This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
‘Ransomware works by infecting a computer and performing a reversible act, such as


BUSINESS CRIME & PROTECTION Whether at home or


BUSINESS NETWORK


work, the most common attack scenario is to enlist the unwitting help of the user. This is usually done by getting the user to open an infected email attachment or download an infected file. Understanding the


encrypting all the files and requesting a ransom is paid for the files’ safe return’


danger and training staff to avoid it is essential to prevent criminals being able to open this access. It is also essential to be prepared to fail. No matter how


good personal or corporate cyber defences are, the criminals are constantly evolving their modes of attack. Create a survival plan for if, or when, the firewall is


breached. Questions to be asked should include:


• Is there a backup strategy that puts recent copies of the unencrypted data beyond reach of the ransomware?


• Is there a culture which would allow criminals to be paid to regain control of business assets?


• What professional assistance might be called for and by whom?


•Is cyber insurance in place to help with the clean-up costs?


How big an impact ransomware could have on our lives


in the future is something that can only be speculated about. It’s conceivable that ransomware could evolve to infect


cars - “please pay one bitcoin to start the engine”, smart homes - “please pay one bitcoin to turn the heating on” or a factory - “please pay 100 bitcoins to restart production line”. Whatever the impact of the crime, the protection mechanism will be the same… the implementation of good cyber hygiene.


business network June 2016 37


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56