August 14, 2025
Has Ransomware Entered Your System
Ransomware and ineffectual cybersecurity isn't just a big business problem. Small manufacturers, local governments, and auto dealerships across Ohio are increasingly in the crosshairs, and in many cases, attacks begin with a single, preventable entry point.
So how does ransomware actually get in?
Understanding the most common entry points is your first line of defense. In this post, we'll walk through the top ways ransomware slips into networks and what you can do to stop it before your business becomes the next headline.
The Problem: One Wrong Click Can Cripple Your Business
It doesn't take a massive breach or a nation-state hacker to trigger a disaster. Most ransomware attacks on small and mid-sized organizations begin with something mundane: an email attachment, a weak password, or an unpatched system.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Once ransomware infiltrates your network, it can spread quickly, encrypt critical files, shut down operations, and leave you scrambling to recover if you even can.
And while big cities and corporations make the news, local manufacturers and municipalities are often easier targets. Why? Limited resources, legacy systems, and a false sense of security.
The good news? These attacks are preventable when you know where to look.
Top Ransomware Entry Points
1. Phishing Emails
By far the most common attack vector, phishing emails trick employees into clicking malicious links or downloading infected attachments. These emails often appear to come from legitimate sources like a vendor, a co-worker, or even your own IT department.
Once the link is clicked or the file is opened, the ransomware is deployed silently in the background unbeknown to you.
Why it works:
People trust email. Without training, employees may not know what to look for or how to verify authenticity.
Real-World Example:
An Ohio auto dealership recently faced a system-wide lockout after a finance department employee opened what looked like an invoice from a known supplier. It was ransomware in disguise.
2. Weak or Reused Passwords
Many ransomware attacks leverage credential stuffing or brute-force techniques to gain access to remote desktop protocols (RDP) or cloud applications. If your users reuse passwords or rely on weak ones (like "Company123!"), attackers don't need to break in - they just log in.
Why it works:
Cybercriminals have access to billions of leaked credentials from past breaches. They use automated tools to test those logins across hundreds of systems, often with success.
Bonus Threat:
Without multi-factor authentication (MFA), even a single compromised password can open the door to your entire network.
3. Unpatched Systems and Software
Operating systems, third-party applications, firewalls—every piece of your IT environment needs regular updates. Attackers scan for known vulnerabilities that haven't been patched and use them to gain access or escalate privileges.
Why it works:
Small organizations often delay updates to avoid downtime or because they're unsure what to patch. But delaying gives attackers the advantage.
Target Systems Include:
- Microsoft Exchange servers
- Remote access tools
- Legacy SCADA and industrial control systems
- Outdated antivirus or backup software
4. Poorly Secured Remote Access
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) remains a frequent target. If RDP is open to the internet and not properly secured, attackers can brute-force their way in, especially if MFA isn't enforced.
During the rise of remote work, many businesses opened remote access ports hastily, without implementing the safeguards needed to prevent exploitation.
Why it works:
It's low effort, high reward. Once inside, attackers often use remote access to move laterally through your network and deploy ransomware with administrative privileges.
5. Infected USB Devices or Hardware
Yes, attackers still use physical access. A rogue USB stick inserted into a machine on your network can execute scripts and drop ransomware payloads.
Why it works:
In environments like manufacturing or municipal offices where users share workstations, even one compromised USB can spread infection quickly.
Stop Ransomware Before It Starts
The good news is that most ransomware attacks rely on basic oversights. With the right precautions, you can dramatically reduce your risk.
Start with These Prevention Steps:
- Train employees to recognize phishing and suspicious emails.
- Enforce strong password policies and never allow password reuse.
- Implement MFA across all remote access points and cloud applications.
- Patch all systems regularly, including operating systems, browsers, plugins, and legacy software.
- Disable RDP if you don't use it—or secure it behind a VPN and MFA.
- Use an endpoint protection service that includes ransomware behavior detection and rollback or even a service that has a 24x7 Security Operations Center (SOC) - a room full of nerds watching heuristics of endpoints.
- Back up your data regularly and store backups in a secure, isolated environment.
Prevention in Action: A Quick Checklist
Here are a few essential tools and tactics every SMB or local government office should have in place:
- Email filtering with advanced threat detection
- Ongoing cybersecurity awareness training
- Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR) software
- Immutable backups (cannot be altered by ransomware)
- 24/7 SOC monitoring and watching for threat alerts
- CJIS-compliant controls (for municipalities)
Having these safeguards in place can mean the difference between a minor incident and a full-scale crisis.
Why This Matters for Manufacturers, Municipalities, and Auto Dealerships
Ohio businesses are frequent ransomware targets. Here's why:
- Manufacturers often run legacy software and rely on connected machines (IIoT), which can be exploited if not secured.
- Municipalities store valuable personal data yet often lack the IT budget and staff to defend against attacks.
- Auto dealerships handle financial transactions and customer data, making them lucrative targets for ransomware gangs.
Tomorrow's Technology Today understands the unique risks these industries face. That's why we specialize in helping businesses in Ohio build layered defenses, implement MFA, and establish clear, jargon-free cyber hygiene practices.
You don't need enterprise-level budgets to stay safe, you need the right managed IT services partner who knows your challenges and speaks your language.
Click Here or give us a call at 419-678-2083 to Book a FREE 10-Minute Discovery Call
If you're not 100% sure how ransomware could get into your network, now's the time to find out.
Tomorrow's Technology Today offers a free ransomware risk assessment to help Ohio and Indiana businesses identify vulnerabilities and build a practical prevention plan.
