Increased Ransomware Attacks: Protecting Remote Employees

With more employees working remote, unfortunately this can cause more exposure to new cyber security threats such as Ransomware. 

Ransomware is not new. They are designed to blackmail victims. By encrypting a target’s data, cybercriminals coerce victims to meet their demands such as handing over a credit card, bitcoin, or gift cards as an unlock “fee”.

The New York Times shared in early February 2020 that ransomware attacks had reportedly increased by 41% from 2018 to 2019 . And the trend is still going up.

Evolution of Ransomware Attacks

Ransomware was initially targeted at consumers to scare or trick them into paying a fine or complying with their attacker’s demand. However, hackers shifted their focus to targeted business attacks as the consumer ransomware landscape became overcrowded and less lucrative.

New work-from-home directives have left many employees vulnerable to attacks because they’re unfamiliar and unprepared for ransomware threats.

The Emerging Threats

Cyber security experts are warning about an increase in Coronavirus-themed cyber attacks targeting work-from-home employees. The attackers are using concerns and stress induced by Covid-19 to prey on staff working outside a secure office environment. 

Ransomware is distributed mainly via spear phishing emails, compromised RDP, or deployment on already compromised systems.

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) issued alerts in March specific to cybersecurity concerns regarding working from home. Some of these are based on compromising VPN software that was designed to provide secure access to organizations’ systems. 

The Impact of Ransomware

The full impact of ransomware attacks is unknown since private companies are free to not report attacks for any reason. 

Ransomware targeting public institutions such as hospitals, schools, and Police Departments can have devastating effects. Aside from financial loss, they have the potential of disrupting essential services and battering the reputation of target organizations. For private organizations, the downtime and loss of customer’s confidence can ruin a business.

Why Increase in Attacks?

Most employees working from home are working under unfamiliar circumstances. They are not aware of the security risk. This new arrangement can cause employees to make costly mistakes they would not have made under an office condition.

Additionally, employees working from home opens up a new number of entry points into an organization that wasn’t there previously. These endpoints may not have been properly vetted or configured due to the urgency involved in keeping the business running. 

Employees may also use new devices that are not authorized by the organization to access a company’s server.

Employees can also engage in risky behavior such as clicking on unknown links they would have avoided if in the office due to distraction.

How to Prevent Ransomware Attacks

Enhanced Email Security

Attackers deploy ransomware to new devices primarily through phishing emails. By blocking this entry point, you can reduce the risk of a ransomware infection and keep employees safe.

Install a sophisticated email security system on work from home devices so that suspicious emails can be blocked before being opened. Businesses should also educate employees on the dangers of spam emails and how to handle them.

Keep Your System Up-to-date

With new and advanced ransomware threats,  your devices’ security system must be kept up-to-date to stay secure. 

Operating systems, browsers, and communication software should be set to auto-update to get patches for newly discovered vulnerabilities.

Secure Your Organization Network and Infrastructure 

Fighting malware on an individual employee level isn’t enough, businesses must also invest in full network and system security software for their servers. 

Such a system will block and limit the spread of ransomware in case an employee’s system is compromised. New emails should be scanned and filtered before they are forwarded to their final destination.

System security software should check individual files for threats and block suspicious network activities.

Secure VPN should be mandated for assessing company servers remotely.

Set up a Backup System

Ransomware thrives on the threat of data destruction. Having an automatic off-site and standalone backup of your data or full system will reduce your risk of being extorted since you can restore deleted or corrupted data.

Encrypt your Files

All business data should be encrypted to reduce the threat of private data exposure. Employees working devices should also have an encryption system in place. Additionally, a home-based workforce should be discouraged from using non-approved devices, avoid using public Wi-Fi without a VPN.

The threat of ransomware is increasing due to the evolving need to work from home. Employees can help reduce the risks posed to your business by providing them with the resources listed above.

Please contact us today if you feel your company could be at risk of a cyber attack. 

June 17, 2025
Meeting IT security compliance standards is crucial for businesses that handle sensitive data, particularly in industries such as healthcare, finance, defense, and e-commerce. Regulatory frameworks such as HIPAA, CMMC, PCI-DSS, and GDPR exist to help ensure businesses protect customer information and maintain robust cybersecurity practices. Unfortunately, many organizations fall short of these requirements, often due to common, avoidable mistakes. These gaps can result in costly fines, data breaches, and reputational damage, which can significantly impact the business's bottom line and customer trust. 1. Failing to Conduct Regular Risk Assessments The Pitfall: Many businesses overlook the importance of conducting routine risk assessments. Without these, it’s challenging to identify vulnerabilities or evaluate whether your current cybersecurity controls meet compliance standards. How to Avoid It: Implement a regular risk assessment schedule. Work with a qualified IT provider to evaluate your systems, identify weaknesses, and document remediation plans. These assessments should be performed at least annually, or whenever significant changes to the system occur. 2. Inadequate Employee Training The Pitfall: Your employees are your first line of defense—and often your most significant vulnerability. A common compliance issue arises when businesses fail to train staff on cybersecurity best practices or on handling sensitive data appropriately. How to Avoid It: Invest in ongoing cybersecurity awareness training. Ensure employees understand how to recognize phishing emails, create strong passwords, and report any suspicious activity. Training should be updated regularly to reflect current threats and compliance requirements. 3. Improper Data Handling and Storage The Pitfall: Storing sensitive data in unsecured locations, failing to encrypt information, or retaining data longer than necessary are significant compliance risks. These practices are often flagged during audits. How to Avoid It: Adopt data classification policies that define how different types of data should be handled; encrypt sensitive data both at rest and in transit. Establish clear data retention policies and ensure that obsolete data is disposed of securely. 4. Lack of Incident Response Planning The Pitfall: When a security incident occurs, time is of the essence. Many businesses lack a documented incident response plan, or their existing plan hasn’t been thoroughly tested. This can lead to delayed responses, increased damage, and regulatory penalties. How to Avoid It: Develop a formal incident response plan that includes roles, responsibilities, communication protocols, and steps for containment and recovery. Run simulated breach scenarios with your IT team to ensure everyone knows how to respond effectively. 5. Using Outdated Software or Systems The Pitfall: Running outdated operating systems, software, or firmware is a common issue that can lead to compliance failures. Unsupported technologies are more vulnerable to exploitation. How to Avoid It: Keep all systems and applications up to date with the latest patches. Use automated tools to track software versions and receive alerts about end-of-life technologies. Schedule regular maintenance windows to apply updates and upgrades. 6. Insufficient Access Controls The Pitfall: Allowing too many employees access to sensitive data—or failing to revoke access when it’s no longer needed—can lead to data breaches and non-compliance. How to Avoid It: Implement role-based access controls and follow the principle of least privilege. This principle means that each user should have the minimum level of access necessary to perform their job. Regularly audit user accounts and permissions to ensure access is current and appropriate. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an additional layer of protection. 7. Neglecting Third-Party Vendor Risks The Pitfall: Businesses often overlook the fact that their compliance responsibilities extend to third-party vendors. If a vendor mishandles your data, you could still be held accountable. How to Avoid It: Vet third-party vendors carefully. Ensure they meet the same compliance standards as your business and include security requirements in your contracts. Conduct periodic audits or request compliance certifications from your vendors. 8. Failing to Document Policies and Procedures The Pitfall: Even if your security practices are strong, failing to document your compliance policies can result in audit failures. Regulators want to see evidence that you have formal processes in place. How to Avoid It: Create and maintain clear documentation for all compliance-related policies, including data protection, access control, incident response, and employee training. Make these documents easily accessible for audits and regularly review them to ensure updates are current. Conclusion Compliance with IT security standards is not a one-time project—it requires ongoing attention, regular updates, and a proactive approach to maintain effectiveness. By understanding and addressing these common pitfalls, your business can stay ahead of regulatory requirements, strengthen its security posture, and reduce the risk of costly incidents. This ongoing attention is crucial to maintaining your business's security and audit readiness. If you’re unsure whether your business is meeting current IT compliance standards, professional support can help. Contact SDTEK today to schedule a compliance assessment and learn how our IT services can keep your business secure and audit-ready. With our support, you can navigate the complex landscape of IT security compliance with confidence.
April 9, 2025
In today’s digital-first world, cybersecurity isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you run a small startup or a growing enterprise in Fort Wayne , protecting your business’s data, systems, and clients is essential for long-term success. From ransomware attacks to phishing scams, cyber threats are evolving every day, and the best way to stay ahead of them is by partnering with a reliable IT services provider that understands the unique needs of local businesses. Here’s why investing in professional business IT support is one of the smartest decisions Fort Wayne businesses can make—and how working with SDTEK helps protect your operations, your data, and your reputation.