Cloud operations require robust security to protect data. Learn about preventing ransomware attacks on cloud services to keep your operation running safely.
Cloud computing has been a boon to businesses in rural areas; the cloud makes collaboration with remote and far-flung employees and services easy. But increasingly, data stored and operations that occur in the cloud face the challenge of staying ahead of hackers. Businesses that have migrated data to the cloud may think they have more protection, but hackers have followed. The most recent threats come from ransomware, where attackers gain access to data stored in the cloud, encrypt it, and demand a ransom to release the data or provide the decryption key. Businesses that haven’t prepared for this threat risk costly losses. Preventing ransomware attacks on cloud services has become a priority for cloud service providers and their clients alike.
Create Backups and Redundancies
The success of a ransomware attack depends on the data’s value to the victim of the attack. Cloud-based operations and data that have backups and redundant systems can mitigate the impact of a ransomware attack and keep businesses operating as they recover. Ensure daily backup of all SaaS and other company data to a secure, independent backup provider and that your business encrypts all data when it moves from cloud to cloud.
Train and Monitor
A ransomware attack can begin with a phishing email. Unsuspecting or untrained employees can inadvertently launch the attack by opening an infected email, registering for a fake data-sharing service, clicking on a malicious link, or installing an infected app. Monitor these third-party add-ons and inform employees of which your company approves or disallows. It is vital that employees receive training in how to recognize phishing and avoid falling victim to them. At the same time, monitoring software can detect suspicious emails and quarantine them.
Update Operating Systems and Anti-Virus Software
Ensure that you install trusted operating system updates as they are released and that your antivirus software is also up to date. Cloud services providers are acutely aware of the threat of ransomware and should have a good answer when you inquire about what steps they take toward preventing ransomware attacks on cloud services. Ask your cloud services provider to specify what steps they take to secure and backup data, what disaster plans they have in place, and what the recovery procedure would be if your company’s data becomes the subject of a ransomware attack. Also, ask them to explain exactly how they comply with security requirements for your specific industry.
With proper planning and an intention to stay one step ahead of security threats, it’s possible to prevent ransomware attacks or at least mitigate the damage they can cause.