Although attacks on large companies dominate ransomware news, smaller businesses make much easier targets, as they often lack the budget to implement successful cybersecurity strategies.

A string of recent articles has identified ransomware as the world’s greatest cybersecurity threat, especially with groups like Black Basta offering ransomware as a service. As of late June, Black Basta alone had struck nearly 50 victims with a strain of ransomware first deployed in April. Another group, Conti, managed to successfully target more than 40 organizations in a 33-day spree during the holiday season of 2021.

Although lucrative attacks on large companies dominate ransomware news, smaller businesses make much easier targets, as they often lack the budget to implement successful cybersecurity strategies. And by striking multiple smaller targets simultaneously, ransomware groups can make up the difference. The good news is that a few simple, proactive measures can go a long way toward protecting your business from ransomware.

Patch known vulnerabilities in your business software

Many ransomware attacks simply exploit known vulnerabilities, so be vigilant about keeping your business software up to date. Furthermore, operating systems, web browsers, and security software are particularly important because they play such a large role in digital protection. 

Furthermore, a solution like Avast Business Patch Management can help with managing patches and keeping systems updated.  Patch Management automates patching to save time and money. It simplifies installation and configuration and uses powerful, automated discovery and deployment features to keep your business safe and compliant with industry regulations and business requirements. 

Depending on the size of your business, keeping the software up to date on all of your devices can be a full-time job. If you don’t have an internal IT department, you can contract with a managed service provider (MSP) to handle business security updates, software patches, and other IT management tasks.

Back up devices regularly

All of your company’s data should be backed up regularly, whether on your cloud or local servers, desktops, and laptops. Ransomware attacks are particularly devastating when hackers have complete control over all of your company’s resources. 

A solution such as Avast Business Cloud Backup keeps data secure and ensures business continuity by protecting endpoint devices and servers with an automated backup process that is easy to deploy and manage from anywhere. You can quickly set up backup schedules on devices, centrally manage from one dashboard to ensure all data is backed up and available, and easily recover data in case of an unexpected event.

Deploy a security solution with ransomware protection

In addition to regular updates and server backups, small businesses should invest in a cybersecurity solution that specifically includes ransomware security. Ransomware is only as effective as its ability to compromise your data. Hackers use ransomware to encrypt your files and then demand a ransom in exchange for a decryption key. 

To enhance the existing threat detection technology within Avast Business Antivirus, Avast developed Ransomware Shield. This is a new, additional layer of protection that blocks ransomware from encrypting files on protected devices, keeping businesses safe from downtime and extortion, and ensures they have uninterrupted access to their systems and data. Ransomware Shield works together with the current layers of security in Avast Business Antivirus (Web Shield, File Shield, and Behavior Shield). It is now included with Avast Essential, Premium, and Ultimate Business Security, for both Windows and MacOS. 

So, what can a small business do today to take a step toward ransomware protection? Start by checking all of your business devices to ensure their software is up to date. Then take a moment to explore Avast’s affordable, easy-to-use business cybersecurity solutions. Just answer a few questions about your needs, and we’ll recommend the best products for your business.