Avoid a Blue Christmas With Cybercriminals

Avoid a Blue Christmas With Cybercriminals

Ransomware attacks don’t take a holiday, and cybercriminals count on the chaos and distractions of the season to catch you off guard. Our last blog post focused on why ransomware attacks increase during the holiday season. Here are some ways to minimize your risk of an attack during the most wonderful time of the year.

  1. Educate and train your employees. Before the holidays, remind employees about phishing scams and the importance of verifying emails and links. Use simulated phishing tests to reinforce awareness.
  2. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). Adding an extra layer of security can prevent attackers from gaining access to systems, even if passwords are compromised. This additional security requirement is one of the easiest ways to protect your credentials or data from being stolen.
  3. Update software and systems. Ensure all devices have the latest security patches installed. Outdated systems are more vulnerable to ransomware exploits.
  4. Use endpoint protection. Deploy advanced endpoint security solutions to detect and block ransomware attacks in real-time.
  5. Back up your data regularly. Ensure your data is backed up and stored securely, preferably offline. Regular backups can mitigate the damage if ransomware encrypts your files. You should also test your backups regularly.
  6. Conduct penetration tests to determine what vulnerabilities can be exploited. Penetration testing is an excellent way to discover what vulnerabilities exist in your environment and how they can be exploited. The results of a penetration test can you help address these vulnerabilities to minimize your risk of an outside attack further.
  7. Be cautious with links in emails. Scrutinize unsolicited emails, even if they appear legitimate. Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments unless you’re sure of their origin.
  8. Monitor unusual activity. Watch for anomalies, such as unexpected file encryption or system slowdowns, that may signal a ransomware attack.
  9. Partner with cybersecurity experts. Consider working with a managed service provider (MSP) or cybersecurity firm to monitor and protect your systems proactively. Many solutions are utilizing AI to automate processes, address potential threats as they occur, and create efficiency with your team.

Don’t have a Blue Christmas without protection.  Contact us today for a consultation or to schedule a penetration test.

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About the author
Jennifer Vosburgh is a seasoned Marketing and Communications professional. With over 15 years of experience, she has a strong background in Marketing, Communications, and Event Management. As Vice President of Tego Data Systems in Raleigh, NC, Jennifer is responsible for delivering full-scale Marketing Campaigns across all platforms including website, email, social media, events, and more.
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