Most companies these days have come to rely heavily on technology. From client data stored on remote servers to employees using their personal mobile devices to send and receive company emails, just about everything pertaining to a business is either stored or transmitted on computer networks.

Technology may make running a business more efficient, but the flip side is that it also means your company is at an ever-increasing risk of attack through malicious software. If your business is hacked, the consequences can be disastrous, making data backup and network security services vital.

What is ransomware?

Ransomware is a form of malicious software – or malware – that infiltrates a computer, network or server and then blocks access to data (sometimes threatening to delete it) until a ransom is paid. Once the software has taken hold of the system, a message is displayed when a user tries to access data, blocking access and demanding payment. Some recent ransomware examples have used a countdown to incite urgency and fear, while others have masqueraded as law enforcement agencies accusing the user of illegal online activities such as downloading pirated music.

There are variants of ransomware that are simple and can be reversed by someone knowledgeable in IT. However, in many instances, the ransomware is highly complex and cannot be reversed without a decryption key.

How does ransomware attack?

Ransomware usually enters the system in the form of a Trojan virus, tricking the user into providing access by sending a fake email, containing a link to a fake website where details or passwords need to be entered (this process is known as phishing). Although counterfeit, these emails and website links can seem legitimate at first glance and are often not picked up by standard anti-virus precautions. Another way that ransomware infiltrates is through downloading and installing seemingly benign applications (such as media players) that turn out to be malicious software.

Protect your business from ransomware

Having your client data held to ransom or – even worse – losing all your data, can have a severe impact on your company. In fact, many businesses do not recover from a major data loss catastrophe. TeamLogic IT offers a variety of network security services to provide vital protection against hacking and other malicious software intrusions. Our security solutions can be customized to your specific needs, and include 24/7 remote monitoring of your systems to identify and block spyware, malware, and ransomware.

In the worst-case scenario, if your data is compromised, we also offer data backup solutions to ensure that your business can recover quickly. Our backup and recovery services include both local (at your location) and remote (offsite or cloud server) backup options.

For further information on how our range of network security services and data backup can help protect your Plano, TX, company, contact TeamLogic IT today.

By on June 5, 2017   /   IT Services