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Legal Update: Beware of Global Ransomware Attacks

By Hoge Fenton | 05.15.2017 | Firm Post

The newswire is buzzing about ransomware attacks hitting tens of thousands of computers and networks in dozens of countries throughout the world today, locking down files on infected computers and asking users to pay within hours in order to regain access to their files.  According to news reports, the ransomware is taking advantage of systems that have not been updated with patches to address a Windows vulnerability.

Here are some steps you can take to mitigate the risk of being a victim of ransomware:

  1. Alert all employees to look out for suspicious e-mails and websites – do not click on links or attachments in suspicious e-mails, even those that appear to come from familiar people or companies but that seem odd or peculiar (e.g. spoofed emails).
  2. Update systems and software and implement available patching of known system vulnerabilities.
  3. Make sure you have strong cybersecurity in place (consult with your IT professional to ensure your systems are up to date and to identify IT tools to safeguard your business).
  4. Back-up your data on a regular basis so that you can regain access to backup copies of important files that have been encrypted by ransomware.
  5. Train your employees on data security best practices – your employees are your first line of defense.

It is important for businesses to have an Incident Response Plan in place in order to be prepared for a cybersecurity event, such as a ransomware attack.  If your business has experienced a cybersecurity incident and you need urgent legal assistance, call Hoge Fenton’s Data Security Team at (408) 947-2431.

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