Ransomware, a type of malware that restricts access to data until a ransom is paid, poses a significant threat, occurring every 14 seconds, predominantly through spam emails. To mitigate risks, accountants should implement security measures such as using antivirus software, following strong password policies, keeping systems updated, and regularly backing up data. Utilizing reliable cloud hosting can further enhance data security by providing advanced protections.

1. Ace Cloud Hosting
Ransomware - What
Accountants Need To Know
Ace Cloud Hosting

2. It takes 20 years to build a reputation and a
few minutes of cyber-incident to ruin it.
- Stephane Nappo, Global Cheif Information
Security Officer at OVHcloud

3. Let
numbers
talk
A ransomware attack
happens every 14
seconds.
1
91% of attacks happen
through spam emails.2
Ransomware generates
over $25 million revenue
for hackers every year.
3

4. What is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a malware that
restricts access to the information
until a ransom is paid to the hacker.

5. Ransomware starts with the
targeting of a system or network
with a malware through a spam
email or any other source,
infecting the system.
It takes advantage of a glitch in
the software or the system to run
the infected code.
The ransomware code encrypts
the data on the system, and the
system gets hacked.
The attacker then demands
money to decrypt the data.
How Ransomware Works?

6. Cost Of A Ransomware Attack
Ransomware attacks your system and encrypts your
important accounting files and data.
It might lead to a heavy loss of data and cost you a lot of
money. So you must take relevant measures to keep your
work safe from a ransomware attack.
Here are a few.

7. Anti-spam Your Email
A research by KnowBe4 shows that
91% of attacks happen through spam
emails.
So, you must not click on any random
link from unrecognized sources and
not download attachments from such
sources.
You can also opt for email security
services that help detect spam emails.

8. Install Antivirus Software
Installing antivirus and anti-malware
software on your system is an
important measure to keep it safe
from attacks.
Antivirus immediately detects and
eradicates malware from your system,
keeping your accounting data safe.

9. Follow Password Policies
In order to prevent someone from
entering your system, you must follow
the best password policies.
Using strong, uneasy-to-crack
passwords can help safeguard your
accounting work.
You must also set different passwords
for different applications and change
them on a regular basis.

10. Be Careful While Installing Software
Installing software from unreliable
sources may have a virus attached to
it.
So, you must install software from
reliable and trusted sources and then
run an antivirus check on it to keep
your accounting information safe on
your system.

11. Keep Your System Up-to-date
Every software and operating system
comes with regular updates that
contain important security patches to
detect any malicious activities.
So, you must ensure that you are
always working on the latest versions
of software and operating system.

12. Backup Your Data Regularly
If ransomware strikes, the easiest way
to retrieve your data is through
backups.
Hence, you must take regular backups
of your accounting data and save it on
a different device so you can easily
recover it in case of any loss.

13. Choose A Reliable Cloud Hosting
Provider
Hosting your accounting files on the
cloud is one of the best ways to keep
them safe.
The reliable cloud hosting providers
offer advanced security features such
as IDS/IPS and data encryption to
safeguard your accounting work.

14. Follow the above practices and keep your
accounting work safe from ransomware attacks!

15. About Us
Ace Cloud Hosting is a managed cloud hosting
provider and specializes in the accounting, tax,
retail, and construction industries.
We on superfast
SSD-based servers with 99.999% uptime, 100
days data backup, business continuity, and
always-on support.
To know more, please visit
or call us at 1-855-ACE-IT-UP
www.acecloudhosting.com
host accounting applications

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17. References
4. Tips How To Stay Safe Against Ransomware - Ace Cloud Hosting
1. Security Awareness Training Blog - KnowBe4
2. Cyber Security Report - Cisco
3. Malware can be a highly profitable business - Business Insider