Ransomware — malicious software that encrypts all your files and demands payment to unlock them — is no longer just a big-business problem. More than 60% of ransomware attacks now target small and medium-sized businesses. For a Naples restaurant, law firm, dental office, or retail shop, a successful attack can be a company-ending event.
The good news: most ransomware attacks exploit basic, preventable vulnerabilities. Here’s what every small business owner in Southwest Florida should be doing right now.
1. Keep Backups — and Keep Them Offline
This is the single most important step. Ransomware encrypts everything it can reach — including network drives and cloud sync folders. Your backup strategy needs at least one copy that is not connected to your network when an attack happens:
- An external hard drive that is disconnected and stored offsite after each backup
- A cloud backup service that keeps versioned history (not just a mirror) — Backblaze, Veeam, or Acronis
- Test your restore process quarterly — a backup you can’t restore is worthless
2. Patch Everything Automatically
Most ransomware exploits known vulnerabilities in unpatched Windows, Office, or browser software. Enable automatic updates on every business computer, including Microsoft 365, Chrome, Edge, and any business-specific software.
3. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) on Everything
If an attacker gets an employee’s password through phishing, MFA stops them from logging in. Enable MFA on Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, remote access (VPN/RDP), banking portals, and your domain registrar.
4. Train Your Employees on Phishing
Most ransomware enters through a phishing email. A 30-minute training session covering how to spot suspicious emails — urgent language, unexpected attachments, mismatched email addresses — can dramatically reduce your risk.
5. Use Business-Grade Endpoint Protection
Free antivirus is not enough for a business environment. Consider a managed endpoint detection and response (EDR) solution that monitors for ransomware behavior in real time. Naples Computers can help evaluate and deploy the right solution for your business size and budget.
6. Limit User Privileges
Ransomware spreads through whatever permissions the infected user account has. Use standard user accounts for day-to-day work (not administrator accounts), and restrict which computers can access shared folders.
Need Help Protecting Your Naples Business?
Naples Computers provides managed IT security services for businesses throughout Collier and Lee Counties. From backup setup to employee security training to ongoing monitoring, we help you stay protected without a full-time IT department. Contact us to schedule a free business security assessment.