With the latest mass cyberattack in Oklahoma, city officials are now shutting down city and business computer systems in an attempt to stop the spread. Not much is being said about how the malignant attack latched onto the networks, other than it was similar to this year’s Colonial Pipeline ransomware attack.  City officials typically are disinterested in paying off cyber attack ransom amounts, opting to pay the (often higher) costs of repairing the systems and restoring the data. Although the malware attacks in Tulsa focused more on larger entities, it’s always wise to stack up your cybersecurity measures for preventative purposes, as well as plan for the worst, as malware attacks squeeze revenue at every business they can.  The following will aid any entity:
  • Phishing Recognition
  • Data Encryption and Cloud Computing
  • Consistent Backups

The Overwhelming Amount of Malware Damage Is Caused by Phishing Scams

Whether this be whaling, smishing/vishing, email phishing, spear phishing, false portals or venues, etc, phishing is the absolute easiest way for a scammer to access and leverage sensitive data. By the time a phishing scam has found its entry point, the best thing a company or agency can do often turns out to be shutting down an entire network, nearly eliminating all productivity.  From top to bottom, phishing recognition training transforms your team into a valuable security asset at all levels. Your employees at every level should be able to not only recognize a phishing scam that is directed at them, but they would also know how to report it. Cybersecurity services excel in turning your employees into a security asset. 

Cloud Computer Offers Data Encryption on the Server’s Side

Typically, it isn’t necessary to encrypt data on both sides, as data with an adequate “wrapper” (like the SSL that the Cloud uses) is mandated by basic HTTPS protocol. Data in transit that uses this Cloud security is useless to those who receive it, but who do not have the tools to unwrap it. This is why basic encryption through the Cloud is so successful as a security measure. It is easily achievable, and the payoff is immediate.  Basic cybersecurity providers also have an arsenal of additional encryption methods and software, making it virtually impossible for a non-employee to access data, should extra protection be needed. These systems are scalable and personalized, as equipping your team with the best fit is the overarching goal for cybersecurity service providers. 

Consistent Backups Turn a Mountain Into a Molehill After the Fact

One of the largest problems facing the hacked Tulsa networks is the amount of money being spent on data recovery alongside network downtime, vastly overshadowing the cost of the actual ransom. Managed IT services often provide fantastic cloud backup resources, so in the event of an impaired system, your continuously updated information is safe at the third-party location, making it much easier to jump back on board for all of your employees after a worst-case scenario. To find out just how much your security stack can be improved, consider consulting with a local expert.