Ransomware attacks are real, ever-present and wreaking havoc across the board for businesses. The bad news is that this type of cybercrime does not just target large multinationals. In fact, these are most likely avoided as an attack is expected, making SMEs a much easier target.
SMEs are particularly vulnerable because they often do not or cannot invest in the appropriate security. A small consultancy, a manufacturer with 30 employees or an NGO with three people can all be technology-driven businesses that require just as much protection as multinationals, but in many cases, they simply do not take cybersecurity seriously.
There has been a shift in attacks to target critical infrastructure. This not only disrupts business, but also supply chains on a broader scale. Attackers are developing ways to bring down entire supply chains by exploiting multiple software vulnerabilities in multiple targeted attacks. This can cripple food networks, water supplies, fuel distribution and even hospitals and government.
Other important ways to ensure protection include the implementation of end point protections which involves securing endpoints and entry points for all enterprise devices within the organisation, proper password use and password management across teams can drastically reduce the chances of an attack, and maintain reliable offsite backups in a secure location with a robust recovery process plan.Attacks are also not always done in high-tech, sophisticated ways.