{"type":"document","data":{"id":"b7ca5f7c-b026-432a-8c12-e056eba5ca91","localeString":"en-GB","publishDate":"2023-08-16T15:05:58.545+02:00","contentType":"onecms:editorialPage","hasMacro":false,"flexPageMetadata":{"afmBanner":false,"robotInstruction":{"noIndex":false,"noFollow":false},"description":"Protect yourself against ransomware by taking crucial steps"},"mainHeaderZone":{"componentType":"editorialHeader","coreHeader":{"title":"Ransomware Checklist","body":"Protect yourself against ransomware by taking these crucial steps"},"backLink":{"textLink":{"url":"/en/business/news/secure-business","text":"secure business"}},"date":"2023-08-14","readingTime":3},"flexZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p></p>"},"alignedImage":{"position":"top","transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/a6cdd149-60b8-403a-a337-6880e327ca21/Developer-programmer-frustrated-with-computer-crash","altTextEN":"\"\"","altTextNL":"\"\"","altTextFR":"\"\"","altTextDE":"\"\"","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/1c9a8121e8996438/original/Developer-programmer-frustrated-with-computer-crash.jpg","extension":"jpg"}},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>Ransomware has become a major threat to individuals and organisations. These malicious programs encrypt their victims&apos; files and demand a ransom to decrypt them. To avoid being trapped by ransomware, it is essential to put a checklist of preventive actions in place. This article will guide you through a comprehensive checklist, helping you to guard against ransomware attacks and protect your valuable data. </p>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"I. Awareness-raising and training"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>The first step in preventing ransomware attacks is to raise awareness and train users in good IT security practices.</p><p>Here are some key actions to take: </p><ol><li><strong>Cyber security training</strong>: Organise regular training sessions to make users aware of the risks associated with ransomware, social engineering techniques and good security practices.</li><li><strong>Phishing</strong>: Teach users how to spot phishing emails and online traps. Stress the importance of not clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unreliable sources. </li></ol>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"II. Regular updates and patch management"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>Ransomware often exploits known vulnerabilities in software. It is therefore crucial to keep your system up to date.</p><p>Here are some steps to take: </p><ol><li><strong>Operating system and software</strong>: Install regular operating system and application updates, as they often contain essential security fixes. </li><li><strong>Patch management</strong>: Implement a patch management strategy to ensure that all software and systems are up to date with the latest security patches. </li></ol>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"III. Robust security solutions"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>Proactive defence is essential to counter ransomware attacks.</p><p>Here are a few solutions to consider: </p><ol><li><strong>Antivirus/antimalware software</strong>: Install reputable security software and keep it up to date at all times. It will help you detect and block known threats. </li><li><strong>Firewall</strong>: Configure a firewall on your network to filter malicious traffic and limit unauthorised access to your systems. </li></ol>"}},{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"IV. Regular backup strategies"},{"componentType":"paragraph","richBody":{"value":"<p>Regularly backing up your data is essential to minimise the impact of a ransomware attack.</p><p>Here are some things you can do: </p><ol><li><strong>Backup policy</strong>: Implement a regular backup policy for your critical data. Make sure that backups are stored on disconnected and secure media. </li><li><strong>Restoration tests</strong>: Carry out regular restoration tests on your back-ups to ensure that they are working properly and that your data can be recovered in an emergency. </li></ol>"}},{"componentType":"highlight","richBody":{"value":"<p>To conclude, the threat from ransomware is on the increase, jeopardising the security of individuals and organisations. However, by carefully following this checklist of preventive actions, you can considerably strengthen your protection against ransomware attacks. </p><p>User awareness and training, combined with sound security practices, play a crucial role in preventing attacks. You can reduce the risk of infection by learning to identify the telltale signs of phishing and by adopting secure browsing habits. </p><p>Regularly updating your operating system and software, and managing patches, are essential measures to counter the vulnerabilities exploited by ransomware. </p><p>Implementing robust security solutions, such as antivirus/antimalware software and a firewall, strengthens your defensive posture and helps you detect and block threats. </p><p>Finally, regular backup of your data, combined with frequent restore tests, ensures that you have a secure backup copy, limiting the impact of a ransomware attack. </p><p>By combining these measures and remaining vigilant to new threats, you can greatly reduce the risk of ransomware infection and protect your valuable data. IT security is an ongoing effort, and by following this checklist, you&apos;ll be on your way to greater resistance to ransomware attacks. </p>"}}]},"complementaryZone":{"flexComponents":[{"componentType":"sectionTitle","title":"Also interesting!"},{"componentType":"cards","cards":[{"componentType":"articleCard","cardType":"article","cardSize":"medium","title":"Corporate cyber hygiene","body":"Provide the necessary IT-security to your organisation","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/0443f2bf-bf50-4e13-b816-c139ff25ed6c/Keys-on-a-board","type":"image","width":3872,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/4f0a0c82c1ad42b1/original/Keys-on-a-board.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"date":"2023-08-09","link":{"url":"/en/business/news/secure-business/business-cyber-hygiene"}},{"componentType":"articleCard","cardType":"article","cardSize":"medium","title":"Cybersecurity reaction plan","body":"Limit the impact of a cyber-attack","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/7997b036-5928-410a-ac3b-0469bec6d9ae/SIDE-VIEW-OF-A-MAN-WORKING-IN-THE-MIRROR","type":"image","width":6602,"altTextNL":"\"\"","original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/5ea7bb912077e52a/original/SIDE-VIEW-OF-A-MAN-WORKING-IN-THE-MIRROR.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"date":"2023-08-10","link":{"url":"/en/business/news/secure-business/business-reaction-plan"}},{"componentType":"articleCard","cardType":"article","cardSize":"medium","title":"Cybersecurity awareness for business employees","body":"Reduce risks and protect confidential company data","image":{"transformBaseUrl":"https://assets.ing.com/transform/cadf3a99-6d76-4dba-97c4-f983a535a2e8/Startups-presentatie_Private_Banking","type":"image","width":640,"original":"https://assets.ing.com/m/6476ed146ead66f5/original/Startups-presentatie_Private_Banking.jpg","extension":"jpg"},"date":"2023-08-09","link":{"url":"/en/business/news/secure-business/cyber-awareness-employees"}}]}]}}}