Ransomware: The Digital Kidnapping Epidemic (and How to Protect Yourself)

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• 1 min read
Ransomware: The Digital Kidnapping Epidemic (and How to Protect Yourself)
Photo by Michael Geiger / Unsplash

As any savvy business owner knows, ransomware is a major threat to your company's data and assets. It's like being held hostage by a group of angry geeks, except instead of demanding money, they want you to pay up in Bitcoin. Yikes.

But fear not, dear reader! There are steps you can take to protect yourself and your business from the perils of ransomware. Here are a few tips:

  1. Don't open strange emails: This might seem like a no-brainer, but you'd be surprised how many people fall for this one. If you get an email from a Nigerian prince or a long-lost relative you've never heard of, just hit delete.
  2. Keep your software updated: Old software is like an open door for hackers. Make sure you're regularly updating your operating system, antivirus software, and any other programs you use.
  3. Back up your data: If the worst does happen and you do get hit with ransomware, at least you'll have a backup of your important files. Just make sure you store your backups somewhere safe (like, not on your computer).
  4. Consider investing in ransomware insurance: Yes, this is a real thing. And while it might not protect you from an attack, it can help cover the costs of getting your business back up and running after an attack.
  5. Use common sense: If something seems too good to be true (like a super cheap product or a job offer from a stranger), it probably is. Don't click on suspicious links or download sketchy files, and you'll be much less likely to get hit with ransomware.

So there you have it – a few simple steps you can take to protect yourself and your business from the digital kidnapping epidemic that is ransomware. Just remember, even if you do everything right, there's always a chance you might still get hit. But hey, at least you can say you did your best!