Hackers have stolen your company’s digital files, disrupted operations and are demanding a $1.7 million payout within 7 days or they go public. Could you negotiate your way out of a huge payout while also minimizing the impact to your business?
The Financial Times has made a simulation game where you can test your negotiating skills and go through a mock ransomware attack. The simulation game is based on interviews with ransomware negotiators, ransomware experts and executives who have gone through ransomware attacks. It also includes images hosted by hacking groups.
In the game, you are the CEO of an imaginary company called Signary, a successful virtual medicine company that has just been hit by a ransomware attack. Employees cannot be paid, products cannot be shipped, servers are down and attackers are demanding $1.7 million in 7 days or your business may be permanently damaged and shut down. The game displays messages from the hackers with options on how to respond. With each answer, the ransom amount and time to pay adjusts.
To play the game visit https://ig.ft.com/ransomware-game/ (you may need to google “Financial Times ransomware game” to access).
Ransomware attacks have more than tripled across the world since 2019. The average payout in 2021 is estimated to be $541,000. Attackers do not care if you are a small or large business, public or private, or what industry you operate in.
A proactive, preventive approach to prevent ransomware attacks is a must today. This includes taking steps such as:
- Maintain up-to-date anti-virus software
- Keep operating systems and software up-to-date with the latest patches
- Have a data backup and recovery plan for critical information
- Restrict users ability to install and run unwanted software applications
- Train employees on phishing and unsolicited emails and links
Insight BTR, a Madison, WI based IT consulting firm, can work with your business to make sure the proper preventive measures are in place. We’ve also partnered with Acronis Active Protection, an advanced ransomware protection technology, to actively protect our clients from attacks.
To learn more, call us at 608-661-0750 or email info@insightbtr.com.
