Microsoft SharePoint Servers Hit by Ransomware – A Warning for Hosting Providers

Ever have a trusted something break on you out of the blue? That's what's happening for users of Microsoft SharePoint servers today. And if you're in the business of hosting, you should listen. I've worked with servers for years—and watching ransomware hit SharePoint is terrifying. It's like when burglars get into your home while you're still there.

What's Wrong with SharePoint?​

Here's the simple rundown: attackers are infecting unused SharePoint servers that have lain dormant for years with ransomware. That is:

• They find vulnerable SharePoint servers online.
• They use malware (bad software) to get in undetected.
• They lock your files and ask for money to unlock them.

This attack isn't new—it's just happening more often now.

Why Hosting Providers Need to Care​

You might be thinking, "That's Microsoft's problem." But no—it affects anyone who hosts data.

Here's why you need to care:

• Your customers are relying on you to keep their websites and data safe.
• When ransomware hits, they're losing money—and so are you.
• One mistake can destroy your reputation.

Consider having to tell your customer that you lost all of their data. That's a bad dream, right?

How to Be Safe​

Here's what I always tell my friends who are in charge of servers:

• Keep everything up to date as quickly as you can. Don't procrastinate.
• Back up on a regular basis. Daily is best.
• Avoid exposing servers to the public when you don't have to.
• Execute free software like ClamAV to scan for malware.

Doing nothing is hazardous.

Are You Prepared?​

Do you feel safe because no one has hacked you yet? That's the same as not wearing a helmet because you've never crashed.

This SharePoint hack is a big warning sign. Fix your servers. Back up your information. Keep your clients safe.

Don't wait till it is too late.

This incident is a serious reminder for hosting providers to prioritize security. Choosing scalable hosting with robust protection measures ensures flexibility and safeguards data against threats like ransomware targeting platforms such as Microsoft SharePoint.