Written by: Griffiths & Armour on: 16 Dec 2019
Ransomware attacks
Ransomware attacks appear to be on the increase again, potentially being fueled by some organisations being prepared to pay the demands of criminals. Such attacks can have a debilitating effect on an organisation’s activities, negatively impacting upon their financials and reputation.
In the worst cases organisations fail to recover their encrypted data leading the serious long-term implications. Standard good cyber security practice can significantly reduce the risk of ransomware.
Here are 5 top tips for helping your organisation avoid falling into a ransomware trap.
- Apply security patches to operating systems, applications and firmware as soon as possible.
- Use anti-malware software that monitors for unusual network activity.
- Introduce filtering of suspicious emails.
- Train and educate staff and users to identify suspicious emails.
- Regularly back up your essential data and regularly test backups to make sure they work.
- Arrange access to specialist cyber incident response services. Cyber insurance cover often includes 24/7 access to these services.
Further guidance on good cyber security and incident response practice is available on our Cyber insurance cover page.
If your organisation has unfortunately been the subject of a successful ransomware attack, an invaluable resource is available via the ‘No More Ransom’ project. This Europol sponsored service provides details of all known ransomware and available data un-encryption solutions.
Our Risk Management team highly recommend that you signpost the No More Ransom online facility in your cyber incident response plans and relevant playbooks. You can visit the ‘No More Ransom’ website here.
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