08, Feb, 2024
In our increasingly networked world, IT information security is becoming one of the most important factors for the long-term success of companies. Growing digitalisation not only brings new opportunities, but also considerable risks. Cyber attacks such as ransomware, phishing or data leaks can cost companies dearly - whether through financial losses, damage to reputation or business interruptions. This makes it all the more important to close security gaps, recognise attacks at an early stage and arm yourself with a comprehensive protective shield of prevention and preparation.
According to a recent study by our partner Sophos, which is based on a survey of 500 IT decision-makers in German companies, ransomware remains one of the biggest threats. Despite small advances in defence, the danger remains high, which shows that IT security is not just a technical issue, but also a strategic one that requires continuous attention.
Ransomware in figures
- 58% of German companies were victims of a ransomware attack last year.
- Data was encrypted in 79% of these attacks, an increase compared to previous years.
- 93% of attacks also attempted to compromise company backups, 63% of which were successful.
- The average ransom demand in Germany was 5.5 million US dollars - well above the global average.
Vulnerabilities as the most common gateway
The most common causes of ransomware attacks in Germany are:
- Exploited vulnerabilities: These were the entry point in 34% of cases.
- Compromised access data: 28% of attacks were due to stolen or weak passwords.
Prevention is the key
Comprehensive security measures are essential to minimise the threat of ransomware:
- Prevention: Rely on robust protection mechanisms to ward off attackers from the outset.
- Endpoint protection: Your servers and workstations are the primary targets. Invest in modern anti-ransomware solutions.
- Early detection: The faster an attack is recognised, the lower the impact. Tools for detection and response are essential here.
- Preparation: A well-developed incident response plan helps to deal efficiently with the consequences of an attack.
Backup remains indispensable
Despite all preventative measures, backups should remain a central component of your IT security strategy. 75% of companies in Germany use backups to restore encrypted data. However, it is important that your backups are securely protected against unauthorised access.
IT-Informationssicherheit mit Cabsol
The challenges of IT information security require a holistic strategy that includes both preventive and reactive measures. As an experienced IT service provider, we support you in optimally protecting your company - from analysing vulnerabilities and setting up a secure network to implementing security solutions that are tailored to your needs.
Stay secure - let's strengthen your IT security together.