How to Prevent Ransomware Attacks in Small Businesses: 5 Best Practices
Introduction
Ransomware attacks are rising fast as the technology emerges. A recent report says, “The ransomware landscape recorded 5,414 published attacks in 2024, representing an 11% increase compared to 2023.”
Additionally in January 2025, “Russian hackers pose themselves as an IT staff to deploy ransomware in companies.”— news reported by The Times.
We have just passed one month of 2025, but ransomware attacks have not stopped.
Again, it’s transparent, that we must learn and practice strong cybersecurity, to get past these attacks.
In this article, let’s get to know the prevention of ransomware attacks.
Ransomware
Before moving to learn the best practices, let’s get to know a bit about ransomware.
What is Ransomware?
The word ‘Ransom’ itself has the meaning to know about this attack.
Because hackers lock your computer and then demand a ransom ‘pay’ for its release.
Ransomware attacks usually happen in three steps.
- The malware enters your device.
- Then, it locks either your entire system or specific files.
- Finally, hackers demand a ransom to unlock your data.
To prevent such attacks, you should rely on high-quality ransomware protection software.
Five Best Practices to Prevent Ransomware Attacks
1. Regular Data Backups
Regular backups always help in crucial times. Either offline or online, it allows you to store important data.
This practice ensures you can restore your data without paying a ransom if an attack occurs.
Many tools offer automated backups and secure cloud storage options. Look for it, research and find the best tools and make it your secure spot.
2. Employee Training
Educate employees to recognize phishing emails and suspicious links. Regular training can prevent accidental malware downloads, which are common entry points for ransomware. Additionally, ensure employees are cautious about rogue websites and email attachments.
Look for training programs where it will inculcate more knowledge about phishing attacks for your employees. Online or offline training programs help them to stay updated.
3. Keep Systems Updated
Check whether all your software is up-to-date including operating systems and applications. Make this a regular habit to prevent malicious attacks.
Tools like ManageEngine Patch Manager Plus, Ivanti Patch and NinjaOne for Windows/Mac to automate the updating process across all the devices.
4. Implement Strong Firewalls and Endpoint Protection
Implement firewalls for network traffic monitoring and endpoint protection for identifying and preventing malicious activities. Layered security provides multiple defenses against possible attacks.
Approaches such as Bitdefender GravityZone or CrowdStrike Falcon provide endpoint protection and are well known for their strength in the detection and prevention of ransomware attacks.
5. Restrict User Privileges
Limit administrative privileges to essential personnel only. This reduces the risk of malware spreading across the network if an attacker gains access to an account.
Implement role-based access control (RBAC) using services such as Microsoft Azure Active Directory or Okta to ensure each user only has access to the minimum required privileges for his/her role.
Conclusion
Going forward, businesses should understand the different types of ransomware attacks and take precautions to protect important data.
Stay updated and moreover, no matter how many tools arise it’s you, who should be cautious always.
The future of cybersecurity holds many challenges, but with the right strategies small businesses can avoid becoming victims.
Don’t wait, protect your business now!
Stay tuned to Cyber News Live for more stories about the people shaping the future of cyber security.
This article was authored by Subashini Abishek. If you’d like to be a freelance journalist, writer, or weekend warrior with Cyber News Live, please email us at contact@cybernewslive.com. Thank you!
