Ransomware has evolved from one-off attacks into a full-blown industry. The latest model, Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS), allows criminals to rent out ready-made ransomware kits, complete with payment portals and “customer support.” This industrialisation of cybercrime has lowered the barrier to entry – meaning even attackers with little skill can launch devastating campaigns.
Why SMEs Are Now in the Firing Line
Many small and medium-sized organisations still assume attackers only go after governments or multinationals. The reality is the opposite: SMEs often have weaker security controls, fewer resources, and less resilience. That makes them attractive targets – and because they often hold sensitive data (finance, personal details, intellectual property), criminals know they will pay.
How RaaS Works
- Criminal “developers” build the malware and lease it out.
- Affiliates buy access, spread the ransomware, and split profits.
- Victims are hit with double extortion – locked files and stolen data.
What Organisations Can Do
- Patch relentlessly – outdated software is an open door.
- Backups – offline and regularly tested.
- Access controls – least privilege, MFA, secure SSH.
- User awareness – phishing remains the number one entry point.
Ransomware isn’t going away. But with a hardened environment and a recovery plan, organisations can avoid being easy prey.
Security gaps in Linux and cloud systems risk downtime, data compromise, lost business — and compliance failures.
With 20+ years’ experience and active UK Security Check (SC) clearance, I harden Linux and cloud platforms for government, corporate, and academic sectors — ensuring secure, compliant, and resilient infrastructure.