A ransomware attack is one of the worst things that can happen to a business. The attack cripples the crucial infrastructure of an institution and supply chains. Many victims have to deal with crises after a ransomware attack.
Despite the awareness of ransomware, they continue to remain on the rise worldwide. In 2021, there was an increase in the incidences. One of the best insurance companies globally, CNA, had to pay $40 million to gain access to its important data. An oil company on the East Coast suffered a similar fate after a ransomware attack in May 2021.
Small organizations have not been left out. The criminals have invaded these institutions, asking for $1000 in exchange for data.
When a ransomware attack occurs, most people panic, and it is easy to make the wrong decision in this state. Follow the following guidelines to recover your company files;
Contact Authorities
Contact the federal agencies immediately when you realize a ransomware attack has already occurred. The federal institutions are the best institutions to offer valuable information concerning your data recovery.
The federal agency can trace criminals fast, and you might not need to pay any ransom to get your files.
If you have paid anything, say it.
When your organization manages to give some money to the hackers, do not hide the information. When the authorities know this, they might recover it while tracking the hackers.
Hackers ask for their money using cryptocurrency, and that is why you need to inform the federal agencies. Hiding crucial information about payments will hinder the operations of the federal agencies.
Understand What Happens After Payments
A ransomware attack will not end because your company has made the ransom. Research shows that over 46% of the victims who pay do not get all their data. Most institutions suffer serious consequences with their operations later on.
After paying the hackers, you need to know that you risk being revictimized. The criminals will ask for double or triple the payment. Some of them will keep coming to the company in the future for more money.
When attackers realize you are susceptible and willing to accept their terms, they will keep coming after your company.
Realize The Consequences Of Paying
When companies pay ransoms to attackers, they give them power. The criminals now have money to research, develop and even hire other qualified individuals. Most of the payments, according to experts, are utilized in analyzing how criminals can operate later on.
The hackers are willing to invest in better cyber tools with the money companies pay after a ransomwar attack. Some criminals are smart enough to ask for cyber tool codes and other crucial software in exchange for information. It is dangerous to purchase cyber tools for criminals to access your data.
Do not give the criminals the power to harass more companies by paying them.
Focus On Prevention
Ransomware has already become a big challenge for modern organizations. The best way to avoid the losses brought by the attackers is to prevent ransomware attacks from taking place. There are numerous measures to put in place to keep these criminals from attacking you.