For those responsible for a business environment, data security is certainly a topic of great importance on meeting agendas.
It is essential that companies invest in technology and methods that ensure data security against attacks by hackers on the network or computers, since information about bank accounts, credit cards, balances, documents, in addition to various other types of files, is definitely not can fall into the wrong hands.
When a company has an IT department , it is likely to be better protected against this type of attack, since the professionals in this department have greater knowledge about the dangers the company faces, as well as a better understanding of what needs to be done to maintain protection.
However, if the institution does not have this team, it is essential that the existing professionals know how to proceed when using the company's equipment, so that it is free from possible malicious attacks.
In this post, several important points will be addressed, but we can say in advance that, first of all, it is important to use original software that has good feedback from people and companies that have already worked with it. Another idea that can be considered is investing in paid antivirus software , even though free versions offer reasonable security.
In addition, it is important that company employees are aware of the importance of following methods and tips to prevent ransomware and other types of virtual pests from bringing a real problem to the company. As the text progresses, you will find out in more detail how to proceed to ensure the company's safety. Follow up!
WHICH COMPANIES HAVE BEEN VICTIMS OF HACKERS?
Recently, several corporations around the world have been victims of hacker attacks, including Brazilian government websites.
Among the various reported victims, we can mention the PlayStation Network, Telefônica, and even the Barretos Cancer Hospital . In addition, the FBI and NASA have also been victims of hacking.
Considering that large institutions such as those mentioned have already suffered from the action of hackers, it is possible that your company is also vulnerable to attacks.
HOW DO ATTACKS USUALLY OCCUR?
Generally, the method most used by hackers to attack companies is the Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) — or Denial of Service Attack, in Portuguese translation.
This type of attack, unlike what is imagined by many, does not directly use the attackers' machines. The process takes place in another way, using company servers and personal computers.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM HACKER ATTACKS?
With news of cyberattacks being seen more frequently and in more places, such as the one that brought down systems of public agencies and companies around the world , it is important to ensure that your company is protected.
So, here are the top tips on how to avoid being another victim of criminals.
1. BACKUP YOUR FILES
When you fall victim to a ransomware attack, the biggest direct damage you can take is the loss of files, since, until a ransom is paid, the virus encrypts them. It is worth remembering that victims do not always have their documents decrypted even after payment.
In this case, the best alternative is to store the files on a completely independent system, such as an offline hard drive or a secure cloud backup system , for example. Companies usually save copies of this data on external servers so that it cannot be affected in the event of an attack on the company's network.
2. DIStrust SITES, E-MAILS AND SOFTWARE
To infect machines using ransomware, cybercriminals need to install malicious software on the victim's equipment, initiating the attack.
The most used way is via phishing emails, malicious advertisements on websites and suspicious programs and applications.
Therefore, care must be taken when opening websites and emails from suspicious sources, as well as avoiding downloading software that has not been verified by an official store or specialized company.
Also, it is recommended to read the review and information about the software before installing it.
3. USE A GOOD ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE
Antivirus systems manage to prevent ransomware from being downloaded onto a machine, in addition to identifying them in case they are somehow transferred to the computer.
Most software in this category can review files for malicious code before the download is complete. They can also block the installation of secret programs that do not ask for user authorization.
4. KEEP THE SYSTEM UPDATED
Users need to be aware of operating system updates made available by manufacturers, so that the number of breaches and the installation of undesirable programs can be reduced.
Therefore, it is very important to have the latest versions of software as soon as they are available.
5. AVOID MAKING THE PAYMENT REQUIRED BY HACKERS
It is critical that victims never pay the ransom amount that hackers demand. In addition to the fact that there is no guarantee that the criminals will comply with the agreement and return your files, this attitude will certainly serve as an incentive for future attacks.
6. CHECK LISTS OF HACKED ACCOUNTS ON THE INTERNET
Experts recommend that you check to see if your email address — or that of your company — is on an internet leak list. According to Rafael Zanatta, an expert at Idec, this needs to be the first step.
For this purpose, there is a secure and free tool, developed by Troy Hunt — a data security expert and Microsoft MVP — called Have I Been Pwned.
The website is able to check if your email address is on any list of hacked accounts in recent times. In addition, it is possible to create an automatic notification in case the given address appears in any leak list in the future.
7. CHANGE ALL PASSWORDS
If the email account in question is on a list of leaks, urgently change the password on all services that use that address.
For this, use strong and unique passwords, mixing letters, numbers and, who knows, even special characters such as dollar signs, exclamation marks, among others. Also, it is recommended to think of random phrases rather than words and not use the same password for multiple online services.
Did you find it important to be on top of these hacker attack protection tips? So share this post right now so more people know how to be protected!
