BOSTON, July 20, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Carbonite unveiled FightRansomware.com to address the rising ransomware epidemic. Featuring educational resources, including breaking news, technical analysis, actionable tips and security best practices, the website will empower small businesses to avoid and recover from ransomware infections.
Attacks from ransomware, malicious software designed to block access to computer files until a sum of money is paid, are rapidly increasing and putting businesses at significant risk. According to the FBI, cybercriminals have extorted $209 million from businesses and other institutions in the first three months of 2016 alone, on pace to eclipse $1 billion in collected damages this year. Businesses that don’t pay often suffer extensive loss of important data, such as accounting records, customer files and trade secrets.
“Ransomware is one of today’s most dangerous cybersecurity threats,” said Robert Westervelt, research manager, security products at IDC. “It’s becoming increasingly lucrative because it’s catching its victims flat-footed, without proper recovery solutions like backup. Businesses large and small are suffering costly losses due to disruption of operations, reputation damage and recovery services expenses.”
FightRansomware.com will help companies shore up security measures and prevent ransomware attacks. The new website features leading cybersecurity and small business experts who report on emerging threats and trends. The influential contributors include:
- David Bisson: Prominent security journalist who currently serves as contributing editor for Graham Cluley Security News, associate editor for Tripwire's "The State of Security" blog, and contributing author to Metacompliance Ltd. and OASIS Open.
- Robert Siciliano: Security analyst, author and media personality who specializes in personal security and identity theft and appears regularly on Good Morning America, ABC News and The TODAY Show.
- Steve Strauss: The country’s leading authority on small businesses, USA Today columnist and author of the best-selling book, “Small Business Bible.”
- Eric Vanderburg: High-profile cybersecurity professional, author and thought leader, currently leading Information Systems and Security at JurInnov.
“This is a call to arms: do not be the next statistic,” Westervelt continued. “Join the movement to educate yourself about ransomware, fight the insidious attack and help all businesses reduce the potential damages caused by this malware.”
To stay apprised of the latest ransomware news and trends, follow FightRansomware.com on Twitter at @FightRansomware or by searching the hashtag, #FightRansomware. To become a contributor to the website, or for more information on how to protect you or your business against ransomware attacks, please email FightRansomware@Carbonite.com.
About Carbonite
Carbonite is a leading provider of cloud backup and restore solutions for small and midsize businesses. Together with our partners we protect millions of devices and their valuable data for businesses and individuals around the world who rely on us to ensure their important data is secure, available and useful. To learn more visit www.Carbonite.com.