Ransomware is one of the biggest threats facing UK small businesses today. It’s simple, profitable for criminals, and devastating for organisations that aren’t prepared.
The good news? Most ransomware attacks follow predictable patterns, and that means they can be prevented.
Let’s break it down in plain English.
How ransomware attacks usually start
Phishing emails
The most common entry point is a fake email designed to trick someone into clicking a link or opening an attachment.
It might pretend to be:
- A delivery notification
- An invoice
- A bank alert
- A message from Microsoft or HMRC
One wrong click can give an attacker access to the device and the wider network.
Weak or stolen passwords
If staff reuse passwords or don’t use multi‑factor authentication (MFA), criminals can break in using:
- Password-guessing tools
- Data collected from previous breaches
- Stolen login details sold online
Once they’re in, attackers often move around silently for days or weeks before launching ransomware.
Out‑of‑date devices & missing security updates
Unpatched laptops, servers, and firewalls are easy targets.
Cybercriminals scan the internet looking for known vulnerabilities, and when they find one, they strike.
Remote access tools
If remote access systems (VPNs, RDP, remote desktops) are:
- Not secured
- Left open to the internet
- Using default settings
…they can be used as a front door into your business.
What happens during a ransomware attack?
Once attackers gain access, they typically:
- Move around the network quietly
- Steal sensitive data (so they can threaten to leak it)
- Disable backups
- Encrypt your files
- Demand a ransom, often in cryptocurrency
Most businesses without solid security controls face days or weeks of downtime.
Why UK SMEs are popular targets
Cybercriminals target small businesses because:
- They often lack dedicated IT staff
- They use outdated equipment
- They underestimate their risk
- They rely heavily on day‑to‑day operations
Criminals don’t care about company size, just how easy the breach is.
Book your free IT health check today
Get free insights into the health of your IT estate, with no pushy sales, and no obligation to sign up.
How you can protect against ransomware
Turn on MFA everywhere
This is one of the most effective ways to stop attackers using stolen passwords.
Keep everything updated
That includes:
- Laptops and desktops
- Servers
- Firewalls
- Microsoft 365 and other cloud apps
Updates patch security holes before criminals find them.
Use modern endpoint protection (EDR)
Traditional antivirus is no longer enough.
EDR tools monitor behaviour and stop suspicious activity instantly.
Train your staff
Short, regular cyber‑awareness training reduces risky clicks by over 70%.
Teach staff to spot:
- Fake emails
- Unexpected attachments
- Urgent “act now” messages
Backup properly (and test it)
A good backup strategy includes:
- Regular backups
- Off‑site or cloud backups
- Immutable storage (can’t be changed by ransomware)
- Testing restores regularly
Secure your SaaS Services
Enable:
- MFA
- Conditional Access
- Email filtering
- Data backup (Most services do not back up your files automatically)
Final thoughts
Ransomware is frightening, but it’s also preventable.
A strong security baseline can block the vast majority of attacks before they start.
If you’re unsure where to begin, we offer a free Cyber Security Health Check to identify quick wins and priority risks. We’ll help you spot your weaknesses and work to improve your overall posture, contact us today to get started.