Here’s the account of how one client’s business halted in its tracks when struck by a severe ransomware attack, and how we stepped in to turn the tide.
A ransomware attack is when cybercriminals gain access to your systems, lock or encrypt your files, and then demand payment to unlock them. It often starts with a single click on a malicious email or link, and can spread quickly across an entire network.
At the end, you’ll see how the solution not only restored operations but also built resilience for the future.
Our Challenge: A Business Locked Down by a Ransomware Attack
It started with a call from a panicked business owner. Their screen was locked, their files were encrypted, and a message demanded payment for a decryption key. Every system was frozen. Every bit of data was gone. It wasn’t just a tech issue — the business had come to a full stop.
When we arrived on site within the hour, we found the worst-case scenario. The entire network was compromised. All data and operating systems had been encrypted. The attackers had deleted every backup — both local and cloud. Even the backup software itself was gone. There was nothing to restore, and the client had previously declined an air-gapped backup solution because it seemed unnecessary at the time.
It turned out the attack began with a phishing email. One click, and the virus spread across the network. We’ve seen this before, and we always give the same advice — don’t pay the ransom. You rarely get all your data back, and it only encourages more attacks. But without backups, the recovery options looked grim.
Our Solution: Restoring Data After a Ransomware Attack
Luckily, the client had recently migrated their files to Microsoft SharePoint. It was a project we had just completed. That move turned out to be the lifeline. Using our Microsoft Partner access, we reached out and were able to recover the entire previous week’s worth of data. It was the turning point in the recovery.
With that backup secured, we moved quickly. We didn’t just restore what was lost — we rebuilt everything stronger. We installed air-gapped backups, disconnected from the network and stored them off-site. We added layered backup solutions across cloud and on-premise systems. And we developed a written disaster recovery plan that the business could follow step by step.
We also tackled the root cause. We rolled out email threat scanning to block phishing attempts and trained the team to spot suspicious emails. This wasn’t just about fixing what broke — it was about making sure it never broke the same way again.
The Result: Full Recovery with No Ransom Paid
The client’s data was fully recovered without paying a penny to the attackers. Business operations resumed in a matter of days, not weeks. The downtime was short, the financial impact limited, and the team was back to work faster than anyone expected.
More importantly, they’re now prepared. Their systems are backed up securely, they have a clear recovery plan in place, and their staff are protected against future email-based threats. What started as a crisis ended with a complete transformation of their digital resilience.
This ransomware attack didn’t just shut them down. It forced a rethink — and the result is a smarter, safer business ready to face whatever comes next.
Key Takeaways
This case is a clear reminder that it only takes one mistake — one click — to put your business at risk. But with the right setup and the right team on your side, recovery is possible.
The cloud migration was the turning point. Without it, the outcome could have been very different. Now, the client has a robust backup system, a solid plan, and better protection from future threats.
They’ve turned a crisis into a chance to strengthen their systems — and that’s the real win.
If you’re not sure how your business would cope with a ransomware attack, now’s the time to find out. Talk to Amita and get the right plan in place before you need it.
