Ransomware attacks continued to be a major threat in 2020 and will likely remain so in 2021. Ransomware encrypts users' files and demands ransom payments for the keys to decrypt them. It often infects systems through malicious attachments or links. Signs of infection include inability to access files, browser redirection, pop-ups, and crashes. Businesses can help prevent ransomware through employee education, backups, updated software/antivirus, disaster recovery plans, and managed security services.

1. IT SECURITY
IN 2021:
01
Why Ransomware
Is Still The Biggest
Threat
ETECH 7

2. 02
IT SECURITY IN 2021
What’s next for
cybersecurity in 2021?
Last year, both the public and the private sector experienced a
plethora of breaches and attacks. From regular security lapses to
more complicated, and often more expensive, ransomware attacks -
2020 has seen a drastic increase in the volume of breaches that led
to the widespread loss of data and valuable information around the
world.

3. 03
Considering the amount
and severity of ransomware
attacks in 2019 and 2020,
it’s no wonder that
ransomware will continue
to terrorize businesses on a
worldwide scale. But are
we really that helpless?
IT SECURITY IN 2021

4. 04
What exactly is ransomware?
IT SECURITY IN 2021
Ransomware is a form of malicious software (or
malware) that encrypts the data found on the
victim’s computer or computer system and can
only be accessed after paying a ransom to the
attackers. More often than not, ransomware is
a highly targeted attack that attempts to lock
you out of your files until a sum of money is
paid.
Popular ransomware examples
include:
WannaCry
Petya
CrytoLocker
Ryuk
Jigsaw
Bad Rabbit

5. 05
IT SECURITY IN 2021
How do you get ransomware and
how would you know if you’re
infected?
There are several different ways that ransomware can infect your
infrastructure. One of the most common methods is through emails that
contain malicious attachments or links that redirect users to an infected
website that automatically downloads malware without any notification
prompts.

6. 06
Ransomware often leaves victims
unaware as even legitimate
websites are used to redirect
users to a compromised website.
According to Malwarebytes,
“these attacks catalog details
about the victim’s computers and
their locations and then select
the malware best suited to
deliver.”
IT SECURITY IN 2021

7. But how
would you
know if
you're
infected with
ransomware?
07
IT SECURITY IN 2021
You cannot open your files
You’re suddenly locked out of your
computer
Your browser redirects you to random
websites
You notice an absurd number of pop-
ups
You suddenly experience constant
crashes and freezes
Your browser is locked
And the most obvious one - you see a
file containing instructions to decrypt
your files

8. 08
Check out some of
the measures you can
take to ensure that
your data is always
safe and secure.
Educate yourself and your staff
Make sure that your employees know how to spot
sketchy emails and know which links not to click.
Investing in a cybersecurity awareness seminar
helps mitigate the risk of human error which
hackers greatly rely on.
IT SECURITY IN 2021
Don’t forget to backup
Making a copy of your data is only part of the
battle against data loss - you need to make sure
your data is encrypted and password protected as
well. Make sure to use end-to-end encryption so
your data is secure both while in storage and
during transmission. Having the necessary backup
measures in place enables you to recover your
data in a timely manner.

9. 09
An outdated system or software leaves you
vulnerable to ransomware attacks. Updates are
important because they often include critical
patches to the security holes found in past
versions.
IT SECURITY IN 2021
Update your stuff
An antivirus software is designed to detect and
safely remove malicious software from your
computer. These programs scan files, programs,
and other data stored on your computer to search
for a wide variety of threats that might harm your
device. It also provides real-time threat detection
and protection against the most common computer
vulnerabilities.
Use a reputable security software

10. 10
IT SECURITY IN 2021
The main function of a disaster recovery plan is to
quickly restore your systems, minimize downtime,
and reduce the risk of data loss. Developing,
implementing, and maintaining a disaster recovery
plan is an important, albeit tedious, process. Make
sure that your disaster recovery plan is customized
to fit your network’s needs. Never leave it up to
guesswork.
Develop a disaster recovery plan
Hire an MSP!
If you don’t want the headache of reading pages
upon pages of research about various
cybersecurity measures, you always have the
option to hire a managed IT services provider
(MSP) to take care of your IT security needs.
Having a holistic approach to securing your
infrastructure, your operations, and your assets
should be every single business’ priority.

11. Phone Number
(212) 997-1202
Email Address
info@etech7.com
Website
www.etech7.com
24
Contact Us
For questions or concerns
IT SECURITY IN 2021