Microsoft reports that every 40 seconds another business is targeted by ransomware

Ransomware will encrypt your data files including documents, databases and videos – that’s all of your business information necessary to pay employees and suppliers, manage your distribution or supply your customers. Without those files, how can you trade?

How do I get my data back?

It’s highly likely that a cyber attacker will demand a ransom to decrypt your files. This ransom itself can range from a few hundred to thousands of pounds and payment is often requested in Bitcoin. The nature of criminality means that the attacker may not decrypt your data even after you have paid, and if you do pay, you are now a known ‘payer’ and it’s highly likely that you’ll be targeted again. But whether you pay, or not, you are highly likely to be left without your business data and therefore, unable to trade.

‘56% of UK companies experienced ransomware attacks in 2017 up from 48% in 2016’
(Source: Vanson Bourne)

There isn’t a cure

Decrypting data without the key is difficult and can be impossible. You will need a professional to help you so that encrypted data is not corrupted for good but be aware, they may not be able to help. The best bet is to assume that your files won’t ever be decrypted and prepare accordingly.

It is possible to proactively prepare your business from ransomware attack. Read the full version of this article to learn more about the 8 actions you can take to protect your data. It won’t stop someone trying to attack you but it will ensure that you can continue to trade.

Don’t find yourself with unusable data, unhappy customers, losing money and with a potentially unsalvageable business. Get data prepared.

Click here to discover 8 actions you can take right now to prepare for a ransomware attack