Ransomware attacks have become a massive problem for almost every industry and every organization size. In the U.S., federal officials have called it one of the biggest threats currently facing the nation. During the last year, criminals have attacked schools, shipping agencies, healthcare organizations, medical trials, and more. Given the impact these attacks can have on organizations everywhere, security professionals need to secure their systems, networks and software in new ways.

What is a Ransomware Attack?
Ransomware is a specific type of malware that holds data hostage in exchange for a ransom. As an attack methodology, it has the potential to cause severe damage. Phishing emails are a common delivery method, but ransomware can also be spread through drive-by downloading, which is when a user visits a website that’s infected. Advanced attacks take seconds to compromise endpoints, and ransomware attacks take seconds to damage your systems and infrastructure. That’s why it's critical to ensure your organization is prepared. As attacks grow in sophistication, the impact of ransomware goes beyond financial losses and the productivity loss associated with systems going down.

Attempted attacks and data breaches are inevitable, and no organization wants to be forced to decide between paying a ransom and losing important data. Fortunately, those aren’t the only two options. The best option is to keep from being forced into that decision in the first place. This approach requires a layered security model that includes network, endpoint, application, and data-center controls powered by proactive global threat intelligence. With that in mind, here are nine things to consider to give your organization the best chance of avoiding ransomware attacks.

With people hungry for news and information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, cybercriminals are ready to take advantage of everyone’s anxiety and seize this opportunity to steal data and compromise systems through phishing attacks that use especially devious Coronavirus-themed tricks. Here's the top three ways they're cashing in.

Cybersecurity threats are often associated with larger corporates and multinationals. But the truth is that – as with the recent WannaCry ransomware virus – businesses of any size are at risk.

2017 will go down as the year ransomware hit the mainstream, thanks largely to malware known variously as WannaCry, WannaCrypt or WannaCryptor 2.0.

WannaCry ransomware made global headlines recently as it infiltrated thousands of SMBs as well as larger operations like telcos, schools and hospitals, including some large-scale victims like the UK’s National Health Service.

No one wants to believe they'd fall for a phishing scam. Yet, according to Verizon's Data Breach Investigations Report, 30 percent of phishing emails get opened. Yes, that's right -- 30 percent. That incredible click-through rate explains why these attacks remain so popular: it just works.

It wasn't long ago when business owners primarily feared break-ins of their brick-and-mortar locations. Nowadays, business owners are just as fearful of digital attacks for good reason. A cyber security break-in has the potential to devastate a business just as much as a conventional robbery. Below, we delve into some tips that will help business owners and managers better secure their organization's data.

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