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Last month, malicious software known as ransomware was used to hijack hundreds of thousands of computers worldwide.

Cybercriminals usually deliver the software by email or web pop-ups. Once a computer is infected with ransomware, the owner must pay the ransom or the data will be locked up and potentially destroyed.

The latest attack is called the WannaCry ransomware, and you will literally want to cry if your computer has been affected. This ransomware locks up the data and then displays a “ransom note” with demands to be paid in digital currency or bitcoins. Even if the ransom is paid, there is little evidence that your data will be returned.

Can you afford to lose all your data, whether at your practice or on your home computer? Here’s how to protect yourself from ransomware:

Update the Software

Microsoft had issued a patch fix to protect against the ransomware 8 weeks before the attack. So any targeted machine that had applied the software update was protected.

Stay on top of security updates for all your computers! You can configure your machines so they automatically install the latest updates.

Install Antivirus Software

Antivirus software can prevent a malware takeover, but it too must be kept up to date as malware attacks are changing all the time. Purchase antivirus apps only from reputable vendors like Malwarebytes, Bitdefender and Avast.

Always Backup Your Data

It’s a good idea to regularly backup the data on your computer in the event of a ransomware attack or some type of hard drive failure. Then, if a hacker shuts down your computer, you can restore the data via the most recent backup. Use a cloud backup service or back up your data onto a physical hard drive and then detach it from the computer.

Beware Suspicious Pop-Ups and Emails

Avoid clicking the links in emails from entities you don’t recognize or that you believe are suspicious. Always inspect a sender’s email address – even if the sender’s name is a familiar one, the email address may look strange. Hover over links inside the email to see where they lead.

Keep in mind that credit card companies, banks and internet service providers will not ask for your password or Social Security number in an email.

Plan for an Attack

Be vigilant about applying security updates. Create a schedule for installing the latest updates and stick to it. Train your staff on spotting bogus emails and dangerous popup windows.

Ask Us About Our Unique Marketing Strategies

Blue Orchid Marketing offers custom-written marketing elements designed to increase your bottom line. We also focus on external marketing by placing your practice on more than 70 local online directories and writing weekly custom blogs and social media posts to ensure your practice is found on internet searches. That’s more than 40 posts a month … it’s a service you need to stay competitive!

Need a web site? Live chat? Adwords? We have the solution!

To learn how our internal marketing solutions can put money in your pocket and our internet presence solutions and web sites can help you to attract new patients and clients, please call us at 203-746-5901ask for David – or send an email to DavidB@BlueOrchidMarketing.com. We’ll create a package that’s right for you!

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