Ransomware protection that helps you stop, spot and recover.
Ransomware does not just lock files. It can stop your organisation from working. We help schools, charities, care providers and small businesses put practical protection in place before an attack happens.
That means looking beyond basic antivirus and asking whether you can detect suspicious activity, protect Microsoft 365 accounts, respond out of hours and recover clean data.
No scare tactics. No enterprise waffle. Just sensible ransomware protection using Heimdal, Huntress and independent cloud backup solutions.
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Awareness is good. Action is better.
Report Fraud and the National Cyber Security Centre are raising awareness of the damage ransomware can cause. We are supporting that campaign by helping organisations turn awareness into practical protection.
That means looking beyond basic antivirus and asking whether you have the right layers in place: protection, detection, response, identity monitoring and clean recovery.
No scare tactics. No enterprise waffle. Just sensible, proportionate cyber security that helps you stay operational.
Ransomware removes three things very quickly: time, trust and options.
When ransomware hits, the immediate damage is obvious. Files are encrypted. Systems are unavailable. Staff cannot work. Customers, parents, patients or suppliers start asking what is going on.
But the harder part is often recovery. Can you restore clean data? Can you prove what happened? Can you keep operating while systems are rebuilt?
The worst time to discover that your backup is just a sync folder is when everything has already gone red.
Stop what you can
Modern endpoint protection helps block known malware, suspicious behaviour and common attack techniques before they spread.
Detect what gets through
Managed EDR and MXDR help spot suspicious activity, especially when attacks happen outside normal working hours.
Protect identities
Ransomware does not always break in. Sometimes it logs in using a compromised Microsoft 365 account.
Recover clean data
Independent backup gives you recovery options when files, mailboxes, SharePoint, OneDrive or Teams data are deleted or encrypted.
Paying the ransom is not a recovery plan.
It is a gamble. And usually a very expensive one.
The better plan is to prepare before the incident: secure devices, protect accounts, monitor suspicious behaviour, back up critical data and test your restore process.
Because if your only plan is “hope the criminals give us the decryption key”, you do not have a plan. You have a hostage situation.
Seven questions every organisation should ask
These are the questions that turn ransomware awareness into something useful.
Do we have centrally managed endpoint protection on every device?
Can we detect and stop suspicious mass file encryption?
Who responds if suspicious activity starts at 2am, at the weekend or during a holiday?
Are Microsoft 365 accounts monitored for signs of compromise?
Are SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams and Exchange backed up independently?
Have we tested a restore recently, or are we trusting a green dashboard?
Could we prove our controls to insurers, trustees, governors, clients or regulators after an incident?
Report Fraud ransomware awareness images
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Practical ransomware protection without the fear, fluff or enterprise price tag.
We help you choose the right level of protection for your organisation. Not every organisation needs everything, but every organisation needs a realistic ransomware plan.
Heimdal Ransomware Encryption Protection
Detect and stop suspicious encryption activity before it spreads across your files and shared folders.
Managed antivirus and NGAV
Centrally managed endpoint protection for schools, trusts and organisations that need clear security evidence.
Managed cyber security services
Ongoing protection, monitoring and support for organisations that need more than a once-a-year checklist.
Huntress Managed EDR
Managed endpoint detection and response designed to help spot threats that traditional antivirus can miss.
Huntress cyber security stack
Layered protection including managed EDR and identity threat detection for Microsoft 365 environments.
Heimdal or Huntress?
Not sure which route fits your organisation? This guide helps compare the practical differences.
Axcient Microsoft 365 backup
Independent cloud backup for Microsoft 365 data including Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint and Teams.
ConnectWise Cloud Backup
A separate recovery layer for Microsoft 365 data when retention, recycle bins and sync are not enough.
Backup evidence for cyber insurance
Help prove that backups are protected, tested and recoverable before an insurer or assessor asks.
For schools and trusts
Ransomware can affect registers, finance, safeguarding records, catering, lesson resources and parent communication. This is not just an IT issue. It is an operational resilience issue.
For small businesses and charities
You do not need enterprise cyber security. You need sensible controls that protect your devices, accounts, data and cash flow.
Report ransomware and get official guidance
NCSC ransomware guidance
Official advice from the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre on protecting against ransomware, responding to an incident and recovering safely.
Report Fraud
The UK’s reporting service for cyber crime and fraud in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. If your organisation is suffering a live cyber attack, Report Fraud advises calling 0300 123 2040 immediately.
Ransomware protection FAQs
Is antivirus enough to stop ransomware?
Antivirus is important, but it should not be your whole ransomware strategy. Modern attacks often involve stolen passwords, remote access tools, compromised Microsoft 365 accounts and legitimate admin tools. You need layers.
What is ransomware encryption protection?
Ransomware encryption protection looks for suspicious file encryption behaviour and can help stop mass encryption activity before it spreads further.
Why does identity threat detection matter?
Ransomware does not always start with malware. Sometimes the attacker logs in using a stolen or compromised account. Identity threat detection helps spot suspicious behaviour around Microsoft 365 and user accounts.
Is Microsoft 365 retention the same as backup?
No. Retention can be useful, but it is not the same as a separate, independent backup. If Microsoft 365 data is deleted, overwritten, encrypted or compromised, a separate backup gives you better recovery options.
Do small businesses really need managed detection and response?
Many small businesses do not have someone watching their systems out of hours. Managed EDR or MXDR helps provide visibility and response when suspicious activity starts at night, at weekends or during holidays.
The calmest ransomware incident is the one you prepared for before the screen turned red.
Black Swan Cyber Security Solutions® helps organisations put practical ransomware protection in place using Heimdal, Huntress and independent cloud backup solutions.