7 Tips to Defend Against Cyber Attacks

Ransomware is one of the most dangerous cyberthreats to businesses — and it’s on the rise. The offending code infects computers, denying access until a ransom is paid. It’s typically delivered through spam emails, phishing or applications that target software vulnerabilities. The latest, and most effective, attacks involve crypto-ransomware. This malware uses unbreakable encryption on files until payment is received.

Ransomware attacks are becoming more sophisticated, involving a high level of expertise and cyberespionage techniques that are constantly evolving. An attack that disables operations and requires an extensive recovery plan can be a devastating blow for any organization. These seven tips can help your organization guard against ransomware and other cyberthreats. 
 

Protect your internet connection by setting up a firewall and encryption. Make sure your Wi-Fi network is secure and password protect access to your router.
 

All computers should be equipped with antivirus software and antispyware. Set up automatic software updates to ensure security fixes are in place. 
 

Once your security practices and policies are established, communicate them to all employees. Everyone should understand the consequences of policy violations.
 

The shift toward crypto-ransomware makes it more important than ever to back up your organization’s data. The ability to restore data quickly can make a big difference to profitability and reputation. Experts say automatic backup is best, or weekly at the least. Store data in several places, using off-site and cloud-based services. 
 

Control the number of people who have access to business laptops. Maintain an inventory of all business equipment and run regular audits on your networks to check for unauthorized device access. To protect your network, reserve administrative privileges for your IT team and key employees.
 

Enforce policies for creating strong passwords, using different passwords for different applications and changing them regularly.
 

Train employees to recognize social engineering techniques and avoid clickbait. They should pay attention to URLs and read all emails carefully, even those appearing to come from a known sender. Ask them to avoid opening unknown or unexpected email attachments (especially compressed or ZIP files) or clicking on links. 
 

At Amegy Bank, we’re always monitoring for security threats and working closely with you on helping to keep your account safe. Learn more about how to protect your business from a security crisis.