Last year the 2022 Cyber Security Breaches Survey identified that 39% of businesses had identified a cyber-attack. Additionally, 21% of those businesses had suffered malware, denial of service, or ransomware attacks.

A ransomware attack is malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until money is paid.

If your business is the victim of a ransomware attack, cybercriminals will threaten to publish your company’s data (often on the dark web) or block access to it unless a ransom is paid. If you pay the ransom fee, there is no guarantee that data will ever be returned to you. Additionally, any information a cyber attacker holds is valuable as criminals can publicly post the data or sell it on cybercriminal forums and dark web marketplaces for further revenue.

How does a ransomware attack occur on a business?

Access - Attackers gain access to your network. They will quickly establish control and plant malicious encryption software. They may also take a copy of your data and threaten to leak it on the dark web.

Activation - The malware is activated, locking devices and causing the data across the network to be encrypted, meaning you can no longer access it.

Ransom demand received - Usually, you will receive an on-screen notification from the cybercriminal explaining the details of the ransom and how they want you to pay to unlock your computer or regain access to the stolen data.

It is essential to work to establish how an attacker gained access to your network in the first place so you can prevent future ransomware attacks.

How can I protect my business or charity from a ransomware attack?

How can the Cyber Resilience Centre help my business?

To help outsmart cyber criminals and toughen up their cyber security, we have been established to provide businesses and organisations with an affordable way to access cyber security services and consultancy to help improve cyber resilience.

Businesses and charities in the North West can sign up for ,Free Membership and receive a welcome pack full of practical resources and tools that will help you identify your risks and vulnerabilities and the steps you can take to increase your levels of protection. Through your membership, you will also get regular updates on new threats designed to help you stay safer.

If you are worried about your network, we can offer your business a ,Network Vulnerability Assessment. This service tests your IT system configuration using the same techniques hackers use to ensure your company is not wide open to a cyber or ransomware attack.