Latest Ransomware Prevention Tips

 Ransomware and Cyber Security 

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in January 2017 and has been completely revamped and updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

Ransomware payments exceeded $1 billion in 2016, and a recent report from Cybersecurity Ventures predicts that ransomware costs would exceed $5 Billion in 2017. This estimate takes into account several factors besides just the cost of the ransom, including downtime, loss of productivity and loss of data.

Kaspersky released a report this May showing that Mobile ransomware has risen over 250% in just the first half of 2017 with 218,625 files detected on the devices they protect. Kaspersky’s Cybersecurity statistics also showed that the United States had been the hardest hit country so far when it comes to Mobile ransomware. With the number of ransomware attacks on the rise, it is now more important than ever to protect yourself against it using these practical prevention tips.

With the number of ransomware attacks on the rise, it is now more important than ever to protect yourself against it using these practical prevention tips.

Provide Cyber Security Training to Your Employees

Make sure your employees are aware of how Cyber Criminals are attempting to take advantage of them and your business. Providing regular ongoing Cyber Security training to explain best practices when browsing the Internet or using email is essential. Businesses and Organizations are incorporating this type of training with the onboarding process of new employees.

In addition to training, some Cyber Security training platforms include monthly testing. The testing is in the form of randomly sending one fake email to employees over the course of the month. This gives management insight into how susceptible their employees are and who might need additional training.

Email Best Practices

The majority of ransomware attacks are carried out through suspicious links in email messages or attachments. As such, you should open emails only from trusted sources, and do not click on any unusual links or attachments. Try to get into the habit of using your mouse to hover over links to see where the link path will take you.

Configure your anti-spam settings so they block suspicious attachments with .exe, scr., or vbs. extensions. When using the “show file extensions” feature, keep in mind that fraudsters sometimes assign multiple extensions to a file, allowing it to appear safe when in fact it is not. All incoming emails should be scanned, particularly ones with compressed attachments. Should you discover an unusual attachment or once containing a .scr file, you should immediately quarantine that message.

Backing up Files

Having a backup of your files is the best protection against ransomware. To be really safe, you should have multiple forms of backup for example, one in the cloud, one on an external hard drive, and another on an online service such as Google Drive. In addition, using a business class backup and disaster recovery solution will provide great insurance to ransomware encryption. These solutions typically have a standalone backup server located at your office, which sync’s to an offsite backup server.

Network Segmentation

Separate each functional area within your business to create virtual or physical containment. One of the most common examples is the guest wifi for your business. This wireless network should in no way have access to your internal business network. Even if you create a password for this network you are allowing guest devices that you do not manage to connect to it. You have no way to determine if these devices are compromised. Virtually or physically segmenting the guest wifi will contain any ransomware, malware or viruses from infecting your business.

Other functional areas to consider are IoT devices such as connected TVs, Chomecasts, Office Automation devices, etc should be put onto their own network.

Computer Security

Many instances of ransomware can be prevented by utilizing good information security practices such as:

  • Keeping your browsers and software up-to-date by installing the latest patches as soon as they become available.
  • Maintaining good antivirus, antimalware programs and updating as needed.
  • Keeping your Windows firewall turned on at all times, and check it regularly to ensure it is properly configured. Consider multiple firewalls if you regularly handle very sensitive data or are at risk for contracting ransomware.
  • Configuring your security software to scan archived files if possible.
  • Disabling Windows Script Host and Windows PowerShell. In Microsoft Office, disable macros and Active X for any users who do not absolutely have to have them.
  • Installing a pop-up blocker through your web browser.
  • Deactivating AutoPlay so that flash drives cannot be used to automatically launch an attack.
  • Disabling the file-sharing feature so that if one person is affected, ransomware will be quarantined.
  • Switching off unused Bluetooth or infrared ports when not in use.

Administrative Practices

Incorporate the following administrative practices to help you prevent ransomware:

  • Always use strong passwords, and change them on a regular basis.
  • Use a different password for each one of your accounts.
  • Avoid giving too many people administrative access to their workstations, as this increases the odds that someone will download a malicious file.
  • Provide ongoing training to raise awareness of ransomware and encourage safe practices.
  • Develop a plan to follow in the event that you do contract ransomware despite your best efforts to prevent it.

Consider Cyber Liability Coverage For Your Business

With the increase of Cyber Security breaches hitting not only large corporations but many small businesses it only makes sense to consider cyber liability coverage. As suggested in the last bullet in administrative practices, cyber liability should be part of your overall comprehensive preventative plan. There are many unanticipated third-party and first-party costs if you do experience a security event at your business or organization. See our other blog on “The Case For Cyber Liability Coverage”.

Just as it is not possible to prevent all break-ins, it is also not feasible to eliminate all instances of hacking and ransomware. You can, however, make yourself an unattractive target in the hopes that cyber criminals will move on to another victim. Preventing ransomware requires far less money and effort than restoring your system after an attack, which is why you should take measures now to protect yourself.

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Common IT Security Compliance Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

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.

Why Cybersecurity and Business IT Support Are Crucial for Fort Wayne Businesses

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.