Protecting Against Cyber Attacks PLEASE TAKE A MINUTE TO LOOK AT THIS IMPORTANT MESSAGE. THIS IS HAPPENING HERE AND NOW! LET US SAVE YOU AND YOUR INFORMATION.

What is it?  Ransomware is a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid.  Ransomware may:  Prevent you from accessing Windows  Encrypt files so you cannot use them  Stop certain apps from running  Demand you pay money  Make you complete surveys

How do you get it? 1. You receive spam with malware. 2. The malware downloads CTB Locker. 3. CTB Locker encrypts your files. 4. You are given a ransom notice with a deadline. 5. You are requested to pay Bitcoins.

Can I get it at home?  As people continue to live an evolving digital lifestyle more and more important data is being stored on computers and devices.  Passwords  Credit Cards  Bank Account Information  Birth Certificates  Recent Visited Places  Private Conversations

Work?  Ransomware does not just impact home computers.  Businesses, financial institutions, government agencies, academic institutions, and other organizations can and have become infected with it as well.  Potential Issues:  Loss of sensitive or proprietary information.  Disruption to regular operations  Financial losses incurred to restore systems and files  Potential harm to an organizations reputation

Ransomware on the rise?  As reported by PC World, “Cryptolocker, a popular variant of the ransomware likely made its operators tens of millions of dollars until authorities disrupted the network in May 2014, shutting down Cryptolocker command-and-control servers and the GameOver Zeus botnet infrastructure that spread the malware.”

How much is my data worth?  “Ransomware perpetrators generally demand a nuisance fee for restoration of encrypted files, often $200 - $2,000.”  “Between mid-March and August 24, 2014, more than 600,000 systems were infected with the CrypoWall variant of ransomware.”  600,000 x $200 = $120,000,000  600,000 x $2000 = $1,200,000,000

How do I protect myself?  Keep your firewall on.  Don’t open spam messages or click links on suspicious websites. (Cryptolocker spreads via.Zip files sent as attachments, for example.)  Keep all of the software on your computer up to date  Make sure automatic updating is turned on to get all the latest Microsoft security updates and browser-related components (Java, Adobe, etc.)

How do I protect myself?  Experts advise taking these steps to avoid attacks or protect yourself after an attack:  Use reputable antivirus software and a firewall  Backup often  Exercise caution  Disconnect from the network and internet  Alert authorities  Update your security software

Questions? CALL US AT WE CAN HELP KEEP YOUR INFORMATION SAFE.

CALL FOR YOUR FREE SECURITY ASSESMENT or  The single Biggest thing that will defeat ransomware is having a regularly updated backup.  All your data is backed up CONTINUOUSLY throughout the day in 15 minute increments—even open documents. That means if your server is encrypted, we can recover your work up to 15 minutes prior to the event.  We AUTOMATICALLY back up all of your data to a highly-secure, off-site location. This eliminates the unreliability of tapes and external hard drives, and protects you if your office is destroyed by an earthquake, flood, fire, and even theft and human error.  We can monitor this system 24-7 to make sure it’s working. No ‘unpleasant surprises’ that your backups weren’t working.  Should your server crash-or even get destroyed- we’ll have a mirror copy of your server, with all the software and settings EXACTLY as you had them, that can INSTANTLY take over.