Protecting Your Business from Ransomware
Ransomware and computer viruses are among the most serious cybersecurity threats facing UK businesses today. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly targeted because attackers know they often lack the same level of protection as larger organisations.
A single ransomware attack can lock you out of critical systems, expose sensitive data and bring business operations to a halt. At Axis IT, we help businesses reduce these risks with practical, proactive cybersecurity measures.
This guide explains how ransomware and viruses work — and what you can do to protect your business.
What Is Ransomware and How Does It Affect Businesses?
Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts files or systems and demands payment for their release. It commonly spreads through phishing emails, malicious attachments, compromised websites or unpatched software vulnerabilities.
Viruses and malware can:
Steal sensitive business data
Disrupt day-to-day operations
Cause prolonged downtime
Lead to regulatory and compliance issues
Damage customer trust and reputation
UK SMEs are particularly vulnerable due to limited internal IT resources and growing reliance on cloud services and remote working.
1. Educate Staff on Cybersecurity Awareness
Human error is one of the most common causes of ransomware infections. Phishing emails are becoming increasingly convincing, often impersonating suppliers, banks or internal colleagues.
Best practices:
Provide regular cybersecurity awareness training
Teach staff how to identify suspicious emails and links
Encourage reporting of anything unusual
Reinforce safe password and data-handling habits
Well-trained employees act as your first line of defence against cyber attacks.
2. Keep All Systems and Software Updated
Outdated software is one of the easiest ways for attackers to gain access. Security patches exist for a reason — and delaying updates increases risk.
Key actions:
Enable automatic updates for Windows, macOS and applications
Patch servers, firewalls and network devices regularly
Remove unsupported or end-of-life software
Keeping systems up to date closes known vulnerabilities commonly exploited by ransomware.
3. Use Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Weak or reused passwords are a major security risk. Even strong passwords can be compromised, which is why MFA is now essential.
Recommended steps:
Enforce strong password policies
Use a secure password manager
Enable multi-factor authentication on email, Microsoft 365 and cloud platforms
Limit administrative privileges
MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorised access — even if passwords are stolen.
4. Deploy Professional Antivirus and Endpoint Protection
Basic antivirus software is no longer enough. Modern ransomware attacks require advanced endpoint detection and response.
What to look for:
Real-time malware and ransomware protection
Behaviour-based threat detection
Centralised monitoring and alerts
Automated threat containment
Enterprise-grade endpoint protection helps stop threats before they spread across your network.
5. Implement Secure Backups and Disaster Recovery
Reliable backups are one of the most effective defences against ransomware. If your data is encrypted, clean backups allow you to restore systems without paying criminals.
Best practice backup strategy:
Daily automated backups of critical data
Offsite or cloud-based storage
Offline or immutable backups
Regular testing of data restoration
Backups should be treated as a core part of your cybersecurity strategy — not an afterthought.
6. Secure Email and Web Access
Email remains the most common delivery method for ransomware and malware.
Protective measures include:
Advanced email filtering and anti-phishing protection
Blocking malicious attachments and links
DNS and web filtering to prevent access to harmful sites
Email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
Reducing exposure at the email and web layer dramatically lowers your overall risk.
7. Create an Incident Response Plan
Even with strong security, incidents can still happen. An incident response plan ensures your business reacts quickly and correctly.
Your plan should cover:
How to isolate infected systems
Who to contact internally and externally
Data recovery procedures
Regulatory and customer notification requirements
Fast, structured responses minimise downtime and reputational damage.
8. Meet Cybersecurity Compliance Standards
Frameworks like Cyber Essentials provide a clear baseline for protecting against common cyber threats. Compliance helps demonstrate that your business takes cybersecurity seriously.
Benefits include:
Reduced cyber risk
Increased customer confidence
Alignment with UK regulatory expectations
Improved insurance and supplier eligibility
Compliance isn’t just about certification — it’s about building consistent, secure practices.
Protect Your Business with Axis IT
Ransomware and viruses are evolving threats, but with the right controls in place, your business can stay protected. A layered cybersecurity approach — combining people, processes and technology — is the most effective defence.
At Axis IT, we support UK SMEs with:
Managed cybersecurity services
Endpoint and email protection
Backup and disaster recovery solutions
Compliance and security assessments
- Cyber Essentials, and Cyber Essentials Plus Certifications
You can contact us by using the form on our contact page, or call us on 02394 331 999. Alternatively, reach out to us on LinkedIn.
