7 Ways to Help Prevent Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware Attack Prevention

Manager of Implementation & Support - Robbie Best

Ransomware - malicious software, or malware, designed to deny access to a computer system or data until a ransom is paid are on the rise. In 2018, ransomware attacks accounted for 15 percent of all cyber insurance claims in North America. Here are 7 Ways to Help Protect Against Ransomware Attacks now:

#1 Protect the SQL Server Environment - do not allow anyone to perform regular office work directly on your SQL Server. This includes connections utilizing remote desktop or any other kind of remote connection software.

#2 Backups Stored Off-Site - invest in an online backup program. Best Cloud Backup Services 2019. Not sure what needs to be backed up? Contact us now.

#3 Install and Maintain Antivirus Software - install and maintain antivirus software on your servers and workstations. If you have questions about configuring your antivirus

#4 Install and Maintain Anti-Ransom Software - a lot of antivirus software includes anti-ransom software but if yours doesn’t, you may need to obtain and run a separate anti-ransom software on your servers and workstations.

#5 Protect your Terminal Server from Hackers - one of the best ways to protect your terminal server from hackers is to use a VPN connection to your stores/users remoting into the server. If you don’t have VPNs configured, and you have static IPs at your remote locations, you can configure

an “Allowed List” in your firewall to only allow those static IP addresses to connect to your server. If that is not an option either and your terminal server is open to the outside world, it may be best to utilize remote desktop protection software or two-factor authentication software. Two examples are:

RDP Guard, a host-based intrusion prevention system that protects your Windows Server from brute-force attacks on various protocols and services, and

Duo Security, a two-factor authentication application for access to your network.

#6 Close Unnecessary Ports to your Network - close any open ports to your network in your network firewall, protecting it from the outside world and hackers.

#7 Train Employees on Virus Prevention in Email and on Websites - do not open email attachments from senders you do not trust. Look at who the email is from and confirm that the email address is correct. Be sure to assess whether an attachment looks genuine before opening it. If you’re not sure, contact the person you think has sent it and double check.