Article by Michelle Caulfield, Red Helix

Why? Because ransomware doesn’t discriminate. Cyber criminals aren’t just targeting the headlines. They’re also going after the suppliers, partners, and smaller businesses in the supply chain that can offer a foothold into larger targets or be extorted directly for quick wins.

If your business handles sensitive data, connects to other systems, or simply relies on IT to function, you are a target.

What is ransomware and how does it get in?

Ransomware is a form of malicious software that locks you out of your own files, systems or entire network. The attackers then demand payment to restore access.

How does it find its way into your business?

• Phishing emails with malicious links or attachments.
• Outdated software with unpatched vulnerabilities.
• Compromised suppliers or software updates that provide a back door for ransomware into your systems.
• Social engineering attacks that trick staff into enabling the breach.

It only takes one misstep. Once activated, the ransomware spreads fast, encrypting your files and halting operations. 

Why can small businesses get caught off guard?

There’s a myth that cyber criminals only go after the big companies. But many attacks today are opportunistic. Small businesses are often less protected, making them an easy first stop for attackers who might later aim to leapfrog into a larger company via shared access or services.

Many smaller businesses:

1. Don’t have dedicated cyber security teams.
2. Lack up-to-date backups or incident response plans.
3. Delay patching or rely on outdated software and security tools.

All of this makes them attractive targets to cyber criminals.

Recent attacks show just how disruptive ransomware can be

Co-op had to disable parts of its IT systems. M&S are expecting the disruption from April to last until July. The North Face and luxury brands like Harrods and Cartier have all faced breaches too. The damage has gone far beyond IT, hitting stock availability, customer service, revenue, and reputations.

Now imagine that level of disruption - but without the resources, in-house cyber teams, or insurance coverage that larger brands can rely on. For a small business, the impact can be existential.

So, what can you do?

The traditional approach has been to rely on a combination of antivirus, firewalls and backups. These remain essential, but they’re not enough.

Standard security tools were never designed to spot or stop modern ransomware. They can miss the behaviours unique to ransomware attacks, especially the newer, more sophisticated variants. Even if you catch the breach, restoring from backup can take days or even weeks, during which your operations may be severely hampered.

That’s why purpose-built ransomware protection is becoming a must-have, not a nice-to-have.

Halcyon: built to stop ransomware at every stage

At Red Helix, we’ve partnered with Halcyon, a next-generation anti-ransomware platform that was designed specifically to counter this threat.

Here’s how it works:

• Before an attack: Halcyon continuously scans for ransomware behaviours, not just signatures, so it can detect and stop known and unknown threats before they execute.
• During an attack: If ransomware does make it onto a system, Halcyon isolates it, captures the encryption keys, and stops it from spreading. It also prevents data exfiltration, stopping criminals from stealing sensitive information.
• After an attack: If anything does get encrypted, Halcyon uses its captured keys to automatically decrypt your files. There’s no ransom to pay, and no long road to recovery.

Ransomware is inevitable, paying the price isn’t

The UK Government has signalled its intent to tighten reporting requirements and potentially ban ransom payments altogether. This makes proactive protection essential. And with new regulations like the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) and the NHS’s cyber security charter extending obligations even to small suppliers, compliance is no longer optional.

If you’re in a supply chain, handle customer data, or rely on IT to deliver your services, now is the time to ask: “What would happen to our business if we were hit with ransomware tomorrow?”

If the answer involves panic, lost data, or paying the ransom, then it’s time to talk.

At Red Helix, we specialise in making enterprise-grade cyber security accessible for organisations of all sizes. We’re working with businesses large and small across the UK to stop ransomware, boost resilience, and build confidence in their digital defences.

Just because ransomware may be inevitable, paying the price doesn’t have to be.

Contact us today:

• www.redhelix.co.uk
• 01296 397711
• [email protected]

Article by Michelle Caulfield, Red Helix. Red Helix is an Ambassador member of Buckinghamshire Business First.