What would happen if all your files suddenly disappeared from view?

The FBI issued a security alert regarding Interlock, an aggressive ransomware group.

Do not feel intimidated if this name is unfamiliar.

They only made their debut in September 2024, yet have made quite an impactful statement to North American and European businesses by targeting them with attacks.

Interlock is solely concerned with making money. They follow an established playbook: hack into your system, steal sensitive data that's encrypted so it cannot be accessed, issue a ransom note with only days to pay or all files will be released on the dark web.

Interlock's ransomware groups employ the double-extortion technique with great force.

Hackers are skilled in their approach. Using deceptively innocent websites or false security updates, they use deception to lure victims in to clicking. Once in, malicious software allows hackers to spy, steal passwords and move around your network freely.

Systems providers also have tools designed to target both Windows and Linux systems, giving them access to virtually every company that runs these operating systems.

Your business might be wondering what this means, as ransomware attacks don't just affect large organizations like those reported in the media; small and midsize businesses with reduced security budgets become easier targets for attackers.

Imagine being unable to access client files, vital systems, financial data or day-to-day information for any reason whatsoever. Even after systems are restored, damage caused to your reputation could prove even more costly than any outages experienced during that period of time.

What can you do to assist? The FBI offers clear advice in this matter:

Update your system regularly to protect it against hackers taking advantage of old vulnerabilities. When possible, enable multi-factor authentication - entering an additional code after entering your password as one way of protecting against unauthorized entry - for added protection against such attempts at theft. This may be one of the simplest and easiest ways of stopping them.

Filters and firewalls are effective ways of blocking malicious websites. By segmenting your network, if any part of it becomes infected it won't affect all aspects of business operations. Furthermore, investing in tools that detect suspicious behaviour early can prevent infection before it spreads further.

An attack can be both painful and expensive to recover from; acting now will be much less so. These warnings from the FBI are no joke; now is the time to protect your business against becoming their next victim.

Need assistance protecting your business? Get in touch with us. Reach out to us today! 📞 (404) 932-5940 📧 info@nuwaveitc.com 🌐 www.nuwaveitc.com