What It Is and How It Can Affect Your Business / Digital Information World

Since businesses have existed, there have been criminals looking to profit from them. Faced with thieves stealing inventory and trade secrets, businesses invested in padlocks. When crooks found sophisticated ways to pick those padlocks, businesses implemented security cameras, alarm systems and active guards. It was a cat-and-mouse game – the two parties each devising creative ways to outsmart the other.

That’s certainly true in the modern age, as businesses increasingly rely on technology. Businesses use their computer systems for several critical processes – communication, accounting, ordering and banking, to name a few. Think of these computers as digital offices and warehouses, storing valuable information and facilitating key business procedures. The basic padlock may have worked in the past, but criminals are finding new ways to pick them.

Take ransomware, for instance: a relatively new form of malicious software that takes advantage of system vulnerabilities. To keep your business vigilant, proactive and protected, you need to know about these emerging threats. In this article, let’s take a closer look at ransomware – what it is and what you can do to protect against it.

What Is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) that encrypts your business’ software, either blocking your access to it or threatening to publish sensitive information unless you pay a ransom. It’s used as part of a criminal moneymaking scheme to intimidate and coerce businesses.