IT Services Provider Boston, MA Ransomware Survival Guide

How to Survive Ransomware

Even with new security measures, ransomware groups are constantly evolving to adapt to them and launching new ways to extort victims. As long as these gangs successfully get businesses to pay up, attacks will continue to increase and expand.

Luckily, there’s good news. With proper managed IT services preparations, you can minimize the risk of a ransomware attack and mitigate the impacts if an attack does occur. In this blog, we’ll explore the best defense against ransomware and provide you with practical steps you can take to start protecting your business today. 

What is Ransomware? 

Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts files on a device or network, making them unusable until the victim pays the attacker a ransom. What started as a simple virus spread through floppy discs in the late 1980s has now evolved into a billion-dollar cybercrime industry. Hackers use ransomware, which is malicious software, to deactivate or restrict an online resource. If a business doesn't pay the ransom, these criminals will permanently block access to the data. The hackers then give the company instructions on paying the ransom in exchange for receiving the decryption key, enabling the business to decrypt the data and possibly access its files, databases, and apps. 

Please download this eBook and unlock the keys to protecting your business against ransomware: "Your Ransomware - Survival Guide"

• Top Attack Vectors
• Top Ransomware Trends
• Impacts of a Successful Attack
• Best Practices to Protect Your Business from Ransomware Attacks
• How to Respond to a Ransomware Attack

Best practices and Precautions

To protect against ransomware, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) recommends the following precautions:

Regularly update software and operating systems with the latest patches

One of the simplest yet most effective measures against ransomware is regularly updating your software and operating systems with the latest patches since cybercriminals often target outdated applications and systems.

Keeping your systems updated ensures security gaps and vulnerabilities are patched, making it much harder for attackers to find a way in.

Never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails

Phishing emails are a common tactic used by cybercriminals to trick users into clicking on malicious links or downloading infected attachments. Verifying the sender and email content before clicking links or downloading files is essential. If you ever receive an email from an unknown sender or a source you don’t recognize, it’s best to delete it immediately and warn your colleagues.

Back up data regularly on a separate device and store it offline

Regularly backing up your data is an essential precaution to minimize the risk of data loss due to ransomware. Keeping a copy of your data on a separate device and storing it offline will help you recover your data after a ransomware attack. Testing your backup system regularly is crucial to ensure the data can be restored when needed.

Follow safe practices when using devices that connect to the internet

Safe practices when using devices that connect to the internet include:

• Avoid public Wi-Fi networks
• Don't download files from untrusted sources
• Ensure your firewall is turned on

You should also ensure that your device has up-to-date antivirus software installed and that you use a secure web browser.

In addition to these measures, there are several other best practices that you can adopt to protect against ransomware:

• Anti-phishing and email security protocols and tools: These can include email filters that can help block malicious emails before they reach your inbox.
• Security awareness training: Regular security awareness training can help educate your employees to identify and avoid phishing emails and other common cyber threats.
• Vulnerability scanning: Routine scanning can help identify vulnerabilities in your systems and applications before attackers can exploit them.
• Automated patch management: Automating patch management eliminates the need for manual checks for outdated software/systems, saving time and ensuring your systems are consistently up-to-date and secure.
• Endpoint detection and response (EDR): EDR monitors endpoints, such as desktops, laptops and mobile devices, for suspicious activity and responding to any detected threats.
• Network monitoring: We monitor your network for suspicious activity and respond to any detected threats.
• Network segmentation: Segmentation means dividing your network into smaller, more secure segments to limit the spread of malware in the event of an attack.
• Identity and access management (IAM): IAM helps manage user access to your systems and applications, ensuring users only have the access they need to perform their roles.
• Strong password policies and good password hygiene: This involves implementing password policies that require users to create strong, unique passwords and regularly change them.  

Getting Started is Easy

Every new client relationship at Trivium Technology starts with our Comprehensive IT Assessment. Our IT Managed Services experts use technical tools, observations and interviews to gather the information necessary during your Assessment to support your needs. This information culminates in a comprehensive report that is reviewed with your team. Your report will include short-term and long-term IT planning recommendations and strategies.

A Virtual IT Department

Our goal is to become your Virtual IT Department. Our services are designed to help your business avoid problems or minimize their impact. We can support all aspects of your business with a Managed Services plan or customize what services you need with "a la carte" options. Your critical systems will have 24/7 proactive network monitoring to uncover any signs of trouble. We protect your business with a comprehensive battery of preventative maintenance tasks.

Here are the Trivium Technology ZERO-TRUST Security and Support Packages Options:

Click here for support package options and pricing details.

1. Security Essentials

• 24/7 Monitoring 
• Managed Anti-Virus / Malware Protection
• Windows Security & Third-Party Patching
• Cloud Backups (Image & File Level)
• System Optimization
• Workstation Data Encryption
• Monthly Monitoring Reports
• PRICING PER DEVICE / PER MONTH = $ 30

2. Business Security (Cyber Insurance Compliant)

• 24/7 Monitoring
• Managed Anti-Virus / Malware Protection
• Windows Security & Third-Party Patching
• Cloud Backups (Image & File Level)
• System Optimization
• Workstation Data Encryption
• Monthly Monitoring Reports
• Office 365 Suite / Google Workspace Management 
• Office 365 Suite / Google Workspace Backup 
• Email SPAM Filtering (Sandboxing / URL Re-Write) 
• DNS Web Filtering 
• Email / User Account MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) 
• Dark Web Monitoring / Alerting 
• Quarterly User Awareness Training 
• Software Vendor Management 
• Mobile Device Support (Email Only)  
• $20 for each Additional User Device 
• PRICING PER DEVICE / PER MONTH = $ 65

3. Zero Trust Security (Premium Security Service)

• 24/7 Monitoring
• Managed Anti-Virus / Malware Protection
• Windows Security & Third-Party Patching
• Cloud Backups (Image & File Level)
• System Optimization
• Workstation Data Encryption
• Monthly Monitoring Reports
• Office 365 Suite / Google Workspace Management 
• Office 365 Suite / Google Workspace Backup 
• Email SPAM Filtering (Sandboxing / URL Re-Write) 
• DNS Web Filtering 
• Email / User Account MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) 
• Dark Web Monitoring / Alerting 
• Quarterly User Awareness Training 
• Software Vendor Management 
• Mobile Device Support (Email Only)  
• Audit File and Application Access 
• RingFencing 
• Application Whitelisting
• Storage Policies 
• Storage Control 
• $25 for each Additional User Device 
• PRICING PER DEVICE / PER MONTH = $85

Trust the Managed IT Services Experts at Trivium

Trivium Technology, Inc. has over 25 years of experience providing ERP and Managed IT Services for growing companies across New England, New York, and New Jersey. Our team specializes in accounting and manufacturing software sales, service and support to small and medium-sized manufacturing companies. We are certified value-added resellers (VARs) for MISys® manufacturing and Sage 100 software. We are also Lenovo Premier Partners, Intuit® Solution Providers (QuickBooks® Enterprise), and Managed Services Providers for IT services. When you work with Trivium, you will get a tailored ERP solution for your unique business with the flexibility and functionality to scale up to meet the demands of your clients. We partner with our clients to manage all business system requirements to free up your time and resources to spend working in the business.

Contact us today!  Visit our website, call 978-219-2500 or email to learn how we can help your business. 

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• 10 Benefits of Managed IT Services for Manufacturing
• Your Time and Money are Scarce…
• Why have Managed Services

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