Ransomware: A Big Threat To Small Business

Don’t Let Your Business Be Next

Ransomware, a type of malware that encrypts your data and holds it hostage in exchange for payment, is evolving fast. What used to be quick, opportunistic attacks have now become carefully planned and highly sophisticated operations.

Today’s malicious hackers are getting smarter. They are taking their time to plan carefully, gain higher access levels, and exfiltrate valuable information before locking you out. It’s a big shift from the old “smash-and-grab” style of attacks, exposing just how quickly cybercrime tactics are evolving and why small businesses can no longer afford to be unprepared.

Key Statistics You Need to Know

Cybersecurity threats are growing in both frequency and complexity, and ransomware continues to lead the charge. Consider these alarming industry insights:

• Overall time-to-ransom is almost 17 hours. In less than a day, your business could go from fully operational to completely locked out of critical systems.
• Ransomware groups took an average of 18 actions before triggering ransomware. These attackers aren’t rushing, they’re moving stealthily, gathering information, and elevating access to cause maximum damage.
• In 71% of incidents, data exfiltration was the top action taken before dropping ransomware. That means the goal isn’t just to lock your systems—it’s to steal sensitive data first. Even paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee your data won’t be leaked or sold.

How to Protect Your Business

Ransomware attacks don’t just target large corporations. Small and mid-sized businesses are increasingly in the crosshairs because cybercriminals know many lack the defenses of larger organizations. Protecting your organization starts with proactive cybersecurity practices.

1. Implement robust cybersecurity measures: Firewalls, endpoint protection, MFA, and continuous network monitoring are essential in today’s digital environment.
2. Regularly back up critical data: Secure, offline, and redundantly stored backups ensure business continuity even if ransomware strikes.
3. Train employees to recognize phishing attempts and malicious links: Human error remains the #1 entry point for cybercriminals. Employee awareness is a powerful first line of defense.

Be Proactive, Not Reactive

Cyber attacks happen fast, but preparation makes all the difference. With the right cybersecurity tools, monitoring, and training in place, you can significantly reduce your risk and protect what you’ve worked hard to build.

Contact us to learn how our fully managed solution can protect your business from ransomware and other cyber attacks. We’re here to help you stay secure, vigilant, and ahead of evolving threats.