The Paddington Bear Ransomware Attack
The British company that owns the rights to Paddington Bear has reportedly been hacked by a ransomware gang located in Russia. The attackers have threatened to release sensitive information if The agency does not pay for it not to be released. The company representing Michael Bond (Paddington’s creator) has refused to pay.
News outlets are unclear about what kind of information the hackers could release about the fictional bear or its creator; however, the attack is unfortunate either way. It is possible that the gang just wanted more recognition, as they have not been in the news as much as they used to be, and this seemed like the perfect opportunity to attack one of Brittan’s most loveable characters for clout in the news!
This is a good example of a ransomware attack and something your company should be made aware of. No company holding sensitive information is a hundred percent safe from these types of attacks however there are measures you can take to protect your business which we will share with you now:
How to keep your business protected against ransomware attacks?
1, Make sure that you regularly back up your data.
Backing up your data to a cloud server or an external hard drive is one of the easiest ways to keep your device safe. In the event of a ransom attack, you can simply wipe all devices and then reinstall backup files later. We recommend backing up your data once a day!
2, Keep all systems updated with the latest software.
Always make sure that all software you are using, your operating system, web browser, and antivirus you have is always up to date with the latest version available to ensure any software vulnerabilities are patched instantly. We recommend turning on automatic updates to take this burden off your hands.
3, Install antivirus and firewalls.
Speak to your IT department about installing antivirus and firewalls. Antivirus works by detecting, preventing, and removing malicious software (malware) from a computer or network. You will need to configure a firewall since antivirus only works on an internal level and can only detect the threat once it’s in the system.
A firewall is a good first line of defence against any incoming external attacks and can protect software and hardware-based attacks.
Note: Make sure to watch out for scams or fake virus detection emails as these can be phishing emails attempting to steal your information. Don’t open any links until you have verified through the antivirus software itself.
4, Block websites known to be malicious.
Configuring web filtering policies to block malicious websites. Web content policies specify which sites are blocked and on which device groups. Speak to your IT provider about advice around configuring web filtering policies. To learn more about Microsoft content filtering we have included a link to Microsoft’s website.
5, Cyber awareness training and education for employees.
Ransomware is often spread via phishing emails. Making sure that your staff knows how to spot and avoid a potential phishing attack is crucial.
Conclusion:
Even Paddington Bear isn’t safe from a ransomware attack! Cybercriminals will attack all kinds of companies as long as you have sensitive data your business can be a target. This is why businesses no matter the size, need to stay one step ahead. You don’t have to do this alone! Simple steps like regular backups and updating software can make a huge difference.
Unsure if your business is fully protected? We are here for you! At Liberate IT we can help strengthen your defences so that your business is not next in the headlines. Get in touch with a member of our team today.