Best Ransomware Protection for Companies: Practical Defences That Work
- Neil Hare-Brown
- Jun 12
- 3 min read
Whether you're reviewing your cybersecurity setup or responding to growing risks in your sector, the goal is the same: stop ransomware before it starts - and recover quickly if it does.
This guide outlines the most effective, practical steps companies can take to prevent ransomware attacks and limit the damage if one slips through. From staff awareness to technical controls, these are the defences that work in real-world environments.
1. Start with the Basics: Security Hygiene and Awareness
Ransomware usually gets in through phishing emails, unpatched vulnerabilities, or poorly secured remote access.
To block the most common entry points:
✅ Keep software, operating systems, and devices fully updated
✅ Apply security patches as soon as they’re released
✅ Disable unused remote access services (e.g. RDP) or secure them with MFA and VPN
✅ Train employees regularly to spot phishing and social engineering attempts
✅ Test staff response through phishing simulations
Prevention begins with people, not just products.
2. Use Strong Endpoint Protection
Modern endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools go beyond traditional antivirus software.
They detect abnormal behaviour, block ransomware execution, and provide valuable forensic insight if something does get through.
Look for tools that offer:
Behaviour-based detection (not just known signature matching)
Rollback or file restoration features
Centralised management and alerting
Integration with wider SIEM or XDR platforms
Popular choices for businesses include Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, SentinelOne, CrowdStrike, and Sophos Intercept X. Note: STORM does not endorse cybersecurity solutions.
3. Maintain Isolated, Immutable Backups
One of the most important defences is ensuring you can restore data quickly without paying a ransom.
✅ Maintain offline, cloud-based, or immutable backups
✅ Use versioning to protect against delayed detection
✅ Test your backup recovery process regularly
✅ Keep backup credentials separate from standard user accounts
If ransomware hits, clean backups can make the difference between recovery and crisis.
4. Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) - Seriously!
If there’s one step every company should take today - and without delay - it’s enabling MFA.
Multi-factor authentication is quick to set up, easy to use, and exceptionally effective at blocking unauthorised access, even when credentials have been stolen. Many ransomware attacks begin with compromised passwords, and MFA stops that attack chain cold.
There’s no excuse not to use it. Turn on MFA for all accounts on all systems. At the very least, enable it for:
Email and productivity suites (Microsoft 365, Google Workspace)
Admin and privileged accounts
VPNs, remote desktop (RDP), and third-party access portals
Backup and cloud storage platforms
Most systems now include MFA options by default - it’s often just a matter of enabling them and making it a policy. Note: Ensure your MFA set-up is resilient to social engineering. Remember, attackers will still try to deceive users into revealing their codes or clicking 'accept' buttons.
It’s fast. It’s free. It works. If you do nothing else today, check your MFA coverage.
5. Monitor for Early Warning Signs
Early detection gives you time to contain a threat before files are encrypted or data is stolen.
Implement:
24/7 monitoring with SIEM or XDR tools
Alerts for unusual logins, privilege escalation, or data transfer spikes
Endpoint logs and audit trails for quick investigation
Dark web monitoring to detect leaked credentials
6. Have a Response Plan Ready
Even the best defences aren’t perfect. Your team should know what to do if ransomware does get in.
Create and test a ransomware response plan
Define who is responsible for technical response, communication, and compliance
Partner with a provider like STORM Guidance for expert-led incident response and recovery
Include procedures for legal, regulatory, and insurance escalation
How STORM Guidance Can Help
✔ Ransomware prevention strategy and security reviews
✔ Technical hardening and backup design
✔ Awareness training and phishing simulation
✔ Incident response and recovery planning
✔ Threat actor engagement and ransomware negotiation support, if ever needed
The Best Ransomware Protection Is Layered
No single tool or policy will keep your business safe but a layered approach, covering people, process, and technology, gives you the best chance of avoiding an attack or bouncing back quickly.
STORM Guidance can help your business build and maintain ransomware resilience - without complexity or guesswork.
And if you skimmed the rest of this blog… at least ensure you enable MFA. Seriously!
