Ransomware: What Companies in Michigan Need to Know

More and more businesses are heading online since the pandemic began 18 months ago. This has been helpful for businesses to keep working throughout one of the hardest issues the world has faced for a number of years. 

Ransomware, however, has also been on the rise and this is one of the difficult things that businesses have had to face! Constant lockdowns and closures have made life much more difficult than usual, and it’s vital that businesses do all they can to safeguard their operations.

When it comes to ransomware, IT services are there to help you to keep the hacker at bay. It’s important that companies in Michigan are aware of all of the possible attacks that can occur while working online, as ransomware can impact businesses of all sizes, industries and areas. Let’s take a look at some of the things that companies in Michigan need to know about ransomware.

What’s Ransomware?

A good place to start is what ransomware is. It’s a malware that invades your business devices, encrypting the operating systems and all other data. It can work to lock your business out of its own information, and then the criminals will demand a ransom from you if you want your data back. 

There are some cases where ransomware can invade your business for months – and you wouldn’t even know it if you don’t have the right programs in place to keep it out. When it lies dormant, it can breach other connected networks to your business. For some businesses it can take almost 300 days to identify that there is a breach and then contain it! 

Ransomware isn’t Just for the Big Businesses

You might have seen reports of ransomware hitting those big time businesses – but it’s important to know that this isn’t the only place it can affect. Businesses of all sizes can be affected by ransomware, including SMEs. It’s important for businesses of all sizes to be aware of ransomware and have the right IT services on hand to help. 

Remote Working Creates Vulnerabilities

We’re not going to deny that working from home has been a sigh of relief during the pandemic. We will say, however, that remote working has created gaps in the networks of businesses looking to keep their business afloat by offering home working. 

There are hackers that have seen the gaps and are exploiting them, too. They are leaning on system weaknesses that have come from a remote workforce and while VPNs can help, you need to have the right IT services working with you to make working from home safer.

By partnering with the right IT services, you will be able to benefit from up to date knowledge on ransomware and evolving cyberthreats. You will also be able to get the right IT services to help your cyberthreat management. No matter the size of your business, you need to be aware of the rising threat of ransomware and sophisticated cyberattacks. Once you have that awareness, you can keep your business protected.