Stay Cyber Safe: Protecting Your Business from Black Basta Ransomware

The world of Cybersecurity is fast-paced, and staying ahead of the latest threats is essential for businesses of all sizes. Recently, a ransomware group known as Black Basta has found a new way to target companies—through Microsoft Teams.

Ransomware 101: What You Need to Know

Ransomware is malicious software that locks or encrypts files, making them unusable. Cybercriminals then demand a payment (or “ransom”) to unlock them. If the ransom isn’t paid, they may delete or sell the data on the dark web.

Black Basta’s New Tactic: Impersonation on Microsoft Teams

Black Basta’s latest strategy involves posing as IT support staff on Microsoft Teams. They trick employees by pretending to offer technical help and attempting to gain access to company systems. Once they’re in, they encrypt valuable files, locking you out of your business data and holding it hostage until a ransom is paid.

Protect Your Business: Key Tips to Avoid Ransomware Attacks

Here are steps you can take to secure your business against Black Basta and similar threats:

• Raise Awareness Among Your Team: Educate employees about the risks of unsolicited messages, even if they seem to come from IT. Remind them to stay cautious by not clicking on unknown links, avoiding unexpected attachments, and refraining from granting remote access without prior confirmation.
• Strengthen Your Cyber Defenses: Use strong, unique passwords and keep all software up to date. Consider implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) to strengthen your security measures and make unauthorized access harder for attackers.
• Regular Backups Are Key: Regularly back up all critical business data to a secure location, such as encrypted cloud storage. Routine testing of your backups ensures that, even if attacked, your data can be restored swiftly.

Proactive Protection Against Social Engineering Scams

• Stay Alert to Suspicious Requests: Always verify unexpected contacts from anyone claiming to be IT, especially through Microsoft Teams, email, or phone. Confirm the request with your IT department or a trusted professional if in doubt.
• Invest in Cybersecurity Training: Regular Cybersecurity awareness training helps your team recognize and avoid scams, keeping the whole organization more secure.

The Aurora InfoTech’s Advantage

Partnering with Aurora InfoTech means you don’t have to face these threats alone. Our team of experts is here to help you guard against ransomware and other evolving cyber threats. Reach out to us today at (407) 995-6766, and let’s secure your business together!