How to Protect Your Business from Ransomware
Ransomware can shut down your business in minutes. Learn what it is, how to prevent it, and what to do if it happens.
What Is Ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that locks your files or entire computer and demands payment to unlock them.
How It Works
An attacker gains access to your systems (usually through a phishing email or unpatched software), encrypts your files so you can't open them, and then displays a message demanding payment — often in cryptocurrency — to receive the decryption key. Even if you pay, there's no guarantee you'll get your files back.
Average Ransom for SMBs
Small businesses are targeted because they often lack dedicated security teams.
Average Downtime
Businesses hit by ransomware face an average of 21 days of downtime before full recovery.
Close Within 6 Months
Of small businesses that suffer a major cyber attack, 60% go out of business within six months.
How Ransomware Spreads
Understanding how attackers get in is the first step to keeping them out.
Phishing Emails
The #1 attack vector. A convincing email tricks an employee into clicking a malicious link or downloading an infected attachment.
Malicious Websites
Drive-by downloads from compromised or fake websites can install ransomware without you realizing it.
Unpatched Software
Outdated operating systems and applications have known vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit automatically.
Remote Desktop (RDP)
Exposed Remote Desktop Protocol ports with weak passwords are a favorite target for automated attacks.
7 Steps to Prevent Ransomware
No single tool stops ransomware. You need layers of protection working together.
If You're Hit: Incident Response Plan
Speed matters. Having a plan ready means the difference between a bad day and a business-ending event.
Disconnect Immediately
The moment you suspect ransomware, disconnect the affected computer from the network — unplug the Ethernet cable and turn off Wi-Fi. This prevents the ransomware from spreading to other devices.
Do NOT turn off the computer — forensic investigators may need it running.
Alert Your Team & IT Provider
Notify your IT provider (like Simplissit), your manager, and your team. The sooner experts are involved, the faster containment happens. If you have cyber insurance, notify your carrier.
Document Everything
Take photos of the ransom message on screen. Note the exact time the attack was discovered, which systems are affected, and what employees were doing. This information is critical for investigators and insurance claims.
Assess the Damage
Work with your IT provider to determine which systems are encrypted, whether backups are intact, and if any data was stolen (double extortion). Check if the ransomware variant has a known free decryption tool at nomoreransom.org.
Restore from Backups
If your backups are clean and recent, wipe the affected machines and restore from backup. This is the fastest and safest path to recovery. Verify backups are malware-free before restoring.
Ransomware Protection Checklist
Check off each item as you complete it. Your progress is tracked below.
Need Help? Simplissit Is Here
Ransomware protection is too important to leave to chance. Let Simplissit assess your defenses and build a protection plan tailored to your business.
Get a Free Security Assessment