Some cyber security experts call ransomware attacks an epidemic.

In 2016, the FBI estimated that ransomware attacks resulted in over $1 billion in income for cybercriminals*. Experts attribute the ransomware epidemic to people’s carelessness in clicking on phishing emails and infected advertisements.

Here are 10 things organisations should know about ransomware:

1. Ransomware was first reported in 1989
2. Ransomware doesn’t discriminate when it comes to platforms and devices
3. Ransomware can be distributed through various channels
4. Ransomware often goes undetected
5. Organisations should change their mindset from a reactive-based model to a prevention-oriented one
6. Organisations should develop a prevention and response plan
7. Organisations should identify a prevention and response team
8. Organisations should perform a compromise assessment
9. Organisations should complete a security tools assessment
10. Organisations should respond and future-proof

Download the full infographic here – Infographic courtesy of Cylance Consulting

As threatening as ransomware sounds, damage can be avoided with increased user awareness coupled with the right security practices. Businesses need to be aware of the risks and take adequate precautions to minimize the impact in the event of an attack.

See Cylance in action for yourself? Register here to join our workshop at The Metal Box Factory in London on the 25th May and see the capabilities for yourself.

*Source: CNN