What is Ransomware, and How Can It Affect the Enterprise? by Jennifer Burl

Ransomware, a type of malicious software that's created by hackers to block access to a computer's system until a requested sum of money is paid, is a threat to businesses both large and small. And though hackers have typically targeted computers at the individual level, large enterprises could be next. After all, what's a ransom sum of $300 versus $3 million?

Many ransomware viruses can be removed without losing one's files, but some variants do more damage than others. While some procedures to combat these viruses involve a simple virus scan, others require advanced recovery of your files through offline scans and beyond. Generally, ransomware can be divided into three categories: scareware, lock-screen viruses and advanced attacks (encrypted malware).

Scareware is the simplest form, as it consists of bogus antivirus or clean-up tools that claim they've detected several issues and demand you pay to fix them. You may receive multiple pop-ups and alerts, or you may be unable to run any programs at all when you encounter this form of ransomware. However, it is the easiest type of ransomware to remove.

The second type of ransomware is the type that shows lock-screens that don't allow you to use your PC in any way. A full-size window is displayed when your system starts up. This window features an official-looking logo and says you have violated the law and must pay a fine. According to cybersecurity firm Trend Micro of Texas, about 30% of ransomware victims pay to regain their data.

Finally, the most vicious type of ransomware is encrypted malware. This type of ransomware can be devastating because files remained encrypted in a way which is considered infeasible to break unless the infected company pays. If a company does not have its files backed up properly, it may lose this information forever.

That's where offsite tape vaulting and data restoration services come into play. If your enterprise has a plan in place to archive important data on a regular basis using physical tape storage, you'll have a wealth of data at your fingertips for restoration purposes at the necessary time. In addition to retaining data over the long term for compliance and litigation purposes, it's also important to keep that information out of the hands of hackers by keeping it offsite and offline. When you have data that doesn't live in the cloud, it's virtually impossible for hackers to gain access to all forms of your company's vital information.

For additional information on Iron Mountain Restoration Assurance Program and how Iron Mountain can help you avoid the pitfalls of ransomware, contact our sales team for a free quote.

LINK:	http://blogs.ironmountain.com/2015/service-lines/data-backup-and-recov...
	See more stories from ironmountain

Most recent headlines