The Ransomware Epidemic – What Your Business Needs To Know

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This week we’re looking at ransomware which continues to be one of the most disruptive threats facing businesses today.

A recent global study revealed that over 70% of organisations experienced a ransomware attack in 2024, and the landscape is evolving faster than ever.

New research has revealed the scale of recent ransomware evolution, warning it remains a dominant threat to organisations worldwide.

A Veeam study, which gathered insights from IT leaders, and security professionals across the Americas, Europe, and Australia, found nearly three-quarters of businesses were impacted by ransomware over the past year.

🔍 Key Findings from the Veeam Report:

  • 69% of businesses were hit by ransomware last year, slightly down from 75%—but still alarmingly high.
  • Only 10% of victims recovered more than 90% of their data.
  • 57% recovered less than half, highlighting the importance of robust backup and recovery strategies.
  • Ransom payments are declining, with 36% refusing to pay and 60% of payers negotiating lower amounts.

 

⚠️ Emerging Threats:

  • Attackers are shifting tactics, including data exfiltration-only attacks that bypass encryption.
  • Smaller, independent hacker groups are rising as major ransomware gangs face law enforcement pressure.
  • Confidence in preparedness drops sharply post-incident—only 44% have tested backup plans, and just 30% have a formal response chain.

 

🧠 What You Can Do to Protect Your Business

Ransomware isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a real and rising threat. Here are key steps your business can take today to strengthen your defences:

 

🔐 Strengthen Your Security Stack

  • Use antivirus and endpoint detection tools that detect unusual behaviours—not just known malware signatures.
  • Use advanced anti-ransomware solutions designed to identify and isolate malicious encryption activity.
  • Apply email filtering, sandboxing, and threat detection to catch phishing before it hits inboxes.

 

💾 Implement Bulletproof Backup Strategies

  • Follow the 3-2-1-1-0 rule: Keep 3 copies of your data, on 2 types of media, with 1 copy offsite, 1 offline/immutable, and 0 backup errors.
  • Ensure backups are tested regularly and stored in locations isolated from your production environment.
  • Consider immutable cloud backups to prevent tampering by attackers.

 

👥 Educate & Empower Your Team

  • Run regular cybersecurity awareness sessions for staff—phishing simulation training can be highly effective.
  • Promote a culture where suspicious activity is reported immediately.
  • Encourage IT and department heads to collaborate on policy updates and scenario-based planning.

 

📋 Develop a Ransomware Response Framework

  • Establish a well-documented incident response plan, tested thoroughly.
  • Define a clear chain of command—who calls the shots, communicates with various parties involved for example staff or insurance company.
  • Consider investing in cyber insurance with ransomware-specific coverage.

 

🛡️ Assess & Monitor Continuously

  • Conduct vulnerability assessments and penetration testing to find weak spots before attackers do.
  • Monitor system logs and activity.
  • Set up alerts for suspicious access, failed login attempts, or unauthorised data transfers.

 

🔍 Need Help?

Ransomware is evolving—so should your defences.

We’re ready to help you assess risk, fortify your infrastructure, and build response strategies tailored to your business.

The sooner you act, the stronger your stance against ransomware.

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