Ransomware, it security and maintaining it security

Ransomware, IT Security and Maintaining IT Security

Great caution must be exercised when choosing outsourced solutions such as data entry services or data cleansing services.

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Digitization is transforming the digital world, with outsourced solutions playing a big role in helping organizations manage various business processes. Digital transformation provides opportunities to speed up innovation and change and advance operations. As each of these digital advancements creates a new vector for risk, it is important to ensure data protection and data security when introducing new technologies into your organization. In a digital economy, businesses -- small or large -- can reach out to a larger section of customers and ensure better decision-making. But these same capabilities can also amplify mistakes and make exposure to business risk more systemic which can lead to losing potential customers, market share and value.

The business world is reeling from the attack of the WannaCry ransomware that is a virulent virus that hit hundreds of thousands of computers worldwide in May 2017. It is much more dangerous than other common ransomware types because it can spread itself across an organization’s network by exploiting critical vulnerabilities in Windows computers. This virus searches for and encrypts 176 different file types and appends .WCRY extension to the file name. It asks users to pay a ransom of US$300 in bitcoins.

The ransom note says that the payment amount will be doubled after 3 days, and if the payment is not made after 7 days, it claims the encrypted files will be deleted.

Recently, companies across Europe and others based in South Africa were hit by Petya.

Petya is the latest WannaCry that has threatened the world of information technology and it is important for both individuals and businesses to be vigilant. To avoid any loss of data, businesses should focus on security of information. All security systems have to be upgraded, and it is important to ensure that sensitive information is not easily accessible.

So here are some effective steps businesses can take to safeguard data: •

Use of a strong password is highly recommended as it prevents unauthorized access to confidential data. Strong passwords need not be long but should use a different combination of alphanumeric characters. Typically, people have a tendency to use the same password on all accounts but it can lead to unauthorized entry and the other accounts will also be compromised.

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Using a two-factor authentication method is very effective in ensuring security and confidentiality. This authentication method seeks to guarantee the identity of system users and prevents critical data from falling into the wrong hands and misuse of it. Use of Two Factor Authentication also known as 2FA or two step verification requires not only a username and password but also some distinct piece of information that only that user knows to ensure an extra layer of protection.

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Use of biometric authentication like finger prints and iris is also effective for protecting data. These biometric technologies are proven to be the most secure e-locks.

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Similarly it is also important to ensure that all operating systems and anti- virus software are regularly updated.

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Regular software upgrade is a must and it should be performed because some programs may not run very well or even fail to run after an operating system upgrade. The objective is to make all the systems secured and ensure that no loopholes or weak links exist in the system.

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Another major security measure that people often forget is regular backing up of data. Without a proper backup or data restore plan, your business could be at grave risk of losing vital information. You can go for an automatic periodic data backup strategy, which is the best way to make sure that your information is backed up.

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Corporate mails, application and web servers should be protected by firewalls.

This will restrict access to sensitive files in servers. These are powerful computer security systems that will monitor and protect your office and home computers, and prevent intruders and malicious codes. They provide protection against harmful software that may enter your computer systems.

The above mentioned measures should help ensure maximum security for your business information security tips. Such measures can be implemented by your network administrators to allow traffic to your servers, while ensuring that you have total control over the traffic that flows in and out of your systems or networks. Business organizations as well as individuals must be extremely cautious about their online security. This also means that great caution must be exercised when choosing outsourced solutions such as data entry services or data cleansing services. Make sure that the partnering service provider has effective security measures in place to ensure safe transmission and organization of data.

www.managedoutsource.com

(800) 670 2809