A few of some recent errors that led to a lot of downtime:
- From September 2013 to May 2014, the CryptoLocker ransomware attack is estimated to have affected between 250,000 and 500,000 computers. The ransomware was deployed via a Trojan hidden within a ZIP file attached to spam emails.
- In September 2014, a similar attack evaded detection by email filters by requesting recipients visit a rogue website (via a link) in order to address a failed parcel delivery notice. The rogue website would then download the ransomware payload.
- Also in September 2014, the CrypoWall ransomware spread wildly due to users downloading executable files disguised as images on spam emails. This attack deleted backup copies, installed spyware to obtain passwords and steal Bitcoin wallets.
- The Petya ransomware variant discovered in 2016, was the first ransomware to be allegedly used for a politically-motivate attack. The malware spread rapidly via a hacked tax preparation program in the Ukraine and affected major business partners across the globe.
- In May 2017, the WannaCry ransomware exploited vulnerabilities in unpatched and older versions of Windows operating systems. WannaCry is estimated to have affected 200,000 computers, but could have been much worse had a security expert not discovered a kill switch.
These days, it’s not a matter of if your business will experience downtime, but when.
Imagine your servers crashing during the busiest season of the year. Do you have a plan to get back up and running in minutes? Your safest bet is to plan for the worst by having a business continuity and disaster recovery plan in place.
Want to learn more about keeping your business up and running?