Ransomware attacks are hitting more than just bank accounts, as reports show that cybersecurity professionals have considered quitting over the ever-present risk of these security threats.
Cybersecurity has become a hot button issue for businesses around the world, particularly ransomware. The cyber threat has become common place for virtually every type of business, from healthcare to education, and solutions have been few and far between.
Unfortunately, the problem could get worse before it gets better, as cybersecurity professionals are throwing in the towel due to the unrelenting stress from trying to mitigate the risk.
Report: Ransomware Is Stressing Out Cybersecurity Professionals
According to a new report from cybersecurity firm Deep Instinct, 45% of cybersecurity professional have considered quitting over the constant threat of ransomware attacks. The stress of trying to adapt and solve these ever-evolving threats appears to just be too much for many in the profession.
“Stress is reaching unsustainable levels in the cybersecurity sector, regardless of role – driven by the need to defend against increasingly advanced threats, such as ransomware,” read the report.
This news could not come at a worse time, as ransomware attacks have become a seriously pressing issue, particularly for small businesses. 82% of ransomware attacks target smaller businesses due to the general lack of security measures in place.
These stats are just a couple of the many worrying ransomware statistics in a cybersecurity field that is already decidedly short-staffed. 74% of organizations state that a lack of cybersecurity skills have negatively impacted their organization, and only 9% of millennials have reportedly expressed interested in the industry.
How to Protect Your Business From Ransomware Attacks
Suffice to say, you may be on your own when it comes to protecting your business from ransomware attacks. While we can’t recommend trying to defend your company without a cybersecurity professional on staff, there are certainly some ways to mitigate the risk. Here are a few tips for protecting your business from a ransomware attack.
- Never click on suspicious links – hackers are getting smarter by the day, but avoiding suspicious links in texts, emails, and other means of communication is a great first defense against these kinds of attacks.
- Update your software – whether it be a CRM or a CMS, keeping your software up-to-date can close security loopholes quickly and effectively as they present themselves.
- Keep personal information to yourself – Unless you’re 100% sure of the source, avoid providing personal information to anyone requesting it, as this can be a first step towards hacking your account.
- Use a VPN on public Wi-Fi – internet connections in coffee shops and other public locations are notoriously not secure, so make sure to use a VPN if you must surf on the go.
Additionally, always be vigilant when it comes to online activity, particularly at work. In most cases, cyber attacks are pretty easy to spot if you’re paying attention. Keep an eye out for things like spelling errors, inconsistent design, and other oddities in requests for information, as they’re a dead giveaway for a cyber threat.
