Ransomware attacks can cause substantial disruption and damage by tempting a single employee to click on a link or visit a malicious site.  “The threats are getting more and more sophisticated every day in terms of the malware itself and the delivery,” Judy Selby, a partner at BakerHostetler, said.  This article, the first part of a two-part series, explains the threat and suggests steps that companies can take to prevent ransomware attacks and mitigate the impact if one does occur.  The second article will address how to handle a ransomware attack and when and how to report and work with law enforcement.  See also “Weil Gotshal Attorneys Advise on Key Ways to Anticipate and Counter Cyber Threats” (May 20, 2015).