Understanding the Increasing Risk of Ransomware
Ransomware attacks in the United States continue to rise. Cybercriminals are targeting water treatment plants, solar power companies, and even police departments. No business is too small or too large to be a target. A well‑known example is the attack on Colonial Pipeline, which caused fuel shortages across the East Coast. The situation grew so serious that the government declared a state of emergency in four states.
Although Colonial Pipeline paid nearly five million dollars to recover access, operations still took days to resume. A major corporation may have the resources to survive an attack like this, but small and medium‑sized businesses often do not.
Experts warn that ransomware activity is growing fast and attackers are becoming more advanced. Many of these threats come from organized groups outside the United States. Their goal is simple: lock your data, halt your operations, and demand payment.
The Real Danger of Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware attacks have reached alarming levels. A report from Datto, a cybersecurity industry leader, shows how widespread the problem has become.
Key Statistics
- 56 percent of managed service providers reported ransomware attacks on clients in the first half of 2019.
- 15 percent of affected businesses experienced more than one attack in a single day.
- 85 percent of providers say ransomware is the most common malware threat to small and medium businesses.
- Around 61 percent of small and medium businesses were hit by ransomware in 2020, with an average downtime of six days.
The Cost of an Attack
Ransom payments are only part of the financial burden. Datto reports that the average ransom request is nearly six thousand dollars, and the amount rises every year. But the real expense comes from downtime.
When a business cannot access its data, it cannot serve clients, process orders, or bring in revenue. During this time, employee wages still need to be paid and operations must continue. According to Kaspersky, about 34 percent of organizations wait a full week to regain data after a ransomware attack.
Remediation and Compliance Costs
After an attack, businesses must hire IT professionals to restore systems. Some situations require forensic cybersecurity teams to review the full impact. In industries regulated by FINRA or HIPAA, a breach may even lead to legal fines or penalties.
How to Protect Your Business from Ransomware
Your business relies on secure data and reliable systems. Protecting them must be a top priority.
Regular Software Updates
Software updates correct security flaws, fix bugs, and add new features. Delaying updates exposes your system to vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit through harmful links, infected files, or compromised messages. Updates often include security patches that block these openings.
Access Controls
Configure access settings carefully. Default permissions on sensitive files should be set to read‑only. Only trusted users should have write access or local admin rights. Restricting access reduces the risk of unauthorized changes and limits the spread of malware.
Data Backup
A strong backup system is essential. Backups do not prevent attacks, but they help you recover without paying a ransom. A reliable backup solution should:
- Perform regular and consistent backups
- Maintain data integrity
- Remain separate from the primary network
- Store copies both onsite and offsite
Separating backups from daily operations prevents ransomware from spreading to your backup storage.
Network Monitoring
Network monitoring tools help IT teams detect unusual behavior early. With ongoing monitoring, suspicious activity can be stopped before serious damage occurs.
Additional Security Steps
Strengthen protection by:
- Installing a firewall
- Training employees to recognize suspicious links
- Using strong passwords
- Verifying website safety
- Running periodic security tests
When to Get Professional Help
Every business is vulnerable to cyber threats, but a layered security plan reduces that risk. Internal IT teams are essential, but sometimes outside expertise is needed. Working with a professional IT service provider can strengthen your defenses and prepare your business for evolving risks.
If you want to improve your cybersecurity strategy, reach out to a trusted provider who can help you create a stronger, more secure environment.