Ransomware encrypts your files — documents, photos, databases, everything — and demands payment to unlock them. Small businesses are actually hit more frequently than large ones because they tend to have weaker defenses.

How It Gets In

The most common entry point is email. Someone opens an attachment or clicks a link in a convincing message. Within minutes, the ransomware spreads across the network, encrypting everything it can reach — including shared drives and connected backup devices.

How to Protect Yourself

Backups are the most important piece. If you have a recent, clean backup stored offline or in a cloud service that wasn't connected during the attack, you can wipe the infected systems and restore everything. This is why the 3-2-1 backup rule matters so much.

Beyond backups: keep all software updated, train your team to recognize phishing emails, use business-grade antivirus, and restrict user permissions so not everyone has admin access.

Have a Plan Before You Need One

Having tested backups, updated systems, and a basic incident response plan makes the difference between a bad day and a business-ending event.