Debunking the Most Common Ransomware Misconceptions

Ransomware remains one of the most damaging and fast-evolving cyber threats facing organisations of every size. Despite its growing sophistication, many businesses still hold dangerous misconceptions about how ransomware works and how best to defend against it.

One of the most common myths is that smaller organisations are unlikely targets. SMEs are frequently attacked because criminals view them as easier to breach and more likely to pay a ransom. Another misconception is that paying the ransom will quickly solve the problem. There is never a guarantee that data will be restored, and paying only encourages further attacks.

Many businesses also believe they will immediately recognise a ransomware infection, but modern strains often hide for days or weeks before activating. Relying solely on traditional antivirus tools is equally risky, as signature-based detection cannot keep pace with constantly evolving ransomware variants.

Cyber insurance can help with recovery costs but cannot undo operational damage or reputational harm. And even once an attack is resolved, the risk doesn’t disappear - organisations that have been breached are often targeted again.

The most effective defence is proactive protection: strong security tools, regular backups, prompt patching, and continuous monitoring to stop attacks before they spread.