The premise of efficiency and accessibility has now been shrouded in uncertainty. Along with technological advancements that enabled companies to streamline business processes came threats that could result in operational disruption, if not legal repercussions and permanent business shutdown.

This is the dilemma of many businesses right now - probably including yours, that’s why you found yourself on this page. In 2024, encrypted attacks have reached up to 15.7 million, and the numbers continue to escalate as you are reading this. And it may only be a matter of time before your business is next.

So, what cybersecurity measures has your company employed so far? Is VPN enough to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches? How strong are your passwords? What kind of recovery plan have you put in place should the worse come to worst?

Here, let’s talk about the importance of establishing a strong cybersecurity system and find out if the measures taken by your company are effective enough to keep up with the evolving times.

Ransomware in 2025: What You Need to Know

Ransomware is not a new cybersecurity risk. But it remains one of the most challenging threats in data security, as it prevents businesses from accessing important files, systems, and networks, impeding critical business operations and putting at risk the data of the company, customers, and other sensitive transactions. 

With an average ransom demand of $1 million and recovery costs reaching around $1.5 million, ransomware has forced hundreds of thousands of businesses into crisis, leading to stolen credentials and operational chaos - a nightmare you obviously don’t want to happen to your business.

That’s why it is so crucial to establish strong cybersecurity defenses for the company. Traditional cybersecurity measures are no longer enough because, as of this year, new waves of attacks are being employed, which now include:

• Faster Attack Time. The fastest recorded attack time now only takes a few seconds to infiltrate, steal data, and deploy ransomware before the security systems can even react.
• Intentional Business Disruption. Beyond data theft, cybercriminals are now more focused on purposely sabotaging company operations to create a sense of panic and public chaos to pressure companies into paying the ransom as fast as possible.
• Weaponizing AI. Utilize AI to enhance phishing attempts and autonomously execute attacks.

The Crucial Role of VPN Against Ransomware Attacks

From a macro perspective, ransomware persists to exist because many organizations fail to see the importance of strengthening their cybersecurity infrastructure. There is less priority given to cybersecurity, such as the use of VPN, because most think that it is a costly investment - one that might not yield much ROI. Some smaller companies even assume that hackers won't target them, which, in reality, is quite the opposite.

In truth, with salient features like support for unlimited device connections, excellent browsing speed, threat protection packages, data leak alerts, automated data removal via Incogni, a strict no-logs policy, and geo-spoofing capabilities, you can easily sign up for one from the comprehensive list curated by Cybernews best VPN services at a reasonable price point. 

With how ransomware has evolved - and a working environment that is susceptible to deceptive phishing scams, unsecured internet access, and poorly configured systems - it is no wonder that sensitive company data can be infiltrated by unauthorized individuals who have nothing but ill intentions toward the company.

Human error remains one of the significant factors in many ransomware attacks. By looking into network patterns through advanced technologies and studying the behavior of employees, cybercriminals can come up with a more personalized strategy to lure people and easily gain access to corporate environments. Hence, the need for a robust cybersecurity measure, such as the use of VPN.

VPNs provide an additional layer of security by:

• Securing Remote Access. This reduces the risk of data interception on public or unsecured networks.
• Data Encryption while in Transit. Not only must stored data be protected, but also that which is being transferred. By creating encrypted tunnels for internet traffic, it becomes difficult for cybercriminals to access and steal information during transmission.
• Masking of IP Address. This helps hide the real IP address of the employees, making it challenging to target the devices and networks used in the company.
• Reduced Exposure to Threats. The best VPNs already come with advanced features that block access to known malicious sites, antivirus, and data leak alerts that prevent phishing and malware downloads.

Keeping Up with the Changing Times: Smarter Recovery Plans

But establishing a robust cybersecurity infrastructure is not only limited to detecting, preventing, and responding to threats. It also includes recovery.

While VPNs play a key role in preventing access to sensitive information, it is to note that not all VPNs are created equal. Some are not as feature-rich as the leading brands and can’t detect malware, don’t include free antivirus and password managers, and may be outdated, making them ineffective against sophisticated ransomware.

That’s why having a tested recovery plan and a reliable team of experts for technical support is essential should the inevitable happen. Advanced ransomware recovery service providers ensure:

• Accurate and Structured Assessment. Evaluate devices and systems for accurate diagnosis and recovery assessment, and determine other vulnerabilities and security gaps to be able to understand the root cause of the attack and prevent such from happening again. 
• High Success Recovery Rate. Quick data recovery to keep all critical information without compromising security and privacy.
• All-Inclusive Recovery Solutions. Includes backup file restoration for seamless resumption of normal operations across ransomware-infected systems, cloud data, databases, encrypted data, servers, and more.

The real cost of ransomware isn’t the ransom itself. It’s actually the reputational damage that it can inflict on your company that could lead to loss of trust among valued customers. By adding multiple layers of protection, such as the use of reliable VPNs, strong MFAs, trusted data recovery plans, and regular employee training, the company can better prepare for whatever threat is looming in this digital age.

The question is:  What cybersecurity measures has the company implemented so far? How ransomware-proof is your company?

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