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Ransomware continues to be a growing threat, particularly for schools and small businesses with limited IT resources. This guide outlines essential steps to help your organization safeguard against these attacks.

1. Understanding Ransomware Threats

  • Common Vectors: Phishing emails, Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) attacks, and cloud misconfigurations are common methods attackers use to penetrate systems.
  • Recent Examples: Schools and SMBs are increasingly targeted due to their valuable data and often underfunded cybersecurity defenses. This makes building a strong defense critical.
Interested in learning how a school district strengthened its defenses against these threats? Check out our case study on MSD Martinsville's cybersecurity journey.

2. Building Your Defense

  • Educate Employees: Staff are the first line of defense. Train them to recognize phishing attempts and suspicious links. Use our Cyber Smarts Guide for practical advice.
  • Access Controls: Implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and restrict access to sensitive information to only those who need it.
  • Secure Remote Access: Disable unused RDP ports and enforce strong password policies. See our blog on The Art of the Uncrackable Password for more tips.
  • Backups: Regularly perform offline backups and test them for quick recovery in case of an attack.
For more insights on building a proactive defense, our white paper, "Securing the Future: How Schools and Districts Stay One Step Ahead of Cyber Threats," offers a deep dive into the current cybersecurity landscape in education.

3. Detection and Response

  • Continuous Monitoring: Implement 24/7 monitoring to catch unusual activity early. Services like ActZero’s MDR offer real-time threat detection to keep your network secure.
  • Incident Response Plan: Develop and regularly test a response plan to isolate threats and restore data effectively.
  • Vulnerability Management: Keep your software up to date with the latest patches. Check out our Cloud Security Best Practices Checklist for more on securing your environment.

4. Leverage Available Resources

Preventing ransomware requires a proactive strategy, combining employee education, strong defenses, and continuous monitoring. Use these steps and resources to enhance your organization's protection. Check out our Cloud Security Best Practices Checklist to further strengthen your defenses.
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