, implementing two-step verification services, and even training office staff on physical security. How easy would it be for someone wearing an IT company polo to speak to your front desk staff and be escorted to your server room? We ask the difficult questions to protect you where you are most vulnerable.