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Ransomware Attacks in Dallas: How to Identify and Stop Them

Today, the internet is filled with different kinds of perils. However, nothing strikes fear in IT security professionals and internet users more than the threat of a ransomware attack. These attacks can cripple network operations and access, tarnish your reputation with employees and customers, and invite further attacks as threat actors view your business as susceptible.

Just recently, 23 cities in Texas were hit by ransomware attacks, with the threat actors demanding $2.5 million to restore encrypted files. Amongst the affected organizations was Fort Worth ISD, where the attackers targeted the district’s entire system. But, these attacks don’t paint the whole picture. According to SonicWall, there were approximately 495 million ransomware attacks in 2021. These reports show just how dire the state of cybersecurity is.

So, how can you identify and stop ransomware attacks?


““Mr. Neil is beyond amazing. He jumped right in and saved my data, my pictures, everything!!!!!!””

“He has the best customer service that I can honestly say I have received in over a decade. He even allowed me to bring my son with me to his office so I didn’t have to find daycare! His whole staff was welcoming and comforting! If you need IT service for your business please call this company!!!””

Tahana Barcuch

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How Ransomware Attacks Take Place

While no two ransomware attacks are similar, the manner in which they infiltrate your system is the same:

  • An email from a threat actor hits your inbox. It demands your attention since it resembles a notice from a familiar brand or individual.
  • Upon downloading a document or clicking on a suggested link, a silent infection begins. The victim’s files are then encrypted.
  • The threat actors then demand ransom. The victim is given payment instructions often involving cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin. They are also given payment deadlines.
  • End result: Your business is faced with locked systems, encrypted files, and/or destruction of your files.

How Can You Prevent Ransomware Attacks?

Here are some cybersecurity best practices that can help you stop ransomware attacks:

1. Email Security

Given that ransomware is often delivered via email, ensuring email security is vital in stopping ransomware. Secure email gateway solutions can filter email communications through attachment sandboxing and URL defenses to determine potential threats and bar them from being delivered to users. As such, these solutions prevent ransomware from reaching endpoint devices and also block users from unintentionally installing ransomware onto their devices.

2. Strong Endpoint Antivirus Security

One of the best ways of stopping ransomware attacks is to have a robust endpoint security solution. By installing these solutions on your devices, you’ll block malware from infecting your system. Additionally, these solutions enable your admin to identify when a device(s) has been compromised and ensure that security updates are installed.

Besides protecting your devices against malicious downloads, these solutions alert users whenever they’re visiting a risky site. That said, whereas these solutions may not be 100% effective since cybercriminals are always creating new pieces of malware to get around security tools, these solutions are a good starting point for stopping ransomware attacks.

3. Data Backup and Recovery

Suppose a ransomware attack becomes successful and your data gets compromised, the best way of protecting your business is to be able to restore your data quickly and minimize downtime. You should ensure that all your data is backed up in several places, including on local disks, the cloud, and the main storage area. By backing up your data, you’ll be able to regain the functionality of your systems in case of loss of any encrypted files.

The best cloud data backup and recovery platforms enable businesses to not only recover data easily and promptly but also ensure that the data can easily integrate with endpoint devices and existing cloud applications. Cloud data backup and recovery is an essential tool for remediation against ransomware.

4. Web Filtering and Isolation Solutions

DNS web filtering solutions can stop users from downloading malicious files and visiting risky websites. As such, they help block viruses that ransomware downloads on the internet – this includes Trojan horses that disguise malware as legitimate business software. DNS filtering solutions also block malicious third-party adverts.

The use of isolation technologies can also be crucial in stopping a ransomware attack. These technologies remove threats completely away from users. They do this by isolating browsing activities on secure servers and sending a safety alert to users. This helps stop ransomware, given that any dangerous software is executed in a secure container and doesn’t affect the users. The key benefit of isolation solutions is that they deliver high-security efficacy with a smooth browsing experience – they don’t affect the user’s experience in any way.

5. Security Awareness Training

Your employees pose the biggest security risk to your organization. In fact, according to a Verizon study, 85% of ransomware attacks are as a result of the human element. It’s no wonder that more and more businesses are building a human firewall by training their employees on cybersecurity best practices.

You may have the best security solutions there are, but if you overlook employee training on cyber awareness, your business won’t be truly secure. Ensure that your employees receive substantial security awareness training on how to identify and report malicious activities, maintain cyber hygiene, and secure their personal devices. The training program should be kept up to date and include any new security protocols that may need to be implemented.

6. Zero Trust Implementation

The zero-trust security approach assumes that anything or anyone who attempts to connect to your network is a potential threat. With zero trust, no one inside or outside the network is trusted until their identification has been verified. It recognizes that both internal and external threats are omnipresent factors.

With this network security approach, every device or individual must undergo identity verification before gaining access to the network. This verification utilizes multi-factor authentication that requires the user to provide at least two credentials before being granted access.

7. Network and Firewall Segmentation

Network segmentation is becoming increasingly vital as cloud adoption increases, more so in hybrid and multi-cloud environments. Through network segmentation, businesses can partition their network based on their needs and grant access based on current status and role. Every network request is reviewed based on the current trust status of the person who made the request. This helps curb the lateral movement of threats within your network.

Ransomware Protection Team in Dallas

Ransomware is an ever-growing threat, and its implications can be devastating. Even so, a proven cybersecurity partner can help you prevent ransomware attacks. This is where Corptek comes in. Contact us today to discuss your security concerns, and we will help you stay ahead of threat actors.

Thanks to our colleagues at GenerationIX in Los Angeles for their help with this article.

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We recently switched security companies and could not be any happier. Justin is always happy to help with any issues that we have.
Jenn Rasco
Jenn Rasco
19:47 18 Jan 23
I have used many IT companies in my career. Jason and his team are great, always prompt and fix problems seamlessly . I would recommend Corptek to any small business looking for great IT solutions!
Ari Levy
Ari Levy
00:59 15 Dec 22
I am grateful for Corptek managing IT support services for 20+ of our locations, supporting our VOIP phone systems, networks, and desktop computers.
Jason Arnold
Jason Arnold
18:05 25 Nov 22
Corptek has taken care of our IT needs for over 12yrs. They are always easy to work with and professional. They have solved many computer issues from the very simple to the most complicated. We have never been disappointed.
Patty Reid
Patty Reid
16:15 24 Oct 22
Corptek has been amazing to work with! When I first called Corptek my company was suffering a tragic incident where all of our data was compromised. They came on board and helped us get back online immediately. The team is very responsive, listens and understands our needs & provides the best options. Thank you Corptek Team!
Taylor Plasek
Taylor Plasek
13:54 18 Oct 22
Corptek has been a great partner. We're a growing manufacturing company with 60+ employees. They run our IT infrastructure and network security.
m wolfson
m wolfson
14:28 17 Oct 22
What a difference! Corptek came in and did a great job at transitioning us to their software! There was minimal downtime and they made the process seamless. Our server crashed less than a week after moving over and they were able to get us back up and running without any disruption to our daily activities. I highly recommend them!
Richard Gesell
Richard Gesell
20:08 14 Oct 22
Corptek is always available when we need IT help. They respond promptly, diagnose quickly and resolve the problem(s). We have not had any problems they couldn't handle.
Michael LaCombe
Michael LaCombe
16:23 14 Oct 22
Hands down Corptek has been the best decision we've made in choosing IT company for our OS office! The staff is very knowledgeable, attentive, professional and super nice! Best of all they are LOCAL!!! ... SO, if you're in the market looking for an IT company that offers great communication, professionalism, and security. Look no further, Corptek are your guys!!
Michael Sheppard
Michael Sheppard
15:04 29 Aug 22
If you're reading this and on the fence or perhaps just browsing, your look is over. The Corptek team is who you need to know. They take the confusion and fear out of IT. They are a company with systems and processes, which always puts my mind at ease. Neil is one of the easiest guys to work with and thinks outside the box. The entire team is incredible & solutions driven- one you can depend on. This is a team that you can feel confident referring your best client too. Thank you for being an asset to me and my business. The Corptek team is a trusted resource!
Casey Christine
Casey Christine
20:01 30 Jun 22
Jason, Derek and the team at Corptek are awesome! They handled our email migration with ease and fully supported us through the entire process. I highly recommend Corptek!
leah ann bergara
leah ann bergara
20:20 13 May 22
On 2/15/22 our IT company that we have used for a while and have been paying to back up our data and service our network was working on my business laptop. Long story short, they crashed my computer, blue screen of death, bit key encrypted the whole works.This was devastating for me because once this happened they discovered that they did not back our system up and flat out told me that they could not fix it. All of my business records for over 6 years were gone, my sons pictures of him being a baby, our wedding pictures, all of my quick books, everything was gone!!!! To say I panicked and had a major anxiety attack is mild to what I went through! After trying for hours to find someone to help me I received a message from a friend out of the blue and she asked me how my day was going and I told her. She said I have a great IT guy, Mr. Neil and that she would give me his number.I called Mr. Neil first thing in the morning. Mr.Neil made room in his personal schedule because all of his employees had a full schedule.I was planning on hearing the worst that they wouldn’t be able to save my computer and all was lost. However, I kept praying and hoping that it could be saved.Mr. Neil is beyond amazing. He jumped right in and saved my data, my pictures, everything!!!!!! It was like an albatross was lifted off of my neck as soon as he said he was able to start retrieving my data. He is a Rockstar with computers!!!!He has the best customer service that I can honestly say I have received in over a decade. He even allowed me to bring my son with me to his office so I didn’t have to find daycare! His whole staff was welcoming and comforting! If you need IT service for your business please call this company!!!
Tahana Barcuch
Tahana Barcuch
14:08 16 Feb 22
I don't normally leave reviews not unless they are really good or really bad. I had been in the business for almost 20 years and we always need computers and IT service. I can honestly say that Corptek Solutions is the one that is rated on top of my list. They do exceptional work and they know their stuff. They are quick to help and resolve our IT issues. This company has qualified IT techs unlike others that hire techs that are no sure of how to work issues. These guys are the real deal!For our employees they are the best thing that happened to us in a long time. Great job Jason and Neil!
Chris Tan
Chris Tan
14:03 24 Mar 21
Corptek really helped us get on track with all of our IT needs.
Jason Campbell
Jason Campbell
23:11 13 Oct 20
The Corptek Team has saved me many times. I am so grateful for their service, experience and keeping me going. I would give them 50 stars! Thank you guys for all you do for me and my business. Thank your Trevor, Jason, Derek and Neil for always looking out for us at B&M Auto Specialists! I could not do it without you! Blessings to you all! You Rock!
Tonya Davis
Tonya Davis
20:29 01 Oct 20
Jason and his team are awesome! They are extremely knowledgeable about what they do. They care a lot about their clients, and are available anytime there is an emergency situation. The turnaround response time is impeccable. Our firm is so blessed to have found Corptek Solutions when we did. With Corptek, we now have peace of mind when it comes to problems that arise that are beyond our expertise. They are passionate about what they do, and it shows in their work. I would recommend Corptek to anyone.
Deborah Crawford
Deborah Crawford
20:29 10 Dec 19
We've been doing business with this company for over 6 years. Their response time is great, they make themselves readily available for any questions or concerns, and their customer service is excellent. Corptek staffs friendly, patient, and relatable professionals that communicate well and empower their clients to continue business confident that their IT needs are covered.
Klarisa Perry
Klarisa Perry
19:55 09 Oct 19
Corptek Solutions has been taking care of all of our computer and network needs for over 10 years! Great service! Always prompt and takes care of any issues very quickly.
Dee Murphy
Dee Murphy
21:22 27 Sep 19
I am so grateful for the team at Corptek. They are always a text connect away when I need them. If you need a IT team for your small business these guys are the best.
Tonya Davis
Tonya Davis
19:50 27 Sep 19
We have been a Corptek customer for several years. Jason and his team always make us feel like their top priority.
Walter Leon
Walter Leon
17:11 26 Sep 19
Neil is very knowledgeable and trustworthy. I highly recommend Corptek.
Mike Allbee
Mike Allbee
03:04 26 Sep 19
We have used Jason and Neil for many years now and continue to be pleased with their service. As our business has changed over the years, they have been there every step of the way.
Kristi Webb
Kristi Webb
17:29 18 Sep 19
Corptek Solutions has been a great partner to our company.
Korin R
Korin R
14:10 27 Jun 19
We recently overhauled our cobbled together collection of PC's & added a server to our system. Our experience with Corptek Solutions has been fantastic! Neil & Jason are the best. They have consistently gone above & beyond our expectations in response & communication. In addition they have offered up powerful recommendations which have amplified our productivity considerably. I would highly recommend them to anyone with a need for a superior customer experience regarding IT.
Roger D. Carroll
Roger D. Carroll
20:08 12 Jun 19
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