9 Resources to Help Protect You From Ransomware Attacks Like WannaCry

The malicious ransomware dubbed "WannaCry" has seized systems in over 150 countries since its discovery on May 12th, holding computers across all industries hostage. The program infects computers and encrypts their files, demanding $300 in Bitcoin or the files will be erased. 

This ransomware currently affects Microsoft Windows machines through an exploit known as EternalBlue.

Given the severity of this attack and other ransomware variants following suit, it's time to make sure that your organization is protected. We've compiled this list of 9 resources that will help prepare your organization for malware attacks like WannaCry, so that you can ensure your files and information are safe.

But first, let's dig into how WannaCry is viciously spreading throughout the globe.

How Does WannaCry Work?

According to reports, one of the infection methods for WannaCry is through phishing emails. These malicious emails get users to download the WannaCry files unknowingly, which then encrypt their data. Like most ransomware, the program then prompts a user with a ransom demand (in this case, around $300) in the virtual currency Bitcoin.

There are even reports that WannaCry is infecting victims by scanning the internet for vulnerable machines - meaning that the end user may not even have to take an action to become infected.

WannaCry then spreads throughout the network, and if the ransom isn't paid after a couple days, it increases until the program deletes the files altogether. 

This ransomware outbreak is ongoing and the proper precautions need to be taken in order to protect your data. It infects Windows systems that haven't installed a patch that Microsoft released last month. 

As always, it's imperative to ensure that you're systems are patched and up to date.

If you're feeling like you need to do something to harden your defenses, here's a list of educational resources we've created to help you protect yourself and your organization from ransomware attacks like WannaCry:

9 Resources to Help Protect You From Ransomware Attacks Like WannaCry

1) Cybersecurity Quiz

How secure is your organization? Take this quiz to find out, get a grade, and see what you can do about it. You may be missing something simple that can harden your cyber-defenses.

2) 10 Simple Things to Improve Your Company's Cybersecurity Posture eBook

With WannaCry ravaging computers all over the world, hopefully your organization is protected. But just in case, check out this eBook for a few simple fixes that can improve your cybersecurity posture. 

3) Why You Need Cybersecurity Training for Employees

91% of cyberattacks start with phishing emails, yet cybersecurity training for employees is vastly underutilized in virtually every type of organization.

How do you look at that statistic and not run immediately to human resources to make cybersecurity training mandatory for all employees? Ransomware is most easily spread through phishing emails - so be sure to read up (and then get training!).

How can you evaluate how your business is doing, and how do you know what you should be looking out for? Here's a list of things you NEED to be doing.

5) How to Create an Effective Small Business Cybersecurity Policy

An up to date cybersecurity policy isn’t a ‘nice to have’ asset of your organization, it's crucial to its survival. Depending on your business, there are potential legal consequences for not doing so. It is imperative to commit time and resources to create a small business cybersecurity policy. This post will help walk you though it.

6) Combat Ransomware with Business Continuity Webinar

In 2016, companies worldwide paid over $500 million because of ransomware attacks. When you include the cost of downtime caused by these attacks, the total loss to businesses is closer to $50 billion. And in 2017, WannaCry is one of the worst ransomware attacks we've ever seen.

This webinar details how to combat ransomware, as well as the importance of having business continuity to protect yourself. 

7) 7 Characteristics of a Successful Cybersecurity Policy

What does an effective cybersecurity policy look like? The short answer is that it depends. Many of the details will be specific to your industry, but there are seven main points that all successful policies share.

This post will show you what the best cybersecurity policies look like, and how you can follow suit.

8) Biggest Takeaways from the Cisco 2017 Annual Cybersecurity Report

Every year Cisco releases a report on the state of cybersecurity. They detail the latest threats and potential risks in the cybersecurity landscape. It's pretty dense, so we took the 110 page report and broke down what this data means for businesses, and some cybersecurity strategies to combat and deter cyber attacks.

9) 3 Leading Cybersecurity Threats for Small Businesses (and How to Combat Them)

In today’s world of constant online threats, hackers have evolved far beyond mischievous trespassers into well-funded, well-organized cyber criminals. 

For companies looking ahead at possible threats from these hackers and determining what cybersecurity measures to focus on, consider these three prime contenders.

Click here to head to our Cybersecurity Quiz and see where you can improve.