Ransomware attacks increased 73% in 2023, with the average ransom payment exceeding $1.5 million. Small businesses are increasingly targeted because they often lack security resources.
Prevention starts with the basics: patch systems promptly, use MFA everywhere, train employees on phishing, and maintain offline backups. Most ransomware enters through phishing or unpatched vulnerabilities.
Segment your network so ransomware can't spread easily. If one computer gets infected, it shouldn't be able to encrypt your entire file server.
Have an incident response plan before you need it. Know who to call, what to disconnect, and how to restore from backups. The FBI recommends against paying ransoms because it funds criminals and doesn't guarantee recovery.
If you're hit, isolate affected systems immediately, preserve evidence, and contact law enforcement. Then begin restoration from clean backups.
Key takeaways
- Ransomware resilience is built on MFA, patching, training, and backups.
- Segment access so one infection can’t encrypt everything.
- Write an incident response plan before you need it.
- Test restores and recovery processes regularly.
Recommended services
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Backup and Disaster Recovery
Automated backups and thoroughly tested recovery plans that keep your data safe and your team productive.
Security Assessments
Comprehensive evaluation of your entire security posture with clear findings and actionable improvement roadmaps.
Managed IT Services
Continuous monitoring and proactive maintenance that prevents problems before they impact your operations.
Sources and References
- Stop Ransomware Guide(CISA)
- 2024 Ransomware Report(Sophos)
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