--- title: "Cybersecurity: Defending Your Business Against Ransomware Attacks" description: Protect your business from ransomware with essential cybersecurity tips. Learn how to safeguard your data and prevent devastating attacks in this comprehensive guide. image: https://www.thesilverlining.com/hubfs/ransomware.jpg --- [![West Bend Insurance](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hs-fs/hubfs/HS%20TEST%20LOGO.png?width=233&height=65&name=HS%20TEST%20LOGO.png "West Bend Insurance")](https://www.thesilverlining.com) ![toggle mobile navigation](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hs-fs/file-1692861603-png/images/nav-toggle.png) [![West Bend Insurance](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hs-fs/file-1696307430-png/images/logo-west-bend.png)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/) [Find An Agent](https://www.thesilverlining.com/find-an-insurance-agent) ![](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hs-fs/file-1939610327-jpg/website_images/smart-business-blog-banner.jpg) # Cybersecurity: Defending Your Business Against Ransomware Attacks Posted by [Kayla Eggert, AINS, ARM](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/author/kayla-eggert) on Jul 7, 2021 8:30:00 AM [![Share on facebook](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hubfs/social-icons/facebook-blue.svg) ](http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/cybersecurity-defending-your-business-against-ransomware-attacks?utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook) [![Share on linkedin](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hubfs/social-icons/linkedin-blue.svg) ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/cybersecurity-defending-your-business-against-ransomware-attacks?utm_medium=social&utm_source=linkedin) [![Share on twitter](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hubfs/social-icons/twitter-x-blue.svg) ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?original_referer=https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/cybersecurity-defending-your-business-against-ransomware-attacks?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&url=https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/cybersecurity-defending-your-business-against-ransomware-attacks?utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&source=tweetbutton&text=) [![Share on pinterest](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hubfs/social-icons/pinterest-blue.svg) ](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thesilverlining.com%2Fbusinessblog%2Fblog%2Fcybersecurity-defending-your-business-against-ransomware-attacks%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Dpinterest&media=) Ransomware attacks have made headline news this year. An attack against a large US pipeline created gasoline shortages all along the east coast. A food manufacturer was also targeted and ended up paying $11 million in ransom money to unlock their computer systems. Criminals are getting better and better at infiltrating and disabling companies’ computer systems. Even if your business isn’t as large as those recently attacked, it’s still very important to make sure you’re taking steps to protect your organization. ## What is ransomware and how do attacks happen? ![ransomware](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hs-fs/hubfs/ransomware.jpg?width=330&name=ransomware.jpg) Ransomware is malware that infects a victim’s computer and then encrypts their files. This means the files aren’t able to be accessed or read. A message is then usually sent with instructions on how to pay a ransom to release the files. These attacks often happen through phishing emails, meaning an email with a malicious attachment or file. Attacks can also happen when software isn’t regularly updated, and the hackers exploit a known security flaw. ## Keeping Your Business Safe These attacks can have devastating consequences even for a small business. Protect your company with these tips: - Make sure software systems are updated so there are fewer vulnerabilities for a hacker to exploit. - Train employees to identify phishing emails and instruct them to never open suspicious attachments or provide identification credentials. - Install antivirus software on company computers and use a spam blocker on the company email system. - Make sure data is backed up onto a different server. If all the data is backed up and secured, hackers will have no leverage to extort your business. ## Additional Resources To learn more about ransomware, [check out this information](https://www.cisa.gov/ransomware) from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Read through our other articles on cybersecurity: [Crisis Communication after a Security Breach](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/cybersecurity-crisis-communication-after-a-security-breach) [Strong Passwords and Backing Up Data](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/cybersecurity-strong-passwords-and-data-security) [Phishing Attempts](https://www.thesilverlining.com/safety-tips/cyber-security-phishing-attempts) [Physical Device Protection](https://www.thesilverlining.com/safety-tips/cyber-security-physical-device-protection) If you’re a content writer and would like to contribute to our blog, click [here](https://www.thesilverlining.com/content-contributor-agreement) to read our guidelines. ![Kayla Eggert, AINS, ARM](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hubfs/images/Kayla-Eggert-blog-author.jpg) #### Kayla Eggert, AINS, ARM Kayla Eggert began her insurance career at West Bend in 2014 as an underwriting tech, but quickly moved into the Loss Control department as a loss control assistant. There she created content and resources while supporting loss control field representatives. In 2019, she was promoted to loss control representative, and her primary responsibilities included meeting with business owners onsite and providing safety/risk management training and services. Since accepting a new opportunity in Marketing as a marketing services specialist in 2020, she has authored many blogs as a loss control expert. She now heads up content creation, collaborating with team members to educate our policyholders and the public. Kayla graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies. During her time with West Bend, she’s earned the Associate Insurance Services (AINS) and Associate in Risk Management (ARM) designations. In her spare time, Kayla enjoys spending time with her family, running, and reading. View Kayla Eggert, AINS, ARM's Profile ### Business Blog ### Latest Posts ### Posts by Topic - [Risk Management (68)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/risk-management) - [Workers' Compensation (45)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/workers39-compensation) - [Insurance (37)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/insurance) - [Business (36)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/business) - [Child Safety (20)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/child-safety) - [Human Resources (18)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/human-resources) - [Safety (18)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/safety) - [Weather (17)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/weather) - [Youth Programs (17)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/youth-programs) - [Commercial business (16)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/commercial-business) - [Driving (16)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/driving) - [Facility Maintenance (16)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/facility-maintenance) - [Cybersecurity (15)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/cybersecurity) - [Childcare (13)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/childcare) - [Fire Safety (13)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/fire-safety) - [Aquatics (11)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/aquatics) - [West Bend Insurance (10)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/west-bend-insurance) - [Slips and Falls (9)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/slips-and-falls) - [Fitness (8)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/fitness) - [YMCA (8)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/ymca) - [Independent Insurance Agents (6)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/independent-insurance-agents) - [Best Practices (5)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/best-practices) - [Legal (5)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/legal) - [Social Media (5)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/social-media) - [Sports (5)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/sports) - [Auto Safety (4)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/auto-safety) - [Sales (4)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/sales) - [Claims (3)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/claims) - [Communication (3)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/communication) - [Building (2)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/building) - [Product Recall (2)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/product-recall) - [COVID-19 (1)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/covid-19) - [Holiday (1)](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/topic/holiday) [see all](https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/cybersecurity-defending-your-business-against-ransomware-attacks#) [Find an Agent](https://www.thesilverlining.com/find-an-insurance-agent) [Report a Claim](https://www.thesilverlining.com/claims/how-to-report-a-claim) [Make a Payment](https://policyholder.westbendinsurance.com/policyholder/guest-quickpay) **©2026 West Bend Insurance Company** 1900 South 18th Ave., West Bend, WI 53095 P: 262-334-5571 F: 262-334-9109 [Privacy Policy](https://www.thesilverlining.com/privacy-policy) [Site Map](https://www.thesilverlining.com/site-map) ![West Bend logo reverse](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hs-fs/hubfs/LOGOS/WBLogoSHORT-877_Small.png?width=233&height=65&name=WBLogoSHORT-877_Small.png "West Bend logo reverse") 1900 South 18th Ave. West Bend, WI 53095 Main: 1-262-334-5571 Claims: 1-877-922-5246 [**](https://www.facebook.com/135899469764690) [**](https://twitter.com/WBsilverlining) [**](http://pinterest.com/westbendins/) [**](http://www.youtube.com/user/westbendinsurance) [**](https://www.instagram.com/wbsilverlining/) [**](https://www.linkedin.com/company/20844) ![testimonials-icon-test](https://www.thesilverlining.com/hubfs/Icons%20-%20home%20page/testimonials-icon.svg) **93.6%  OVERALL  CLAIMS  SATISFACTION** [*view testimonials*](https://www.thesilverlining.com/claims/testimonials) **POLICYHOLDERS** [Make a Payment](https://policyholder.westbendinsurance.com/policyholder/guest-quickpay) [Policyholder Login](https://policyholder.westbendinsurance.com) [Report A Claim](https://www.thesilverlining.com/claims/how-to-report-a-claim) [Download Our App](https://www.thesilverlining.com/resources/web-portal-mobile-app) [Billing FAQs](https://www.thesilverlining.com/resources/billing-faqs) **OTHER RESOURCES** [Agent Login](https://agent.mysilverlining.com) [Find An Agent](https://www.thesilverlining.com/find-an-insurance-agent) **OUR COMPANY** [About](https://www.thesilverlining.com/about-us) [Careers](https://www.thesilverlining.com/careers) [Discover](https://www.thesilverlining.com/discover) [Philanthropy](https://philanthropy.thesilverlining.com) [News](https://www.thesilverlining.com/news) **LEARN** [Insurance Moms](https://www.thesilverlining.com/insurance-moms) [Ergo At Your Fingertips](https://www.thesilverlining.com/ergo-at-your-fingertips) [Teen Driving Resources](https://www.thesilverlining.com/resources/teen-driving) [Distracted Driving](https://www.thesilverlining.com/focus) [Blog](https://www.thesilverlining.com/west-bend-blog) © West Bend Insurance Company 2026  |  [Privacy Policy](https://www.thesilverlining.com/privacy-policy)  |  [Terms of Use](https://www.thesilverlining.com/terms-of-use)  |  [Accessibility Statement](https://www.thesilverlining.com/accessibility)  |  [Site Map](https://www.thesilverlining.com/site-map)  |  [Contact Us](https://www.thesilverlining.com/contact-us) West Bend Insurance Group (“West Bend”), headquartered in West Bend, Wisconsin, provides property and casualty insurance products across the United States. West Bend’s insurance products are offered through West Bend Insurance Company, West Bend Premier Insurance Company, and West Bend Select Insurance Company. Availability may vary. Not all insurance products are available in all jurisdictions. Not all companies are licensed to operate in all jurisdictions. X Please help us improve your experience by taking this one minute survey. Yes, I'll help We appreciate your feedback [Privacy Policy](https://www.thesilverlining.com/privacy-policy) Feedback [ { "key": "fid#1", "value": ["Cyber security"] }, { "key": "fid#2", "value": ["Community organizations and YMCA","Educational","Professional service providers","Retail","Social service and non-profit"] }, { "key": "fid#3", "value": ["Article"] } ] ![](https://dc.ads.linkedin.com/collect/?pid=24180&fmt=gif) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Kayla Eggert, AINS, ARM", "url" : "https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/author/kayla-eggert" }, "dateModified" : "2024-12-05T21:35:17.912Z", "datePublished" : "2021-07-07T13:30:00.000Z", "headline" : "Cybersecurity: Defending Your Business Against Ransomware Attacks", "image" : [ "https://www.thesilverlining.com/hubfs/ransomware.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://www.thesilverlining.com/businessblog/blog/cybersecurity-defending-your-business-against-ransomware-attacks", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.thesilverlining.com/hubfs/HS%20TEST%20LOGO.png" }, "name" : "West Bend Insurance Company" } } ```