Ransomware: Prevention and Response
Ransomware is one of the most disruptive cyber threats facing businesses today. It’s a type of malicious software designed to lock or encrypt your files and then demand payment, usually in cryptocurrency, in exchange for restoring access. In many cases, attackers also threaten to leak sensitive data if the ransom isn’t paid.
These attacks can bring a business to a standstill in minutes. Systems become inaccessible, staff are unable to work, and critical data may be locked away. Without a clear prevention strategy and response plan, recovery can be slow, expensive, and in some cases, devastating.
How Ransomware Attacks Happen
Ransomware doesn’t appear out of nowhere. It usually enters a network through common weaknesses that attackers actively look for. One of the most common methods is phishing emails, where a user clicks a malicious link or opens an infected attachment.
Other delivery methods include compromised or fake websites, exploited Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections, unpatched software vulnerabilities, and even infected USB devices. Often, attackers only need one small mistake to gain access.
How to Prevent Ransomware
The good news is that many ransomware attacks are preventable with the right controls in place. Regular backups are essential. Data should be backed up frequently and stored securely off-site or in the cloud, separate from your main network.
Patch management is equally important. Keeping operating systems and applications up to date closes known security gaps that attackers often exploit. Strong access controls should also be used to limit who can access sensitive systems, reducing the impact if an account is compromised.
Up-to-date security software, including antivirus and anti-malware tools, adds another layer of protection. However, technology alone isn’t enough. User awareness training plays a crucial role in prevention. Employees should know how to spot suspicious emails, links, and attachments, and feel confident reporting anything unusual.
What to Do If You’re Infected
If ransomware is detected, speed matters. Infected devices should be disconnected from the network immediately to prevent the spread. Your IT support or security team should be notified straight away so containment and recovery can begin.
Paying the ransom is strongly discouraged, as there’s no guarantee you’ll regain access to your data. Instead, systems should be restored from clean, secure backups. Once recovered, a post-incident review helps identify what went wrong and how to prevent future attacks.
At CapNet, we help businesses put proactive ransomware protections in place and develop clear response plans. With the right preparation, the impact of a ransomware attack can be significantly reduced, protecting your data, your operations, and your peace of mind.