Expect a new ransomware every 11 seconds on average this year according to Cybersecurity Ventures.
Major ransomware attacks, that now include theft of files, hit the news almost every day.
2020 vs. 2021
The list of businesses, universities, hospitals and governments struck by these attacks is staggering. For a month-by-month catalog of the major victims last year, see: The State of Ransomware in 2020.
The vast majority of ransomware extortion victims remain anonymous. Understandably, your firm would not want to publicize the fact that its confidential client information has been stolen if your computers were breached.
Now a majority of organizations, 58%, pay the ransom money, which averages $112,000 according to a recent Forbes article.
What's worse, the average downtime after a ransomware attack is estimated at 16 days. Plus, the damage to your reputation with your clients is serious. Even if your plight doesn't hit the news, you have an obligation to notify your clients. The damage is done.
There is no perfect defense against ransomware and other computer crimes; however, there are affordable technologies you can put in place beyond just your antivirus software and your firewall.
Let me know if you would like to explore your options for better defenses against cybercrime.
Wells H. Anderson, CEO, SecureMyFirm 952.922.1120 or Send an email...