How to Prevent Ransomware Attacks

In 2024, healthcare data management company, Change Healthcare, experienced a ransomware attack exposing 190 million patient records, disrupting medical services and interrupting data access.

Experts hypothesize that cybercriminals launched a successful phishing attempt and gained access to employee credentials. In addition, Change Healthcare’s remote access systems did not include multi-factor authentication – making it easier for the cybercriminals to gain access. Later, a vulnerability within the company’s Citrix portal was discovered. This is believed to be how the cybercriminals gained access to Change Healthcare’s internal network. Once inside, they used ransomware to encrypt data, making it inaccessible to the company’s users. The attackers demanded a hefty ransom. It is unknown if the ransom was paid or not.

While the organization in the above example is a large one, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are often targeted by cybercriminals, too. In fact, a recent industry report found that 71% of cyberattacks target small businesses. And 60% of small businesses are forced to close after a cyberattack.

No matter the size of your business, we recommend that you be prepared with layered and proactive cybersecurity designed to thwart cybercriminals.

Here’s how to reduce risk and be better prepared to prevent ransomware attacks. These six steps are designed to help you create a proactive cybersecurity approach for your business:

1. Build a Foundation of Awareness
2. Designate a CIO or Hire a vCIO Consultant
3. Be Prepared with a Backup & Disaster Recovery Solution
4. Implement a SIEM Solution to Hunt for Cyberthreats
5. Be Ready for the Possibility of a Ransomware Attack
6. Partner With a Proactive Managed IT Team

If you don’t have proactive cybersecurity in place along with a disaster recovery plan, you could be risking the trust of your customers as well as the future of your business.

1. Build a Foundation of Awareness

One of the most important, yet often overlooked, tools in your cybersecurity toolkit is user awareness. Ransomware often begins with human error: clicking a phishing link, downloading a file, or unknowingly handing over login credentials.

Strong security starts with clearly defined policies:

• General IT use policies that define appropriate behaviors
• Verbal verification protocols for financial or sensitive requests
• Mandatory multi-factor authentication (MFA) for system access

Pair these with ongoing Security Awareness Training to ensure employees stay alert to social attacks and phishing schemes. Remember: Training isn’t a one-time event. Make it continuous, and customize it for departments that handle sensitive data or financial transactions.

2. Designate a CIO or Hire a vCIO Consultant

Companies with an IT team will often designate a Chief Information Officer (CIO) to be responsible for a company’s IT strategy. This includes strategy for computer systems, networks and data security. Many SMBs, however, are too small to have their own CIO. They may only have one or two general IT troubleshooters or possibly none at all.

An alternative is to hire a vCIO — a virtual Chief Information Officer. This is a dedicated person who serves the same function as a CIO, but is a specialized consultant employed by a Managed IT provider.

A virtual CIO (vCIO) offers the same value, without the overhead costs. This role provides:

• Strategic planning and oversight
• Risk assessments and technology roadmaps
• Support for developing and enforcing security policies
• Leadership on disaster recovery and incident response planning

Elevity’s vCIOs work closely with clients to tailor cybersecurity strategies based on business goals, budget, and industry risk profile.

Read More: Top 7 Benefits of a Virtual CIO (vCIO)

3. Be Prepared with a Backup & Disaster Recovery Solution

Modern ransomware isn’t always about encryption anymore, but that doesn’t mean backup and disaster recovery (BDR) isn’t important. It’s still a critical safety net that can minimize downtime and reduce the cost of an attack.

A robust cloud-based backup solution can:

• Capture real-time system changes
• Store encrypted copies of data offsite
• Enable rapid restoration of operations

Backups can’t protect against data theft or extortion. That’s why BDR should be just one component of your layered defense.

4. Implement a SIEM Solution to Hunt for Cyberthreats

Today’s ransomware groups are more patient than ever. They often sit waiting in systems for weeks or months while scanning and mapping your network before launching an attack.

That’s why real-time monitoring and behavioral analysis is essential.

A Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solution helps detect early signs that your system has been compromised by continuously:

• Analyzing system logs and traffic patterns
• Flagging suspicious behavior
• Triggering alerts for unusual activity

But even the best SIEM requires skilled interpretation, and that’s where the Security Operations Center (SOC) comes in. This human intelligence layer verifies threats, shuts down false positives, and ensures quick action.

Elevity pairs SIEM tools with our Arctic Wolf Security Engineers – professionals who serve as your guardians and frontline responders.

5. Be Ready for the Possibility of a Ransomware Attack

If the worst happens, do your employees know what to do?

A ransomware response plan is your playbook for handling a breach. It should include:

• Clear roles and responsibilities
• Steps for containing the breach
• Communications guidance (internally and externally)
• Legal and compliance considerations

Your vCIO can guide you through building and maintaining this plan to ensure that you’re not scrambling should a breach occur.

6. Partner With a Proactive Managed IT Team

Cybersecurity can’t be an afterthought. If your internal IT team is stretched thin, or nonexistent, partnering with a Managed IT provider is often the most cost-effective and comprehensive solution.

At Elevity, we:

• Offer 24/7 monitoring and support
• Build security strategies around your unique needs
• Provide access to top-tier tools and cybersecurity experts
• Help you shift from reactive to proactive IT management

By integrating a robust Managed IT team, businesses can fortify their defenses and ensure a resilient cybersecurity posture. This proactive approach not only mitigates risks but also empowers your team to focus on strategic initiatives, driving growth and innovation.

Ransomware Is Evolving. Your Cybersecurity Strategy Should, Too.

Gone are the days when backups alone were enough. Ransomware is smarter, sneakier, and more damaging than ever before. And the best protection is a layered defense strategy built on awareness, visibility, and early intervention.

Elevity is here to help businesses like yours take control of cybersecurity — before cybercriminals do. Let’s create a solution that works for your team, your technology, and your future.

Reach out to Elevity today to see how we can help you reduce risk, empower your people, and stay one step ahead of ransomware threats.