Whether you're an IT professional or an internet user, this threat will surely keep you up at night. This increasingly popular cyberattack can deal a body blow to any business. From business disruption to the recovery process, ransomware is a nightmare.

To figure out the best way to protect your systems and data from bad actors using ransomware, it’s important to understand why it’s a big deal and how it infects your systems to figure out how you can fight back and keep it from damaging your business.

First, take a look at the facts about ransomware that you need to read to get up to speed, because it’s one cybersecurity test that you don’t want to fail.

How Big of a Threat is Ransomware?

Ransomware is extremely common, growing it a top cybersecurity concern since 2020. Organizations need to be aware of the danger. They should be ready against it with a cybersecurity plan in place for the future that’s ready to handle this growing threat.

• FBI reported a 300% increase in cybercrimes like ransomware since
• Ransomware attacks have increased over 97 percent in the past two years.
• A new cyberattack is attempted every 39 seconds.
• 51% of businesses have been impacted by ransomware in the last year.

How can Ransomware Contaminate my Systems?

To defend against ransomware, you need to understand where it comes from, how it reaches you, and how it infects your systems. Ransomware software is easily available on the Dark Web. It’s so easy to use that you don’t need to be a sophisticated hacker to deploy successful attacks.

• 65% of ransomware infections are delivered via phishing.
• 85% of ransomware targets Windows systems.
• 94% of ransomware-related phishing emails use malicious file attachments as the payload or infection source.
• 60% of the information available on the Dark Web could potentially harm enterprises through hacking, spear phishing, and ransomware attacks.
• 75% of companies infected with ransomware were running up-to-date endpoint protection.

What Happens If We’re Infected with Ransomware?

One ransomware hit is a cybersecurity disaster that can cripple your business. Recovery operations like restoring your data and systems through backups are expensive, as are complications like regulatory headaches, harm to business relationships, damaged client confidence, and downtime. If you pay the ransom it’s a huge expense, and there’s no guarantee that the cybercriminals didn’t copy or sell your data anyway.

• 85% of IT professionals report ransomware as the #1 threat to businesses.
• One in five SMBs report that they have fallen victim to a ransomware attack.
• The cost of downtime is on average 23 times greater than the ransom amount
• The average ransom demand is $5,900 compared to the average cost of downtime at $141,000.
• 34% of businesses hit with ransomware took a week or more to regain access to their data

With all the data we have provided, you should know by now that taking ransomware lightly is a big mistake. Every company must take this threat seriously and put strong protections in place to avoid falling victim to a ransomware attack. But ransomware is not a problem without solutions. Paul General, CEO/Cybersecurity Specialist, and the rest of his team at General Technologies are providing various solutions to businesses in need of cybersecurity programs, peace of mind, and the protection they need from different cyberattacks.

Plan your cyber strategy now! Contact us today.