b'Business SecurityCyber Security: Ransomware in 2021By Jack Gerbs, QuanexusRansomwareattacks wereontherisein 2020, and all indicators suggestthetrendwill continueinthenew year. Ransomware is a form of malware designed to 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 spreadransomwarearevisitinga compromisedwebsiteorclickingon amalicious linkor attachment in an email. We saw a dramatic increase in ransomware when users went remoteOftensmallandmediumsized last April, but experts expect the numberbusinesses are targeted because many of attacks to continue to grow. Statisticallyof them do not have the resources 40%ofvictimspaytheransom,andtodefendagainstanattack.Small criminals used 2020 to perfect tactics.businessesaccountedfor43%of Basically, all metrics tracking ransomwareall cyber-attacks in 2020, and 70% increased dramatically in 2020. In Q3of small businesses say they are not of2020wesawa50%increaseinprepared to deal with a cyber-attack.ransomware attacks compared to the firstIT Security demands change quickly, and six months of the year.many small to medium sized businesses The average cost per incident increasedare not able to keep up on their own. Take from $5,900 in 2019 to $8,100 in 2020. the time to find a reputable company to The average loss caused by downtimehelp you bridge the IT gap. You may also from a ransomware attack increasedwant to look into purchasing Cyber Security from $141,000 in 2019 to $283,000Liability Insurance. The investment up in 2020. front on prevention may just save you The estimated total cost of ransomwarefrom an expensive loss down the road.attacks almost doubled year over year increasing from $11.5 billion in 2019 to $20 billion in 2020.www.mrca.orgMidwest Roofer 33'