To prevent a ransomware attack like this, both companies and individuals can take several steps, including:

Regularly backing up data to ensure that it can be restored in case of a ransomware attack (source: Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) Keeping software and operating systems up to date with the latest security patches (source: National Institute of Standards and Technology) Training employees on how to recognize and avoid phishing emails and other social engineering attacks (source: Federal Trade Commission) Using multi-factor authentication to secure access to sensitive accounts and systems (source: Microsoft) Conducting regular security audits and vulnerability assessments to identify and address weaknesses in the security infrastructure (source: SANS Institute).