Data kidnapping is real and on the rise. Malicious ransomware can infect individual computers and networks when users click on deceptive links or websites, or open infected emails, often with good intentions. The result is permanently encrypted files rendered worthless without the code the kidnappers hold. Victims reported more than $18 million in ransomware-related losses between April 2014 and June 2015, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
As with animal health, prevention is more effective than reactionary treatment. A data security plan is critical. You may not be able to fully protect against an attack, but you can plan a recovery. Your mobile systems are at risk, as well.
Source: Computerworld, January 21, 2016.
The time to figure out how you would respond to such an incident is NOT the minute it happens. Figure out in advance who to call for help, how to reach them quickly, and where your passwords, install disks and other important items are. File them where they can be easily found, but NOT on a PC whose infection can prevent you from accessing the details needed to fix it.
Source: PCWorld, May 26, 2015.
Data-nappers are going mobile as well, according to recent data form mobile security firm Lookout. In 2014 four of the top five malware programs encountered by Android users were ransomware . . .
Animal Health Digest will monitor ongoing articles about the need for data security in all animal health channels, especially veterinary operations and share them with you.