4 Ways to Protect Your Website from Ransomware Attacks

[This article was written by Anica Oaks.]

Ransomware attacks are taking place at an alarming rate, and that type of malware could cost your business well over $225,000. To prevent one of those attacks, you must follow a comprehensive cybersecurity plan that protects your website and all of your sensitive data.

Update Your Software

Many successful ransomware attacks are the result of outdated software that is full of vulnerabilities. That is one of the reasons why most software companies and developers release updates as often as once every week or two. As long as the software was created by a diligent and trustworthy company, you should make sure that automatic updates are allowed. You also have the option of manually updating all of your programs once every few days.

Educate Your Employees

The vast majority of cybercrimes are the result of employees making seemingly small mistakes. An employee could easily infect your entire system by clicking on a link or opening an email attachment. As soon as you hire a new employee, you must teach them the basics of cybersecurity. You should also make sure that they use strong passwords that can’t easily be guessed.

Work with an IT Consultant

Even though you and your employees are going to be your first line of defense against cybercrimes, there may come a point when you need to work with an IT consultant as well. One of those specialists can regularly check your website and servers for any potential vulnerabilities. They can also help you craft a solid security plan that includes employee training, website audits, and high-quality antimalware.

Regularly Create Backups

One of the best ways to secure your company’s website is to create backups as often as possible. With those backups, you should be able to get your website back online within a matter of hours if it is ever attacked or the servers go down for any reason. As a general rule, business owners should try to back up their data once every 24 hours. Most website hosts and server rental companies have software that allows you to create backups in the middle of the night so that it doesn’t interfere with your business.

If your website is successfully penetrated, then you must spend some time deciding if paying the ransom is the correct option. As a general rule, business owners should always avoid paying those ransoms unless there are extenuating circumstances. Giving the criminal money is going to encourage them to carry out more attacks, and your business could be targeted multiple times.

Author Bio:

Freelance writer and web enthusiast