Statistics show that 48% of UK organisations were targeted by ransomware in 2020, with 13% of victims stating that they paid the ransom. Cyber attacks can affect any size of business and can lead to significant data breaches if there are no systems in place to keep files safe.
Ransomware is a form of malware that encrypts a victim’s files, whereby the attacker then demands a ransom payment from the victim for data access to be restored. If successful, these attacks can damage systems, lead to the loss of files, and cost thousands of pounds to rectify.
Parker Hannifin – the global engineering giant – reported this month that it had suffered a damaging data breach in March, which may have compromised the personal data of employees and their dependents.
Following a security investigation, the organisation discovered that a third party had gained access to IT networks between March 11th and 14th, with the culprits responsible believed to be the Conti ransomware gang.
Personal information such as names, social security numbers, dates of birth, login credentials, and other details are believed to have been targeted and accessed. Following this breach, the engineering firm stated that they are taking steps to safeguard its systems and prevent the company from falling victim to further “rapidly evolving threats.”
If you’re concerned about ransomware and the impact cybercriminals could have on your business, there are several steps you can take to protect your data, including using antivirus software, backing up your files frequently, and keeping your operating system up to date so there are fewer vulnerabilities to exploit.
The NEBRC is part of a national network that aims to inform businesses about cyber threats and provide support to help them stay safe from cybercriminals.
To discuss how you can protect your business from ransomware, please contact our team for an update on free resources and membership at [email protected]