Ransomware is no longer a threat to only large multinational corporations but also Brisbane small businesses now. Your business may grind to a halt with one thoughtless click on a contaminated hyperlink, producing extensive downtime, monetary loss, and even irrevocable loss of data in the worst case.
With ransomware attacks on the rise, it’s more important than ever for Brisbane small businesses to stay prepared. In this guide, we’ve put together a practical cybersecurity checklist focused for small business owners — outlining everything from EDR to reliable backups and everyday security practices that actually make a difference. Together, these form the best ransomware protection for small business in 2025.
What Is Ransomware & Why Are Small Businesses at Risk?
Ransomware is harmful software that kidnaps data or a system until ransom is paid. Attackers will most likely encrypt files and then wait for payment for the decryption key, typically in bitcoin. Rescuing is never guaranteed even after payment of ransom, and by the time that is done, the damage would already be done.
Real Brisbane Case: Gibbs Hurley Chartered Accountants
In 2024, the Paddington-based firm Gibbs Hurley Chartered Accountants fell victim to a ransomware attack carried out by the “Hunters” cybercrime group. The attackers listed the company on a data leak site to increase pressure for payment — a tactic commonly used by ransomware gangs. According to a news report detailing the Gibbs Hurley ransomware attack, this incident shows why ransomware protection for small businesses in Brisbane is critical — not only for tech companies but also for professional services and SMEs of all kinds.
Why Are Small Businesses Frequent Targets?
Small businesses are often seen as “easy pickings” for cybercriminals. Here’s why:
- Limited IT Resources: Most small companies lack in-house cybersecurity expertise.
- Weak or Nonexistent Backups: Without regular and secure backups, businesses are left exposed.
- Outdated Systems and Software: Older software is more likely to contain vulnerabilities that attackers exploit.
Cyberattacks are becoming alarmingly frequent in Australia — occurring every six minutes, according to a government-backed report on cyber threats to small businesses. The average financial loss for small businesses is around $49,000, but the damage doesn’t stop there. These cyberattacks can harm a company’s standing with its customers and suppliers.
3 Components of Best Ransomware Protection for Small Businesses
Keeping your business safe doesn’t have to be overwhelming — but it does take a multi-layered approach. Here are three essential pillars of ransomware protection for small businesses in Brisbane.
- Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR)
Your first defense is EDR tools. They prevent threats in real time from spreading, monitor everything that happens on the network, and detect anomalous activity instantly.
Real-life Brisbane example: An EDR solution that, in a matter of seconds, detected and isolated the infected machine is reported to have derailed a ransomware attack on a chain of suburban cafes. This prevented the malware from infiltrating consumer data and the point-of-sale system.
Interested? Learn how RingIT’s EDR solutions for ransomware protection and endpoint security manager help small businesses stay safe from zero-day threats and known malware.
- Reliable Backup Solutions
When all else fails, backups are your last line of defense. A robust ransomware protection strategy for small businesses should always include frequent, secure, and well-managed backup solutions.
Look for:
- Frequent Backups: Daily or even hourly snapshots help minimise data loss in fast-paced environments.
- Encrypted Storage: Your backups should be fully encrypted—both in transit and at rest—to prevent data leaks.
- Hybrid Strategy: Combining cloud business tools—like Microsoft 365 / OneDrive—with offline backups is key to a resilient IT setup. Learn more about how Microsoft 365 works for small businesses and how it fits into a hybrid backup strategy that protects against both cyber threats and system failures.
- Microsoft 365 Data Coverage: Don’t forget, backing up Microsoft 365 data—including your email, SharePoint, and OneDrive—is essential, as Microsoft’s native retention isn’t designed for full disaster recovery.
That’s why RingIT offers reliable backup solutions for small businesses in Brisbane—helping you safeguard your data and ensure business continuity in the face of ransomware or unexpected failures.
- Cybersecurity Services
A strong cybersecurity strategy combines advanced tools with human awareness and education. That’s why we offer cybersecurity services for small businesses in Brisbane, combining proactive tools, expert support, and local knowledge to help keep your business safe. You need:
- Email Filtering: Block phishing attempts before they hit inboxes.
- Firewalls: Create barriers between your network and the Internet.
- Security Training: Empower your team to recognise and avoid threats.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Quickly detect and respond to unusual activity.
2025 Cybersecurity Checklist for Brisbane Small Business Owners
Use this cybersecurity checklist for small business as a self-audit tool to ensure your digital defences are up to date:
2025 Cybersecurity Checklist for Brisbane Small Business Owners
Infrastructure and Tools:
☐ Install and maintain business-grade antivirus and EDR software.
☐ Utilise multi-factor authentication (MFA) on all platforms and create strong, unique passwords.
☐ Ensure routers and Wi-Fi networks are secure and password-protected.
Backup Strategy:
☐ Set up automatic daily or hourly backups.
☐ Store backups in both cloud and offline environments.
☐ Ensure your backups are functioning correctly by regularly testing them.
Staff Training and Policies:
☐ Conduct cybersecurity awareness training at least twice a year.
☐ Implement clear protocols for handling suspicious emails or devices.
☐ Restrict admin access to sensitive systems and data.
Monitoring and Support:
☐ Use 24/7 monitoring services to detect threats early.
☐ Establish an incident response plan.
☐ Work with a local IT partner for fast, reliable support.
These cybersecurity tips for small businesses aren’t just best practice—they’re now essential for survival in an era where cybercrime is rampant.
Choosing the Right Cybersecurity Provider in Brisbane
Not every IT provider offers the same level of protection. If you’re a small business in Brisbane looking to guard against ransomware, here’s what really matters.
- Local Presence: You need fast, on-the-ground support when things go wrong.
- Tailored Packages: One-size-fits-all solutions don’t work for small businesses with unique needs.
- Transparent Pricing: Avoid long-term lock-in contracts or hidden fees.
- Proactive Monitoring: Prevention is always better (and cheaper) than recovery.
At RingIT, we understand the challenges that small businesses in Brisbane face. With over 15 years of experience and a dedicated local team, we deliver affordable, scalable, and responsive solutions to help you stay protected in today’s evolving threat landscape.
Ransomware is not going away; instead, it is evolving and intensifying. Cybercriminals are targeting small businesses in Brisbane, and inaction may have catastrophic consequences. In good news, business protection does not have to be burdensome and expensive.
You can be confident in your ability to protect your business from cyber attack if you possess the right combination of tools, training, and local resources. We’re here to help you whether you need to update your defenses or start from the beginning.
Ready to boost your defenses? Contact RingIT’s Brisbane-based cybersecurity team today.