Let’s face it: no one opens a business thinking about ransomware. But today, cyberattacks are a reality that even small companies can’t afford to ignore. The good news? Most ransomware attacks aren’t random—they follow patterns. If you know what to look for, you can take simple steps to make your business a harder target.

1. You Rely on Outdated Software

If you’re still running older systems or haven’t updated your applications in a while, that’s a red flag. Hackers specifically look for known vulnerabilities in unpatched software to gain access.

What to do:
Automate software updates and patch management across all devices. If managing updates is a challenge, consider a remote management tool or a service provider who can handle it for you.

2. Your Employees Haven’t Had Cybersecurity Training

Your team is often the first line of defense—but they can also be the weakest link. Most ransomware attacks start with a phishing email that tricks someone into clicking a malicious link.

What to do:
Provide regular security awareness training and run phishing simulations. You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert—many managed services offer this as part of their support packages.

3. You Don’t Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

Passwords can be stolen, guessed, or leaked. MFA adds another layer of protection by requiring an extra step (like a text code or app approval) when logging in.

What to do:
Enable MFA on every business-critical system—especially email, file storage, and remote access tools. It’s one of the easiest and most effective defenses you can implement today.

4. You’re Not Monitoring Your Network 24/7

Many small businesses operate without around-the-clock cybersecurity monitoring. That means if an attacker gets in on a Friday night, you might not find out until Monday morning—after the damage is done.

What to do:
Look into Managed Detection and Response (MDR) services. These solutions monitor your systems 24/7 and respond to threats before they become breaches. Think of it as having a virtual security guard on duty all the time.

5. Your Backups Are Unverified or Connected to Your Network

Having backups is great. But if those backups are connected to your network—or haven’t been tested—you might find yourself unable to recover after an attack.

What to do:
Store backups in a secure, off-network location and test recovery procedures regularly. Backup is your last line of defense, and it only works if it’s both accessible and reliable.

Final Thoughts

Ransomware isn’t just a problem for big corporations anymore. Small and mid-sized businesses are being targeted more than ever—often because attackers assume they’re less prepared.

But preparation doesn’t mean breaking the bank or turning into a cybersecurity pro overnight. Start with the basics: train your team, update your systems, enable MFA, back up your data, and consider a trusted partner to help you monitor and respond to threats.

You don’t have to do it all at once—but doing nothing is no longer an option.

Want to see where you stand?

👉Schedule a free Security Risk Assessment with Sidechain Security and take the first step towards Ransomware resilience