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Ransomware (Malware) Costing Business Billions – How does it affect your Perth business?

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According to Bella Wilkinson, Recruitment Insurance Broker at Gallagher’s, malware is the most predominant cybercrime threat in Australia, according to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC). And ransomware – a virulent type of malware – is a rising threat to businesses in Australia and abroad. But what is it? And how does it affect your business?

What is ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software (otherwise known as ‘malware’) that restricts people from accessing their computer or smartphone, or individual files stored on them. Attackers extort money from their targets by holding their device or data to ransom, often threatening to release or erase it to force payment.

Security vendor Symantec has seen an explosion in this type of malware across the globe, according to the latest Internet Security Threat Report 2016 (ISTR), and Australia is one of the most heavily affected regions. Symantec blocks an average of 250,000 potential ransomware-loading attachments every year in Australia alone, representing a 141 percent increase in attacks over the last year.

How can ransomware affect your business?

The services industry is the sector most affected by ransomware, accounting for 38 per cent of reported infections in the last year. Businesses in this sector, such recruitment agencies, handle high volumes of data and typically integrate with various internet services and applications that expose them to infections.

Recruitment agencies are particularly vulnerable to attacks. Downloading files like applications, CVs, portfolios and contracts is an essential and everyday function for a recruiter, but antivirus software may not always pick up on files that contain ransomware.

And what’s more, data (and the ability to access it) is the most important asset a recruitment agency has. You know that without it, you can’t process candidates or fill positions – and ransomware attackers know this too.

Ransomware is a type of malicious software (otherwise known as ‘malware’) that restricts people from accessing their computer or smartphone, or individual files stored on them. 

Calculating the cost of ransomware

As the threat of ransomware grows, so does the cost. In Australia:

  • Cybercrime has cost $1.2 billion in the past year;
  • An average 24,000 attacks occur each day, costing between $420-$700 per incident; and
  • 13.7 hours are lost per attack.

But a ransomware attack implications beyond the cost of the ransom itself. Businesses that experience a ransomware attack face:

  • Cost of replacing compromised devices
  • Loss of proprietary data
  • System downtime, which affects ability to operate
  • Reputational damage
  • Potential legal penalties arising from poor security or handling of data

Is your business prepared for ransomware?

Most businesses have an IT policy and a disaster recovery plan, but surprisingly few are adequately prepared to handle a ransomware attack. This is in part because they don’t understand the risks, and because ransomware threats evolve at a pace that antivirus software struggles to keep up with.

As a business owner/manager, ask yourself:

  • What would you do if you received a ransom demand? Would you turn to your Head of IT, the legal department, law enforcement, or someone else?
  • How would your business cope if it lost access to its data? Would you still be able to contact candidates and clients?
  • What would you do if an attacker threatened to release your database? What would happen if personal information about your staff and clients was released?

Having an executable plan for a ransomware attack is the key to minimising its impact on your business.

Recruitment agencies are particularly vulnerable to attacks. Downloading files like applications, CVs, portfolios and contracts is an essential and everyday function for a recruiter, but antivirus software may not always pick up on files that contain ransomware.

How to deal with a ransomware infection

If you experience a ransomware infection, you should follow these steps:

  • Isolate the infected computer. Disconnecting infected laptops, computers and smartphones help prevent the ransomware attacking other network drives.
  • Don’t pay the ransom. There’s no guarantee that an attacker will decrypt your files or restore access to your advice, and the ransom may be used to fund attacks against others. Explore your options first.
  • Explore your options. You can restore any damaged files from a backup and minimise the amount of time your system is down. As a rule, you should be backing up at least once a day. You can also attempt to decrypt your files, accept the loss of data and wipe your infected drives, or pay the ransom.

Are you prepared for a ransomware? Engaging a proactive IT support partner, like Domain Digital, can ensure you are as protected as possible and in the event of an attack, back up and running as quickly as possible with minimal data loss and system downtime. Visit www.domaindigital.com.auor call us on (08) 9441 6300 to find out how we can help protect you.

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