How Real Is the Attack

“Kansas Heart Hospital declined to pay the second ransom, saying that would not be wise. Security experts, meanwhile, are warning that ransomware attacks will only get worse.”

Cyber-attacks like the ransomware one a few months ago at Kansas Heart Hospital are becoming more and more prevalent and costing companies millions. A ransomware attack is when a hacker covertly installs malware onto a company’s files that encrypt the victim’s files. The hackers will then request a ransom payment in return for the decryption key needed to recover the encrypted files.

These attacks are generally carried out by foreign groups that run themselves like any other business. They often include follow-up FAQ explaining the attacks and easy payment instructions. Some even have customer service help lines with reportedly very pleasant reps.

Who Does Ransomware Target?

Hacking used to be more about shutting down companies, but nowadays it is all about money (surprise, surprise). These hacking groups have discovered that they can make more money if they keep your computers running. As a matter of fact, hackers who run Botnets want your computer running as fast as possible. All companies are susceptible to these attacks, but some have increased risks. Any company that has medical records or financial data has a target painted on their back, especially when it comes to ransomware attacks. If this is you, you need to do everything you can to avoid getting hacked. Companies both big and small get hacked on a regular basis, so do what you can to protect yourself.

What to Do About Ransomware?

Being aware of the problem is the first step, but the difficult part is doing something about it. Solutions from spam elimination software to having a backup and disaster recovery option can help protect you, but the solution for each company varies depending on their vulnerabilities. Make sure to have the basics like quality antivirus, enterprise grade firewalls, and frequently tested backups as these are essential for any company.

Protecting yourself can be a very time-consuming process, and it can be difficult to know if you are actually safe from attacks like ransomware. If you want to sleep at night with the confidence that your business is in capable hands, consider working with a company like Swift Systems that can help you set up backups, antivirus software, and anything else you need to keep your company safe. Don’t let a vulnerability in your company cost you the money you worked so hard for. Partner with Swift and keep your company safe.

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