Stop Ransomware Before it Stops You

🔐 What Is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) that locks or encrypts your data and demands payment, usually in cryptocurrency, to restore access.

In many cases, even paying the ransom doesn’t guarantee your data will be returned.

Ransomware attacks can affect:

• Files and documents

• Servers

• Computers and mobile devices

• Entire networks

• Cloud accounts

• Backup systems (if unprotected)

🕸️ How Ransomware Spreads

Ransomware often sneaks in quietly through common channels, and then spreads rapidly.

1. Phishing Emails

The #1 method.
Employees click a fake link or open an attachment that installs malicious software.

2. Compromised Passwords

Weak or reused passwords make it easy for attackers to log in and deploy ransomware.

3. Unpatched Software

Outdated systems contain known security holes that attackers exploit.

4. Malicious Websites or Downloads

A single wrong click can install ransomware without the user realizing it.

5. Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) Attacks

Hackers break into remote systems using stolen or weak login credentials.

6. Infected USB Drives or External Devices

Less common, but still a risk.

Once inside, ransomware can spread across shared folders, servers, and any device connected to the network.

🛡️ How to Protect Your Business From Ransomware

The goal: prevent the attack, stop the spread, and recover quickly.

Here are the most important steps:

1. Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Stops the majority of unauthorized logins, even if passwords are stolen.

2. Keep All Systems Updated

Updates patch security holes that ransomware exploits.

3. Train Your Employees

Teach your team to spot phishing emails, fake websites, and suspicious attachments.
One click is all it takes.

4. Use Strong Endpoint Protection

Modern antivirus and advanced threat detection tools can block ransomware before it spreads.

5. Secure Your Backups

Backups should be:

• Automated

• Encrypted

• Stored offsite

• Isolated from your main network (so ransomware can’t infect them)

Backups are often the ONLY way to restore systems without paying a ransom.

6. Limit User Permissions

Not everyone needs access to everything.
Fewer permissions = fewer opportunities for ransomware to spread.

7. Use Monitoring & Alerting

Real-time detection helps catch unusual activity before it becomes a disaster.

8. Partner With a Managed IT Provider

A dedicated IT team ensures your systems, backups, security tools, and users are protected, and responds quickly if something goes wrong.

🚨 What to Do If You're Hit With Ransomware

If an attack happens:

1. Disconnect affected devices immediately

2. Contact your IT team or provider

3. Do NOT pay the ransom

4. Start recovery from clean backups

5. Investigate how the attack happened and patch the vulnerability

The faster you act, the more data you can save.

💡 The Bottom Line

Ransomware is one of the most destructive threats facing businesses today, but it’s also one of the most preventable. With strong security tools, employee awareness, reliable backups, and proactive IT support, you can dramatically reduce your risk.

At Soarin Group, we help businesses strengthen their defenses, train their teams, monitor their systems, and recover quickly if an incident occurs.