--- title: "Held Hostage: Is Your Business Information at Risk for Ransom?" description: "Held Hostage: Is Your Business Information at Risk for Ransom?" image: https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/ThinkstockPhotos-515527054.jpg --- [Skip to the main content.](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/held-hostage-is-your-business-information-at-risk-for-ransom#main-content) [![OTT powerd by VN big](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/OTT%20powerd%20by%20VN%20big.png?width=500&height=175&name=OTT%20powerd%20by%20VN%20big.png "OTT powerd by VN big")](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com) [![OTT powerd by VN big](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/OTT%20powerd%20by%20VN%20big.png?width=500&height=175&name=OTT%20powerd%20by%20VN%20big.png "OTT powerd by VN big")](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com) - [Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/) - [Managed It Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/managed-it/) - [Cybersecurity](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/cybersecurity/) - [Cloud Solutions](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/cloud-solutions/) - [Compliance](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/compliance/) - [Industries](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/industries/) - [Resources](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/resources/) - [Blog](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog) - [About](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/about/) - [Client Testimonials](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/testimonials/) [415-294-5250](tel:4152945250) [Client Portal](https://portal.Valeonetworks.com) Toggle Menu Toggle Menu [415-294-5250](tel:4152945250) [Client Portal](https://portal.Valeonetworks.com) - [Services *Toggle Menu*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/) - [Managed It Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/managed-it/) - [Cybersecurity](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/cybersecurity/) - [Cloud Solutions](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/cloud-solutions/) - [Compliance](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/our-services/compliance/) - [Industries](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/industries/) - [Resources *Toggle Menu*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/resources/) - [Blog](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog) - [About *Toggle Menu*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/about/) - [Client Testimonials](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/testimonials/) - Example Link - Example Link - Example Link [*Facebook*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/held-hostage-is-your-business-information-at-risk-for-ransom#0) [*Instagram*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/held-hostage-is-your-business-information-at-risk-for-ransom#0) [*LinkedIn*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/held-hostage-is-your-business-information-at-risk-for-ransom#0) [*Twitter*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/held-hostage-is-your-business-information-at-risk-for-ransom#0) [*Youtube*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/held-hostage-is-your-business-information-at-risk-for-ransom#0) [*Medium*](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/held-hostage-is-your-business-information-at-risk-for-ransom#0) 2 min read # Held Hostage: Is Your Business Information at Risk for Ransom? [Lance Stone](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/ulisticadmin) : May 26, 2016, 11:56:05 AM [Managed IT Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) These days, being held for ransom has taken on a whole new meaning–and your business technology’s biggest threat is virtual, persistent, and extremely difficult to pin down. According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), [ransomware attacks are on the rise—and businesses are becoming increasingly targeted over individual consumers due to their ability and willingness to pay higher ransoms](https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2016/april/incidents-of-ransomware-on-the-rise/incidents-of-ransomware-on-the-rise). ![ransomware](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/ThinkstockPhotos-515527054.jpg?width=499&height=346&name=ThinkstockPhotos-515527054.jpg) ### **How Does Ransomware Attack?** During a ransomware attack, cyber criminals will hold business’ IT systems hostage until demands for money are met–and only after the ransom fees are paid in full is valuable business data returned to the rightful owner. Upon infection, ransomware begins its attack by encrypting valuable files and folders on local storage and backup locations, as well as local hard drives—and any other data points on the same network that the infected device is attached to. Problematically, the infection will usually go unnoticed until someone attempts to use the system and access is either denied or met with on-screen messaging threats of ransom and data destruction. ### **How Can I Defend My Business Against Ransomware?** Ransomware has seen great success due in part to its ability to shut down business processes and threaten the total destruction of company data. Since malware and ransomware methods are constantly evolving—and because it is often hard to detect a ransomware infection until the data has already been compromised—the [FBI recommends that businesses work diligently to ensure they have adequate prevention and a disaster response plan in place well before opening network operations:](https://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2016/april/incidents-of-ransomware-on-the-rise/incidents-of-ransomware-on-the-rise) ### **Prevention Efforts Recommended by the FBI** Educate Employees - Businesses should educate employees as to how ransomware and other malware can compromise valuable business and personal data. Be sure to reinforce the importance of avoiding spammy websites and emails, suspicious links, and unfamiliar downloads or attachments. Develop a Disaster Response Plan - A business should have a business continuity and disaster plan in place from the moment they open their doors and their network. A well-designed and properly executed disaster plan can cut back on any downtime and loss of profits that result from the attack and also protect valuable sensitive business data from further corruption. If your business is required by law to comply with certain security measures to keep financial or personal consumer information secure, having a disaster plan is an absolute necessity in order to mitigate your exposure to financial risk and liability in the event of a data compromise. Maintain Patches and Updates - Maintain operating system patches and software and firmware updates, keep anti-virus and anti-malware solutions updated automatically and perform regular audits of your IT system. Limit Administrative Accounts - Limit administrative users and privileged accounts to a necessary group of business managers, and only use these accounts when absolutely required. Configure Permissions Correctly - Ensure all network sharing permissions, access controls, and file directories are configured correctly. Implement read-only rather than write-access for those employees who don’t need full access or authority within the system. Disable Macro Scripts - Office files transmitted over email should have macro scripts disabled. Restrict Vulnerable Software - Put software restriction policies in place to prevent programs from launching from typical ransomware locations, like temporary folders and compression files. Business Continuity Best Practices - Conduct regular backups and verify their integrity on a regular basis, and make sure all backups are secured and not related or connected to the networks and computers that they are supporting. {company} is the trusted choice when it comes to keeping your business’ network safe from ransomware and other malware attacks. We pride ourselves in always staying ahead of the latest information technology tips, tricks, and news. Contact us at {phone} or send us an email at {email} for more information. - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) #### ![BusinessOwnerGuidetoM&A-1](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hs-fs/hubfs/BusinessOwnerGuidetoM%26A-1.png?width=303&height=209&name=BusinessOwnerGuidetoM%26A-1.png) #### Download our eBook*THE ULTIMATE ROADMAP TO CMMC COMPLIANCE* by filling out the form below! [![Hold Security Reports A Russian Crime Ring Has Stolen Over a Billion Internet Passwords – Has Your IT Been Compromised?](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/Russian-Hackers.jpg)](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/hold-security-reports-a-russian-crime-ring-has-stolen-over-a-billion-internet-passwords-has-your-it-been-compromised) #### [Hold Security Reports A Russian Crime Ring Has Stolen Over a Billion Internet Passwords – Has Your IT Been Compromised?](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/hold-security-reports-a-russian-crime-ring-has-stolen-over-a-billion-internet-passwords-has-your-it-been-compromised) [Lance Stone](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/ulisticadmin) : Aug 6, 2014, 12:52:37 PM Hold Security, a firm based in Milwaukee, has reported to the New York Times that they’ve discovered a massive theft of confidential data gathered... [Managed IT Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) [Read More](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/hold-security-reports-a-russian-crime-ring-has-stolen-over-a-billion-internet-passwords-has-your-it-been-compromised) [![Is Virtual Reality For Real In Healthcare?](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/GettyImages-1022885722.jpg)](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/is-virtual-reality-for-real-in-healthcare) #### [Is Virtual Reality For Real In Healthcare?](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/is-virtual-reality-for-real-in-healthcare) [Lance Stone](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/lance-stone) : Apr 17, 2019, 7:34:00 AM Over the last couple of years, both the concept and the real world application of Virtual Reality (VR) has moved from the fringes of our imagination,... [Managed IT Services](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/tag/managed-it-services) [Read More](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/is-virtual-reality-for-real-in-healthcare) [![Reasons To Have In-house Storage](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/hubfs/Blog%20Images/Imported_Blog_Media/ThinkstockPhotos-514462826.jpg)](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/reasons-to-have-in-house-storage) #### [Reasons To Have In-house Storage](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/reasons-to-have-in-house-storage) [Lance Stone](https://ontimetech.valeonetworks.com/blog/author/ulisticadmin) : Nov 30, 2016, 1:31:13 PM Although many people argue it, storing all of your documents and data in the cloud is not always the best option. This article showcases when it is... 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