43% of cyber attacks target small businesses, and ransomware is one of the most devastating. Here's what every Bergen County business owner needs to know.
Why Hackers Target Small Businesses
It's a common misconception that hackers only go after large corporations. In reality, small businesses are often easier targets because they typically have:
- Fewer IT resources and security staff
- Outdated software and systems
- Less employee security training
- Valuable data like customer information and financial records
The average ransomware attack costs small businesses $120,000—and that's not counting downtime, lost customers, and reputation damage. For many businesses, a single attack can be fatal.
How Ransomware Works
Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts your files and demands payment for the decryption key. Here's a typical attack scenario:
- Initial infection — Usually through a phishing email with a malicious attachment or link
- Lateral movement — The malware spreads across your network, infecting other computers
- Data exfiltration — Modern ransomware often steals data before encrypting it
- Encryption — Your files become inaccessible
- Ransom demand — Attackers demand payment, typically in cryptocurrency
Even if you pay the ransom, there's no guarantee you'll get your data back. The FBI reports that only about 65% of businesses that pay actually recover their files.
Warning Signs of a Ransomware Attack
Watch for these red flags:
- Unusually slow computer or network performance
- Files with strange extensions you don't recognize
- Unexpected pop-ups or ransom notes
- Programs launching or closing on their own
- Disabled antivirus or security tools
How to Protect Your Business
Prevention is far cheaper than recovery. Here are the essential protections every business needs:
1. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)
Traditional antivirus isn't enough anymore. EDR solutions use AI and behavioral analysis to detect and stop threats that signature-based antivirus misses. We recommend solutions like SentinelOne or CrowdStrike for our Bergen County clients.
2. Email Security
Since most ransomware arrives via email, robust email filtering is critical. Look for solutions that scan attachments, block malicious links, and use AI to detect sophisticated phishing attempts.
3. Employee Training
Your employees are your first line of defense—or your biggest vulnerability. Regular security awareness training can reduce successful phishing attacks by up to 75%. We offer simulated phishing tests to identify who needs additional training.
4. Immutable Backups
Even with the best defenses, breaches happen. Immutable backups—backups that cannot be modified or deleted by ransomware—ensure you can recover without paying the ransom. Follow the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies of your data, on 2 different media types, with 1 copy offsite.
5. Network Segmentation
If ransomware gets into one computer, network segmentation prevents it from spreading everywhere. Keep critical systems isolated and limit user access to only what they need.
What to Do If You're Attacked
If you suspect a ransomware attack:
- Disconnect immediately — Unplug the infected computer from the network
- Don't pay the ransom — It funds criminal operations and doesn't guarantee recovery
- Contact professionals — Call your IT provider or a cybersecurity firm immediately
- Preserve evidence — Don't delete anything; you may need it for investigation
- Report it — File a report with the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3)
Get a Security Assessment
Not sure if your business is protected? We offer comprehensive security assessments for Bergen County businesses. We'll evaluate your current defenses, identify vulnerabilities, and recommend practical solutions that fit your budget.