Ransomware is one of the most disruptive cyber threats facing organisations worldwide, and South Africa is particularly exposed. According to Veeam’s 2024 Ransomware Trends Report, three out of four organisations suffered at least one ransomware attack, with almost half of compromised data lost for good.
The ransom itself is often only part of the problem. Lost sales, interrupted operations, downtime, and reputational harm usually account for most of the cost. South Africa ranks 6th globally among countries hardest hit by cybercrime, with a year-on-year increase of more than 275%.
For South African businesses, the question isn’t whether ransomware will strike, but how prepared they are to respond and recover.
What Ransomware Recovery Involves
A ransomware attack typically involves data being encrypted and held hostage for payment. Increasingly, attackers also steal sensitive data and threaten to release it if demands aren’t met, in what’s known as double extortion. Backup systems are frequently targeted, leaving businesses unable to recover quickly.
Recovery is therefore about more than just restoring files. It requires immutable backups, strong security controls, and a tested recovery strategy that can withstand a modern, well-coordinated attack.
Building Lasting Cyber Resilience
Ransomware is no longer a niche threat, it’s everywhere, sophisticated, and capable of crippling operations. To guard against it, organisations can stay ahead by adopting a multi layered defence-in-depth approach, including:
· Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Securing all critical systems to protect against stolen credentials.
· Network segmentation: Using logical separation to limit lateral movement within environments
· Regular patching: Keeping operating systems and applications up to date to close vulnerabilities.
· Routine backups: Ensuring backups exist, are tested, and can be recovered. Also ensuring backups cannot be changed or deleted, even by administrators.
· Least privilege access: Restricting user access to only what’s necessary for their role.
· System hardening: Disabling unnecessary services and lock down default configurations.
· Regular Security awareness training, vulnerability assessments, and incident response planning: Being proactive, not reactive
· Regular Testing – Testing backup restores and run recovery drills so you know your plans work in practice.
· Incident Response Planning – Maintaining a clear playbook for handling an attack and rehearse it with staff.
· Follow Recognised Frameworks – Using guidance from internationally trusted frameworks such as NIST, Germany’s BSI, and Singapore’s Cyber Security Agency.
Responding to a Ransomware Attack
If an attack occurs, your first actions are critical:
1. Stay calm and assess – avoid hasty actions that could worsen damage and weaken your position.
2. Contain the attack – isolate compromised systems, change passwords, and shut down exposed endpoints. Contact your IT security provider immediately.
3. Communicate clearly – activate your response plan, informing staff, clients, and insurers.
4. Call in the experts – incident response teams can provide forensic analysis, help contain the breach, and support negotiations if needed.
Recovery With Backups
The best route to recovery is restoring from clean, verified backups. Modern platforms such as Veeam, Acronis, and Redstor provide:
· Granular file and application restores – so you only recover what you need.
· Cross-platform recovery across VMware, Hyper-V, AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud.
· Isolated recovery environments – to verify data is safe before it re-enters production.
· Fast rollback – restore only changed data blocks to speed up recovery.
Prioritise critical systems first so essential services are restored quickly, limiting downtime and disruption.
Should You Pay the Ransom?
Paying a ransom should remain an absolute last resort. Before considering it:
· Exhaust all backup and recovery options.
· Consult your legal team and insurers.
· Report the incident to the police
· Evaluate all available options carefully before considering ransom payments.
In some industries, healthcare or public services for example, life and safety considerations may complicate the decision. But wherever possible, prevention and recovery planning should take priority over ransom payments.
Take Aways
Ransomware resilience isn’t just about getting back on your feet after an attack. It’s about putting solid defences in place to limit damage, keep your business operating, and lower the risk of repeat incidents. Each experience should strengthen your ability to protect and recover.
Dealing with ransomware takes more than reacting in the moment, it requires layered defences, informed decision-making, and drawing on shared intelligence and expert guidance. By preparing in advance organisations will be better positioned to withstand attacks and reduce operational, financial and reputational harm.
Prevention will always be cheaper than paying a ransom, and recovery is faster when your systems are designed with resilience in mind.
The best time to strengthen your defences is now.