The Ransomware Threat in 2026
Ransomware attacks have evolved from opportunistic spam campaigns to sophisticated, targeted operations. Small businesses are now the primary target because they often lack enterprise-level security but still hold valuable data.
88%
of SMB breaches
involve ransomware
$1.85M
average recovery
cost (not ransom)
21 days
average downtime
after attack
60%
of SMBs close within
6 months of attack
Reality Check: Ransomware gangs now research their targets, steal data before encrypting, and threaten to publish sensitive information if ransom isn't paid. This "double extortion" makes having backups alone insufficient.
Defense-in-Depth Checklist
Implement these controls in priority order. Each layer adds protection if another fails.
🔐 Identity & Access (Start Here)
- Multi-factor authentication on ALL accounts CRITICAL
- MFA on email (Microsoft 365 / Google Workspace)
- MFA on VPN and remote access
- MFA on admin accounts and privileged access
- Strong password policy (16+ characters or passphrase)
- No shared accounts or generic passwords
- Disable accounts immediately when employees leave HIGH
- Principle of least privilege enforced (users only have access they need)
💻 Endpoint Protection
- EDR (Endpoint Detection & Response) on all devices CRITICAL
- Traditional antivirus replaced with next-gen solution
- All operating systems on supported versions
- Automatic Windows/macOS updates enabled
- Third-party application patching within 72 hours HIGH
- Browser extensions reviewed and restricted
- Local admin rights removed from standard users
- USB device controls implemented
📧 Email Security
- Advanced threat protection enabled CRITICAL
- DMARC, DKIM, and SPF configured
- External email warning banners enabled
- Attachment sandboxing active
- Link scanning/Safe Links enabled
- Impersonation protection for executives
- Quarantine review process established
🛡️ Network Security
- Next-gen firewall with threat intelligence
- Network segmentation (separate critical systems) HIGH
- DNS filtering/protection enabled
- Wi-Fi networks segmented (guest vs. corporate)
- Remote access through VPN only (no exposed RDP) CRITICAL
- Intrusion detection/prevention active
💾 Backup & Recovery
- 3-2-1-1 backup strategy implemented CRITICAL
- At least one immutable/air-gapped backup copy
- Backups stored offsite/geographically separate
- Backup systems on separate credentials
- Monthly backup restore tests performed HIGH
- Recovery Time Objective (RTO) defined and tested
- Recovery Point Objective (RPO) meets business needs
- Microsoft 365/cloud data backed up separately
👥 Human Layer
- Security awareness training (ongoing, not annual) HIGH
- Simulated phishing tests (monthly)
- Clear procedure for reporting suspicious emails
- Executive/finance team targeted training for BEC
- Wire transfer verification procedures in place
- Incident response plan documented and practiced
If You're Attacked: First 24 Hours
- Isolate affected systems — Disconnect from network but don't power off
- Contact your IT provider/MSP immediately — Time is critical
- Do NOT pay ransom — It funds criminals and doesn't guarantee recovery
- Preserve evidence — Document everything, take screenshots
- Report to FBI IC3 — ic3.gov (required for insurance claims)
- Contact cyber insurance — They have incident response resources
- Begin forensic investigation — Understand how attackers got in
Warning: Never use compromised systems to communicate about the incident. Attackers often monitor email and internal systems during an attack.
Get a Free Ransomware Readiness Assessment
Sabre IT Services offers complimentary security assessments for Columbus-area businesses. We'll evaluate your current defenses and provide prioritized recommendations.
Schedule Your Assessment →
Or call us: (614) 683-0060
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