World Backup Day arrives as ransomware attacks surge by 13% in a year
World Backup Day, observed annually on todays date, serves as a reminder for individuals and organisations to protect their valuable data. This year, it comes amidst a surge in ransomware attacks, which have seen a 13% increase in just one year, according to Verizon's latest Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR 2022).
Financially motivated organised crime groups are behind the majority of these incidents, targeting sectors like finance. They employ tactics such as phishing, hacking, and malware, including ransomware. Desktop sharing software and emails are the primary vectors for these attacks, used in 40% and 35% of cases respectively. The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) has urged all Australians to back up their important files as a preventive measure.
The median profit from these attacks stands at $178,465, with some reaching as high as $3,572,111. Other preventive measures include using antivirus software, patching policies, asset management, two-factor authentication, password management, email and web browsing filters, and regular employee training. However, regular data backup, preferably offline, remains a crucial step to avoid economic damage and ensure business continuity in case of an attack.
As ransomware attacks continue to rise, World Backup Day serves as a timely reminder for everyone to protect their data. By implementing preventive measures and maintaining regular backups, individuals and organisations can mitigate the impact of these cyber threats.
