Ransomware and the Importance of Cybersecurity for Small Businesses: Lessons from the Recent Victoria’s Secret Attack

Ransomware attacks continue to disrupt businesses of all sizes, with recent headlines like last week's attack on Victoria's Secret proving that no organization is immune. For small businesses, the risks posed by cybercrime are particularly concerning, as limited resources can make it challenging to recover quickly from these incidents. Implementing a strong cybersecurity strategy is essential for small businesses to protect sensitive data, maintain customer trust, and avoid costly recovery efforts.

While large companies often grab the media’s attention, small businesses are increasingly targeted because attackers view them as easier prey. Cybercriminals exploit any vulnerability, from outdated software to untrained staff, making ongoing cybersecurity measures more important than ever. Businesses need practical solutions and trusted partners to strengthen their defenses and respond effectively in the event of an attack.

Key Takeaways

• Ransomware is a growing threat to small businesses.
• Proactive cybersecurity is essential for protection and resilience.
• Trusted partners can help secure and support business IT systems.

Understanding Ransomware and Cybercrime

Ransomware attacks target critical business data, locking files or systems until a ransom is paid. Increasingly, both well-known brands and smaller businesses face cybercriminals demanding payment, making robust cybersecurity defenses a necessity.

What Is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a form of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system or data until the victim pays a ransom. Attackers often threaten to destroy or leak sensitive information if demands are not met.

This malware can encrypt files, locking users out of important business data and even disrupting operations entirely. Even payment of the ransom does not guarantee data recovery or system restoration.

Recent events, like the ransomware attack that impacted Victoria's Secret in late May 2025, illustrate the growing reach of these threats. Both organizations and individuals are at risk.

How Ransomware Attacks Work

Ransomware typically spreads through phishing emails, infected websites, or software vulnerabilities. Attackers may use social engineering to convince victims to open malicious attachments or links.

Once activated, ransomware encrypts files or systems. Victims often see a message demanding payment, usually in cryptocurrency, in exchange for a decryption key. Some variants, such as double extortion ransomware, threaten to publish stolen data if the ransom is not paid.

Attackers often target organizations with weaker security practices, such as small and midsize businesses. The time and cost of recovering from an attack can be significant, especially without trusted IT support.

Common Threat Actors in Ransomware

Key threat actors behind ransomware include cybercriminal groups, state-sponsored hackers, and opportunistic individuals. These actors operate globally, using sophisticated tools available for purchase on the dark web.

Many ransomware attacks are carried out by organized groups that specialize in developing and distributing ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS). This business model enables less technical criminals to launch attacks with minimal effort.

Some actors specifically seek out businesses with limited cybersecurity budgets. These groups view small companies as "low-hanging fruit," exploiting gaps in security to maximize profits with minimal resistance.

Recent Ransomware Attacks Affecting Businesses

Ransomware threats have sharply increased in 2025, disrupting business operations and exposing sensitive data. Large companies and small businesses alike have been targeted, demonstrating that no organization is immune to cybercrime.

Last Week’s Attack on Victoria's Secret

In early June 2025, Victoria’s Secret experienced a ransomware attack that forced parts of its digital infrastructure offline. Operations were disrupted for several days, halting online orders and affecting store inventory management. The attackers claimed to have exfiltrated customer information and internal documents.

Victoria’s Secret publicly confirmed the incident and brought in cybersecurity experts to contain the threat. Customers were advised to monitor their accounts for suspicious activity. The breach highlighted weaknesses in endpoint security and underscored the urgent need for regular software updates and robust backup systems.

The costs included not only ransom demands but also lost sales and reputational damage. This incident demonstrates the importance of having a comprehensive cybersecurity plan and response team in place.

Other High-Profile Incidents from 2025

Other businesses have faced ransomware attacks this year, including several regional banks and manufacturers. In February, a well-known regional bank's systems were encrypted, interrupting ATM and online banking services for three days. The attackers demanded payment in cryptocurrency.

March saw a large supply chain company experience data exfiltration and operational halts due to ransomware. Sensitive supplier and customer information was released on the dark web when the ransom was not paid.

The affected organizations all reported substantial financial losses, regulatory scrutiny, and increased cybersecurity spending. These incidents reflect current trends in cybercrime: attacks are more frequent, and the methods used are increasingly sophisticated.

Unique Cybersecurity Challenges Facing Small Businesses

Smaller organizations often operate with limited resources, making them frequent targets of cybercriminals seeking easy access. In recent cases, sophisticated ransomware attacks have disrupted both daily operations and financial stability.

Why Small Businesses Are Targeted

Cybercriminals recognize that many small businesses lack the robust security controls found in larger firms. They are seen as “low-hanging fruit,” often operating with outdated systems and unpatched software.

Recent ransomware incidents, including the Victoria's Secret breach, highlight how attackers exploit these vulnerabilities. Often, targeting multiple small companies at once is more profitable and less risky than focusing on well-protected enterprises.

Threat actors count on the fact that small organizations are less likely to have dedicated IT or security staff. As a result, phishing schemes, malware, and credential theft campaigns can succeed with higher frequency in this environment.

Common Vulnerabilities in Small Organizations

Many small businesses rely on legacy networks and unsupported software, which are prone to exploitation. Weak or reused passwords, lack of employee training, and poor network segmentation increase the risk of unauthorized access.

A lack of regular software updates and backups leaves critical data exposed. Email remains a primary entry point for ransomware, as seen with recent attacks where malicious attachments or links allowed malware to propagate quickly.

Minimal investment in security tools, like firewalls or endpoint detection, further exposes these organizations. The absence of formalized security policies or incident response plans also hampers the ability to respond promptly to threats.

Consequences of Inadequate Cybersecurity

When a small business suffers a ransomware attack, the consequences extend far beyond immediate financial losses. Disrupted operations—such as loss of access to essential systems or customer data—can halt business for days or weeks.

Sensitive information, including payment details and client records, can be stolen or leaked. Legal consequences may arise if regulations require disclosure of a breach or protection of customer data.

Recovering from an attack often means paying a ransom, incurring IT recovery expenses, and managing reputational damage. For some, the combination of these factors can lead to long-term financial hardship or even permanent closure.

Building an Effective Cybersecurity Posture

Ransomware attacks remain a high risk for small businesses, exposing sensitive data and disrupting operations. Establishing strong security protocols and investing in employee education make it more difficult for attackers to succeed.

Best Practices for Ransomware Prevention

Implementing layered security controls reduces vulnerabilities. Small businesses should regularly update software and firmware to patch known weaknesses. This lowers the chance of attackers exploiting outdated systems.

Backups are essential. Use both onsite and secure offsite backups, and test them regularly to ensure fast recovery. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) protects critical accounts from unauthorized access if passwords are compromised.

Segmenting networks helps contain ransomware outbreaks. Limiting employee access—only allowing necessary permissions—reduces internal risks. Deploying endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions enables early detection and incident response for suspicious activity.

Having an incident response plan outlining steps for isolating infected systems, communicating with stakeholders, and contacting cybersecurity experts is vital for timely recovery.

Training Employees to Spot Threats

Employees are often the first target in ransomware campaigns. Regular, focused training sessions improve their ability to recognize phishing attempts, suspicious attachments, and social engineering tactics.

Establishing a clear process to report suspicious emails or activity encourages quick intervention. Teams should know how to differentiate between legitimate and malicious communications. Using simulated phishing exercises can help identify gaps in employee awareness.

Providing reminders through internal emails or posted checklists helps reinforce safe behaviors. Making cybersecurity part of the daily routine helps create a security-first mindset, reducing the risk of successful ransomware attacks driven by human error.

Incident Response and Recovery Strategies

Effective incident response and recovery plans help organizations limit damage caused by ransomware and regain normal business operations quickly. The right steps minimize downtime, reduce the risk of data loss, and support regulatory compliance.

Steps to Take During and After an Attack

When a ransomware attack is detected, speed and accuracy matter. First, the affected systems should be isolated from the network to prevent the spread of malware. Disconnect endpoints and servers as necessary without shutting them down, which could hinder forensic analysis.

Notify employees and management about the threat immediately, and avoid interacting with ransom notes or links. Contact law enforcement and consult legal advisors to understand obligations around data breach notifications.

Document all events, actions, and timelines in detail. This record assists in insurance claims, recovery, and possible investigations. If recent backups are available, verify their integrity before beginning the restoration process. Avoid paying ransoms, as it does not guarantee data will be restored and may encourage further attacks.

Review the incident post-recovery to identify how the breach occurred. Use findings to update security procedures, train staff, and strengthen defenses.

Role of Cybersecurity Experts in Mitigation

Cybersecurity experts play a direct role in both responding to and preventing ransomware incidents. They perform network forensics to determine the source and impact of the breach, helping to recover systems without spreading malware further.

These professionals assess vulnerabilities across servers, cloud environments, and third-party tools. They help create tailored response playbooks, guide on regulatory compliance, and manage communication with stakeholders and authorities.

Engaging a Managed Service Provider (MSP) gives small businesses continuous support and monitoring. An MSP can offer rapid incident response, deploy advanced security tools, and proactively address threats before they escalate.

Cybersecurity experts also train staff, test backup systems, and implement multi-layered defenses. Their expertise allows businesses to minimize financial and reputational impacts, returning operations to normal with reduced long-term risk.

Leveraging External Resources and Partnerships

Ransomware attacks like those seen recently highlight the urgent need for specialized cybersecurity solutions. Small businesses can benefit from trusted external expertise to strengthen their protection and minimize risks.

Benefits of Partnering with MSPs

Managed Service Providers (MSPs) offer small businesses access to professional monitoring, rapid threat detection, and regular security updates. Businesses using MSPs often gain a proactive shield against phishing, ransomware, and zero-day exploits. By outsourcing IT security to specialists, smaller teams can focus on their core operations and avoid resource strain..

MSP Benefits	Details
24/7 Monitoring	Real-time threat alerts
Regular Patch Management	Reduces vulnerabilities
Incident Response	Fast mitigation
Compliance Assistance	Meets legal standards

 

MSPs can help businesses implement multi-factor authentication, schedule secure backups, and comply with regulations more efficiently. Pricing models are typically flexible, making MSP services more accessible to budget-conscious organizations. MSP partnerships also provide access to advanced software and skilled professionals without the cost of building in-house teams