b'Cyber SecurityRansomware in 2021SMACNA STANDARDRansomware attacks were on the rise in 2020, and allMANUALS AVAILABLE indicators suggest the trend will continue in the new year. Ransomware is a form of malware designed toAt SMRCA MIAMI VALLEY encrypt files on a device, rendering any files and the systems that rely on them unusable. Malicious actors then demand ransom in exchange for decryption.The most common methods used to spreadransomware are visiting a compromised website or clicking on a malicious link or attachment in an email. We saw a dramatic increase in ransomware when users went remote in April, but experts expect the number of attacks to continue to grow. Statistically 40% of victims pay the ransom, and criminals used last year to perfect tactics. Basically all metrics tracking ransomware increased dramatically in 2020. In Q3 of 2020 we saw a 50% increase in ransomware attacks compared to the first six months of the year. The average cost per incident in-creased from $5,900 in 2019 to $8,100 in 2020. SPEC IT RIGHTBUILD IT The average loss caused by downtime from aANDTHENransomware attack increased from $141,000 in 2019 to $283,000 in 2020.RIGHT! USE ASMACNA CONTRACTOR! The estimated total cost of ransomware attacks almost doubled year over year increasing from $11.5 billion in 2019 to $20 billion in 2020. CONTACT EMILY MANDICH FOROften, small and medium sized businesses are targetedMANUALS AT (937) 278-0308because many of them do not have the resources toOR SMRCA@ASSNSOFFICE.COM defend against an attack. Small businesses accountedor visit www.smacna.org for 43% of all cyber-attacks in 2020, and 70% of small businesses say they are not prepared to deal with a cyber-attack.Quanexus bridges the IT gap for many small businesses who are not able to keep a high quality, up-to-date IT department on staff. IT Security demands change quickly, and many small to medium sized businesses are not able to keep up on their own. 571 Congress Park Dr.Dayton, OH 45459quanexus.com 937.885.7272Page 15CONSTRUCTION JOURNAL'