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Protect your business from ransomware by following our tips

How do you recognise and protect yourself against ransomware?

Ransomware attacks are a growing threat to both individuals and businesses. With a significant increase in the number of incidents and the financial damage they cause, it has become essential to understand and protect yourself against these cyberattacks.

What is ransomware?

Ransomware is a virus that’s installed on a device without the owner's permission. The virus holds the device "hostage" – by activating unusual lock screens, making files inaccessible or renaming them with strange extensions, slowing the device’s performance etc. – and the fraudsters demand a ransom to release it.

How do you recognise ransomware?

Discover an example of ransomware in the video below.

How can you protect yourself and your business from ransomware?

• Be vigilant: always check the sender of an email and don’t click on links or attachments from unknown senders.
• Secure your infrastructure as much as possible: protect your devices with antivirus software and firewalls.
• Only use official sites and platforms to download applications and software.
• Limit the type of actions that can be carried out with an administrator account.
• Raise awareness among your staff about scams aimed at stealing confidential information: each member of staff can be an entry point into a business!
• Regularly back up your critical resources.
• Control the installation of software on company devices by establishing a list of authorised software.
• Implement processes for access control and user provisioning
• Limit the use of removable media such as USB sticks

What should you do if your device is infected with ransomware?

• Disable WiFi and disconnect from the network if you think your computer is infected.
• Inform your provider or IT department so that you can restore a recent backup of your network and infrastructure.
• Immediately alert the police and the Belgian CERT (Cyber Emergency Response Team).
• Don’t pay the ransom: you have no guarantee that the blocked information will be released once the money is paid, and if you co-operate, that just increases the risk of another attack.

Ransomware is a persistent threat in the current digital landscape, but with the right knowledge and tools, it can be effectively managed and combated. To protect your business from the dangers of cyberattacks and fraud, read our tips and tricks by clicking on the link below.

Protect your business from fraud and phishing