Ransomware attacks have become one of the biggest threats facing UK businesses today. From small firms to large enterprises, no one is immune. Criminals have grown more sophisticated, targeting organisations with tailored attacks that can encrypt data, stop systems, and demand huge ransoms to restore access. The question every business should be asking isn’t if they’ll be targeted, but when! The next question should then be whether they’re truly ready to recover…
Being “ransomware ready” isn’t just about having antivirus software or protection in place. It’s about understanding how your business would respond if everything suddenly stopped working. Imagine your files are locked, your systems are offline, and your team can’t access emails or documents. What would you do? How would you even contact your team? How quickly could you get back on your feet?
The first step is assessing your backup strategy. Reliable, offsite backups are the foundation of any recovery plan. They need to be automated, regularly tested, and completely isolated from your live systems so that an attacker can’t encrypt them too. Many businesses think they’re protected, only to discover that their backups were never tested—or worse, that the ransomware reached those backups as well.
Next comes detection and response. Modern ransomware often lurks undetected for days or even weeks before it strikes. Early detection systems, combined with staff training to recognise phishing emails and suspicious behaviour, can drastically reduce the risk of an infection spreading. Employees are often the first line of defence, so regular awareness training is just as vital as technical safeguards.
Having a well-documented incident response plan is another key element. Who do you call first? How do you communicate if your email is down? What systems take priority for restoration? Practising your response through simulated ransomware drills can expose weak spots before a real incident occurs. It’s like a fire alarm drill for your IT!
Cyber insurance is becoming a popular safety net, but it should never replace proper preparation. Insurers increasingly require evidence of good cybersecurity practices before they’ll pay out, so investing in strong protection and recovery processes is essential.
Ransomware readiness isn’t optional—it’s a business necessity. Taking the time to plan, test and strengthen your defences now can make the difference between a short disruption and a devastating shutdown that could cost your business everything.