Ransomware is one of the most damaging cyber threats facing Jersey businesses today. An attack can lock you out of every file, email, and system your business relies on, and the criminals behind it will demand a ransom to give you access back.
We have helped Jersey businesses recover from ransomware attacks, and it is not something you want to experience. Here is how to protect yourself and what to do if the worst happens.
How Ransomware Gets In
Understanding how ransomware infects businesses is the first step to preventing it. The most common entry points are:
- Phishing emails:a convincing email with a malicious attachment or link. One click from one employee is all it takes.
- Compromised credentials:attackers use stolen or guessed passwords to log into remote access tools, VPNs, or cloud accounts
- Unpatched software:known vulnerabilities in outdated software that attackers exploit automatically
- Infected websites:visiting a compromised website that silently downloads malware
Once ransomware is inside your network, it spreads quickly. It encrypts files on local drives, shared network drives, and sometimes cloud-synced folders. Within minutes, your entire business can be locked out.
How to Protect Your Business
1. Back Up Everything, Properly
Backups are your ultimate safety net. But they must be done right:
- Backups should be automatic and frequent (at least daily)
- Keep backups separate from your main network: if ransomware can reach your backups, they are useless
- Test your backups regularly to make sure they actually work
- Keep multiple versions so you can restore from before the infection started
2. Keep Everything Updated
Many ransomware attacks exploit known vulnerabilities that have already been patched. Regular updates to your operating systems, applications, and firmware close these gaps. A good managed IT provider handles this automatically.
3. Use Multi-Factor Authentication Everywhere
MFA prevents attackers from using stolen passwords to access your systems. Even if they get a password through phishing or a data breach, they cannot log in without the second factor. Enable MFA on email, cloud services, VPN, and any remote access tools.
4. Train Your Team
Your people are both your biggest vulnerability and your best defence. Regular security awareness ensures your team can spot phishing emails, avoid suspicious downloads, and report anything unusual quickly.
5. Deploy Advanced Email Security
Since most ransomware arrives via email, advanced email filtering is essential. This goes beyond basic spam filtering to analyse attachments, scan links in real-time, and block impersonation attempts. Microsoft 365 includes Defender for Office 365, which provides strong protection when properly configured.
6. Use Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
Modern endpoint security does more than traditional antivirus. EDR tools monitor device behaviour, detect suspicious activity, and can automatically isolate an infected device before ransomware spreads to other systems.
What to Do If You Get Hit
If ransomware strikes despite your defences:
- Disconnect affected devices immediately:unplug network cables, disable Wi-Fi. The goal is to stop the spread.
- Do not pay the ransom:there is no guarantee you will get your data back, and paying encourages more attacks
- Contact your IT provider immediately:the faster experts are involved, the better the outcome
- Assess the damage:determine what has been encrypted, what backups are available, and whether any data has been stolen
- Restore from backups:this is why proper backups are so critical. A clean, recent backup means you can recover without paying a penny
- Report it:report the attack to Jersey's relevant authorities and consider notifying affected clients if their data may have been compromised
Prevention Is Always Cheaper Than Recovery
The cost of recovering from a ransomware attack (downtime, data recovery, client notification, reputational damage) almost always dwarfs the cost of prevention. A few hundred pounds a month on proper security can save you tens of thousands in recovery costs.
Our cybersecurity services are designed to protect Jersey businesses against ransomware and other threats. Get in touch for a free security assessment to find out how well protected your business is.
