Cyberattacks can be extremely disruptive for businesses, government, the military, and even individuals. However, there are ways to protect yourself. A professional cybersecurity service in New York can secure your networks, protect your computers and servers, monitor your systems, and even train your staff to reduce the risk of cyberthreats.
About the WannaCry Ransomware Attack of May 2017
On Friday, 12 May 2017, many companies with inadequate cybersecurity were infected with the WannaCry ransomware (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WannaCry_ransomware_attack). It was a worldwide cyberattack that affected computers running Microsoft Windows. Ransomware, as the name implies, locks down access to computer systems and all company data until a sum of money is paid. In this case, a “worm” or malicious software program accessed computer systems and encrypted files so that they couldn’t be opened. The cyber criminals demanded payments in Bitcoin, which is virtually untraceable.
This cyberattack underlined the importance of cybersecurity – for some, it was the first time they really heard the word “cybersecurity.” But cybersecurity is crucial for today’s digital world. Most small and medium businesses (SMBs) in New York face critical challenges protecting their important data. Perhaps their biggest challenge is their lack of knowledge on the subject.
Lack of knowledge is perhaps the single biggest risk to cybersecurity. How can you protect your house if you don’t know where the holes are?
That’s where a reliable and knowledgeable cybersecurity service in New York can help. The first thing they will do is a complete vulnerability assessment to find out exactly where your gaps in cybersecurity are. Then, they’ll work up a plan to start filling those gaps including immediate fixes such as upgrading antivirus software, operating systems, and other security risks. Long term, they will be able to round out your cybersecurity with better backup and recovery plans, better system monitoring, and staff awareness training.
The better cybersecurity services in New York will also be able to help you with other aspects of your IT systems including networking, cloud services, and managed IT services. In this case, one-stop shops really are the right choice – if you have the right provider. New York businesses should choose a vendor that is based in the city and provides a whole range of cyber management services.
What is at risk in case of a cyberattack?
The risk of cyberattacks is quite high, and can affect organizations in any industry. Cyberthreats include phishing scams, ransomware such as the WannaCry attacks, viruses, and outright data theft. Those most at risk are those that have the least amount of cybersecurity. A common myth is that only larger companies are targeted. Perhaps that’s because those are the ones that are most talked about in the media. The fact is though, small businesses can be more lucrative because they are easier to break into, have fewer resources to chase after cyber criminals, and can still be held ransom for tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. That’s still quite a lot of money, especially in the countries where these cyber criminals tend to live. Hackers like to take the low-hanging fruit wherever possible, so systems with minimal or no cybersecurity measures can be easily found and exploited.
Even the simplest measures can help convince hackers to move on to an easier target:
- Make sure all antivirus software is up to date
- Update all software regularly including your operating systems
- Make sure your networks are secured with passwords and firewalls
- Teach your staff how to determine which emails contain viruses (and how to dispose of them)
- Complete a vulnerability scan to find holes in your cybersecurity
About CompCiti Business Solutions, Inc.
CompCiti is one of the most reliable cybersecurity services in New York. CompCiti offers a full range of cyber management services from vulnerability scans and basic cybersecurity measures to full monitoring services, backup plans, and more. CompCiti is also one of the oldest business networking companies in New York, serving businesses and organizations of all sizes since 1996. Find out how our dedicated team of cybersecurity professionals can help you secure your systems better. https://compciti.com/cybersecurity/
