Cyber Ransom Protection
STEPS TO TAKE FOR PROTECTING YOUR COMPANY FROM CYBER RANSOM
A well-written Corporate Policy on Internet and Information Security will go a long way to keeping your corporate data safe from data thieves.
CYBER RANSOM PROTECTION
Cyber Ransom or Ransomware has been a hot topic in the news this year. There have been many iterations of these new technology threats, including WannaCry, CryptoLocker, CryptoWall and most recently, Bad Rabbit. But what is Ransomware and how can today’s contractors protect themselves from something they don’t fully understand?
What is Cyber Ransom?
This article aims to bring clarity to the issue of Ransomware and provide insight on how businesses can make informed decisions to protect themselves. Ransomware, by definition, is malicious software that can steal or deny access to data by encrypting it, unless the victim pays a sum of money. Just like in a kidnapping scenario, a ransom is demanded, thus putting the user in a difficult situation; pay the ransom and get your data back or don’t pay and suffer the loss of data. The “data napper” will often mask their identity by requesting the funds be paid using a digital currency such as Bitcoin.
To protect your business, it is important to take advantage of advancements in cyber security. Your first step should be to utilize security software with advanced capabilities such as anti-virus and anti-malware protection to prevent your systems from infection. However, this alone cannot fully protect a business. Keeping your computer up to date with software and operating system patches will also help to plug security holes and make it more difficult for Ransomware to make changes to programs and files. Additionally, a successful contractor running a business needs to address every aspect of information security to keep their data confidential.
Multi-Layered Approach to Security
If we consider the steps taken when a new construction project is started, many helpful parallels can be made. A new job requires several elements to ensure success: bonding, insurance, locates, and a WSIB clearance form the foundation of protecting every contractor from risk. Information Security is no different; a multilayered approach to security includes security software, a next-generation firewall with content filtering, patch management, email filtering, advanced monitoring services to “keep an eye” on your data, and most importantly, end-user education. Each of these performs a different function.
Security Software to Protect from Cyber Ransom
Security software protects the in and out data on your machine; a next generation firewall can scan the traffic to and from the Internet and like a detective can perform deep inspection of the data checking it for threats, while blocking access to nefarious websites and services; patch management keeps all your programs and systems current to plug ongoing security issues; email filtering helps to keep your communications clean and can trap harmful emails from getting into users’ inboxes; and network and Internet monitoring services can alert business owners and/or your computer services provider to issues that need to be addressed immediately. Most importantly, users need to be educated on what to look out for when browsing websites and opening emails with attachments.
By performing these steps, contractors can ensure they are taking the necessary precautions to minimize their risk of Ransomware.
Microsoft Teams Phone System
The Microsoft Teams Phone System is a modern, cloud-based communication platform that replaces outdated PBX hardware with a flexible, secure, and fully integrated calling solution. Built directly into Microsoft Teams, it allows your employees to make and receive calls from any device—desktop, laptop, tablet, or mobile—while accessing chat, meetings, and collaboration tools all in one place.
Unlike traditional PBX systems that rely on expensive physical hardware and fixed phone lines, Teams Phone uses voice-over-IP (VoIP) technology to deliver high-quality calling over the internet. This eliminates the need for bulky on-site equipment while providing advanced features such as call queues, auto attendants, voicemail-to-email, call recording, and seamless integration with Office 365 applications.
With centralized management, built-in security, and the ability to scale instantly as your business grows, the Microsoft Teams Phone System gives organizations a future-ready communication solution that enhances mobility, reduces operational complexity, and improves overall productivity.
- Lower Operating Costs – Cloud-based calling eliminates expensive PBX hardware, phone line fees, and long-distance charges, reducing overall communication costs.
- No Hardware Maintenance or Repair Expenses – With no on-premises PBX to manage, you avoid ongoing maintenance, technician visits, and costly equipment failures.
- Pay-As-You-Grow Scalability – Add or remove users instantly without purchasing additional hardware or over-provisioning capacity, ensuring you only pay for what you need.
- Reduced Licensing & Software Overhead – Teams Phone consolidates calling, conferencing, and collaboration into one platform, lowering the need for multiple communication tools and extra subscriptions.
- Lower Costs for Remote & Hybrid Workers – Employees can call from any device without desk phones, VPN appliances, or extra telephony equipment, reducing setup costs for off-site staff.
- Increased Employee Efficiency – Integrating voice calls with Teams chat, meetings, and file sharing boosts productivity and reduces communication delays, resulting in labor cost savings.
- Predictable Monthly Budgeting – Cloud-hosted service removes surprise hardware replacement costs and offers stable, transparent pricing for better financial planning.