In today’s always-online business world, your company’s most precious resource is data. Your internal data and the personal information of your customers are vital components to the prosperity of your business. Unfortunately, cybercriminals also know this.

Today’s criminals aren’t breaking in through the window to steal your data. They’re using malicious software, known as malware, to hack into your network. Once inside, they’ll lock down your data and demand you pay a large sum of money to get it back. This cybercrime is known as ransomware, and it’s on the rise.

According to Malwarebytes, the number of ransomware variations has grown more than 700 percent since 2016. These variations make ransomware a difficult threat to prevent. However, there are ways you can avoid a cyberattack.

Cybersecurity Tips to Do Immediately

There are simple things you can do to make it harder for hackers to break into your network. Below are four ways to keep your IT safe from a digital disaster:

Conduct Regular Vulnerability Scans – By conducting IT risk assessments periodically throughout the year, your business can identify any holes or weaknesses in your security before hackers can break–in.

Install the Latest Updates – It can be easy to hit the “ignore” button on your computer’s latest software update, but you need to be clicking “download.” Hackers exploit weaknesses in the security of outdated programs, leaving you open to attacks.

Restrict User Access – Ask yourself, does every employee need access to your entire network? If the answer is “no,” then limit how much your employees can access. This practice will help your overall network security.

Educate Your Staff – All it takes is for an employee to click the wrong link or download a bad attachment for a cybercriminal to gain access to your network. Prevent hackers from getting in by teaching your team the tricks criminals use.

How We Can Help

If you’re a small or medium-sized business, it’s easy to put off maintaining your IT when you have so many other things to worry about. However, that kind of thinking is what hackers expect. Don’t leave the digital backdoor open for a data disaster; let us protect your data for you. Our team of technology experts can fortify your security, run vulnerability audits and teach your staff cybersecurity best practices. You don’t have to fight the threat of ransomware alone. Contact us today to find out how we can help protect your business.