Ransomware Readiness: 5 Things Every Business Must Do This Year

Every week, another business is caught off guard by ransomware. Operations freeze. Data is held hostage. Clients lose trust. And in many cases, recovery costs skyrocket past what insurance will cover.

At PCS, we believe business owners shouldn’t have to become cybersecurity experts just to stay protected. You deserve IT that defends your operations and gives you peace of mind.

Here are the five things every business must do in 2025 to be ransomware-ready:

1. Automatically Patch Everything

Why it matters: Cybercriminals don’t break in; they log in. Most ransomware attacks exploit known vulnerabilities in outdated software.

What you can do:

• Set up automatic patching across all systems
• Eliminate unsupported legacy software
• Schedule regular audits with your IT team

We automate patch management across your network to reduce vulnerabilities without disrupting your team.

2. Back Up Like It’s Life or Death (Because It Might Be)

Why it matters: If ransomware encrypts your files, a clean backup could be your only hope of recovery without paying a ransom.

What you can do:

• Use a 3-2-1 backup strategy (3 copies, 2 types of media, 1 offsite)
• Test your backups quarterly
• Store at least one version offline or in a cloud with immutable storage

Backups only matter if they work. PCS regularly tests and verifies backups.

3. Train Your Team Like They’re Your First Line of Defense

Why it matters: Most ransomware attacks start with one click on a fake invoice, a phishing email, or a lookalike login page.

What you can do:

• Conduct phishing simulations and security awareness training
• Educate staff on red flags and reporting suspicious emails
• Set clear policies for handling credentials and sensitive data

People are your biggest asset and sometimes your weakest link. PCS helps train your team to spot scams before they spread.

4. Lock Down Admin Access

Why it matters: Once ransomware infects a system, elevated permissions allow it to spread rapidly.

What you can do:

• Use the principle of least privilege (only give access when it’s needed)
• Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA)
• Set up role-based access controls and monitor logins

PCS helps you enforce access controls and spot suspicious behavior before it becomes a
breach.

5. Have an Incident Response Plan Before You Need It

Why it matters: During an attack, chaos is the enemy. A plan turns panic into action.

What you can do:

• Create a step-by-step response plan
• Know who to call (legal, cyber insurance, IT)
• Conduct tabletop exercises to test your plan

Not sure where to start? PCS builds and tests response plans, so your team is ready for whatever comes next.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Ransomware attacks don’t just cost money; they cost time, trust, and momentum. But here’s the good news: You don’t have to handle it alone.

PCS helps businesses build layered cybersecurity defenses. We focus on prevention, education, and rapid response—so you can stay focused on running your business.

 Let’s ensure your ransomware readiness plan is ready. Start with a Free Network Assessment!