Businesses around the globe are geared-up and ready for the new year. They have made their companies’ resolutions, or perhaps set quarterly goals, yearly goals and are eager to have their best year yet. For cyber attackers, it is just business as usual. New year, same remorseless attacks and data manipulation. However, this year could be the worst yet for cyber threats in reference to the billion dollar nightmare itself — ransomware. Just like your company’s goals are to increase annual revenue, so is theirs’. And for cyber attackers, unfortunately, business is booming.
Ransomware Defined
Ransomware is a type of malware designed to hijack all of your data and hold it hostage, preventing you from accessing it until a certain amount of money is paid in exchange. This malicious activity usually reaches your system in the form of an email link or attachment, or through websites and web applications other than social media. Twenty-sixteen was the most profitable year on record for attackers, with $209 million paid to ransomware criminals in Q1 alone.
Implications/Evidence
In 2016, 47 percent of businesses reported being hit by ransomware at least 1 to 5 times. Furthermore, 4 percent of those businesses were attacked 6 to 10 times, 1 percent took a blow 11 to 20 times, and 1 percent were hit by ransomware attacks more than 20 times. From a financial perspective, there was an average demand of $679 during a ransomware attack in 2016, which is a significant increase from the average demand in 2015 of $294. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has stated that ransomware attacks are on-track to receive $1 billion in 2017. Also, the United States has increased the cybersecurity budget by 35 percent for the upcoming year and has since created a new position for a U.S. chief information security officer.
What does this Mean for your Business?
In order for your company to achieve its goals in 2017, you need to be protected from these possible attacks by having strong network security. Additionally, it is important to keep all of your company’s data backed-up in the event of a cyber attack. Ransomware is no joke — but with the right network support, IT consulting and computer security, the threat becomes significantly less dangerous.
ABR Systems Group is Here to Help
Call your IT consultant in Bowling Green, and take that next step in strengthening your computer network support system. Your ABR network consultant in Bowling Green will guide you through selecting the appropriate anti-malware software for your business and assist in communicating the importance of cautious internet use to your employees.
Call ABR Systems Group for more details. Our small business IT support in Bowling Green, KY. is here to help!
