Signs Your Business Is a Target for Ransomware

Introduction

Many businesses assume ransomware attackers only go after large corporations. The truth is, small and medium-sized organisations are now more frequent targets — and often easier ones. Cybercriminals know where the gaps are, and if you show the signs of weak protection, you're on their radar.

Here are five common signs that your business is vulnerable to ransomware — and what you can do to fix them.

1. You're Still Relying on Outdated Systems

Old operating systems, unpatched software, and unsupported hardware are easy entry points for attackers. These vulnerabilities are well known, and scanning tools used by cybercriminals can find them in seconds.

Fix it:Keep your systems updated. Apply security patches regularly and replace outdated hardware through a managed service like HaaS.

2. You Don’t Have Off-Site or Immutable Backups

If your backups are stored on the same network as your live systems, attackers can encrypt or delete them too. No clean backup means no recovery — and that's how criminals force you to pay.

Fix it:Use secure, off-site backups with immutable storage. These backups cannot be altered or deleted, even if attackers gain access to your network.

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

Many ransomware attacks start with stolen login credentials. Without MFA, one leaked password could give an attacker full access to your network.

Fix it:Enforce MFA across all accounts, especially for admin, email, and remote access systems.

4. Your Staff Aren’t Trained on Phishing

Phishing emails are still the number one delivery method for ransomware. If your team can’t spot a fake invoice or suspicious link, you're at constant risk.

Fix it:Run phishing simulations and basic cyber awareness training. A well-trained team is your first line of defence.

5. You Don’t Have a Ransomware Response Plan

If your business was hit today, would your team know what to do? Who to contact? What to shut down? Without a plan, response is slower, damage is worse, and recovery is longer.

Fix it:Develop a simple ransomware response plan. Include contact lists, communication protocols, and recovery steps. A vCISO can help guide this process and ensure nothing is missed.

Conclusion

Ransomware attacks don’t just target “big business.” They target the unprepared. If your organisation shows these warning signs, now is the time to act — not after it's too late.