Ransomware Protection on a Small Budget (Video) (Course Id 2661)

• Who is this course for?
  This course is for CPAs, accountants, IRS Enrolled Agents, and other professionals who need Continuing Professional Education (CPE), particularly those operating small businesses, micro-businesses, or working as solopreneurs without a full-time IT department.

• What is this course about or what problem does this course solve?
  The course addresses how to protect digital files from ransomware attacks and other data disasters on a small budget, offering practical tips and tools for data security and recovery.

• How can the knowledge from this course be used?
  Learners can apply the knowledge to identify ransomware threats, evaluate data backup options, and implement structured systems for file organization and disaster recovery.

• Why is this course important to a CPA, Accountant, or IRS Enrolled Agent?
  It helps finance professionals safeguard sensitive financial data, which is critical for maintaining client trust and meeting compliance requirements, even without dedicated IT support.

• When is this course relevant or timely?
  Released in 2025, the course is highly relevant in today’s environment of increasing cyber threats, especially for professionals managing data on limited technical resources.

• How is a course like this consumed or used?
  This is a self-study video course available through the NASBA QAS Registry and includes text-based content with review questions, designed for independent completion with no prerequisites or additional materials required.

Small business? Micro-business? Solopreneur? How do you protect your files from ransomware and other digital disasters without a full-time IT department?
Get some basic tips to decrease your chances of a ransomware attack and increase your chances of recovery without paying the ransom if an attack happens. Learn how to create a structured file system hierarchy. Learn the meaning of NAS, RAID, and JBOD, and explore NAS devices, RAID configurations, JBOD, USB storage devices, and cloud backup – and decide what backup approach you should use.

Video - NASBA QAS - Text - NASBA Registry - 2661

Course Learning Objectives

• Identify ransomware incursion threats, targets, and entry points; and
• Discuss techniques and resources to help defend against ransomware attacks.

• Determine the best approach to store and backup your digital data; and
• Discuss techniques and resources to help build and maintain a digital data disaster recovery system.

• The Ransomware Threat: Discuss what ransomware is; who are the players; and potential entry points.
• Threat Assessment: Explore resources, tools, and techniques to help you assess risk to your operation and build better defenses against attacks.

• File System Administration: Learn how to create a structured file system hierarchy and build a system for data backup and recovery that meets the needs of your organization.
• IT Expertise Assessment and Acquisition: Decide between DIY, expert assistance, or some combination of the two that meets the needs of your organization.

Chapter 1 - Ransomware Protection on a Small Budget

Chapter 1 Review Questions

Glossary of Terms