Ransomware attacks cost small businesses an average of $200,000 per incident — and 60% of small businesses that suffer a ransomware attack go out of business within 6 months. Here is how to protect yours.
Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts your files and demands payment for the decryption key. In 2025, ransomware gangs increasingly targeted small businesses because they know smaller organizations have weaker defenses and are more likely to pay.
How ransomware gets in: 67% of ransomware attacks start with a phishing email containing a malicious attachment or link. 21% exploit unpatched vulnerabilities in internet-facing systems. 12% come through compromised Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections.
The 10-step ransomware protection framework: Deploy email security with anti-phishing and attachment sandboxing. Implement MFA on all remote access and critical systems. Keep all systems patched within 30 days of critical updates. Deploy EDR on every endpoint — not just antivirus. Segment your network so ransomware cannot spread laterally. Maintain encrypted, air-gapped backups tested monthly. Disable RDP or restrict it to VPN-only access. Implement DNS filtering to block known malicious domains. Train employees quarterly with simulated phishing exercises. Create and test an incident response plan annually.
CloudTechForce implements all 10 controls as part of our managed security services. Our managed security clients have maintained a zero-ransomware track record since we launched the service in 2019.
