How to Stop Ransomware Before It Hits Your Network

Let’s talk about ransomware. Again. Because regardless of how many times we talk about it, businesses continue to get clobbered—hard.

I’ve been doing this for decades — a network admin back in the ’90s, during 2003’s illustrious Slammer worm when SQL servers were decimated (for those too young to remember). Now I run a security consultancy on my own, PJ Networks.

Just 30 days ago I helped three different banks remediate their zero-trust architecture after barely avoiding a ransomware attack, well, two times. And guess what? The vector of attack was all the usual stuff — phishing emails, poor access policies, unpatched systems.

So let’s review how you can prevent ransomware from ever landing on your network in the first place.

Quick Take

Short on time? Here’s the cheat sheet:

• Zero Trust Everything—always least privilege.
• Patch & Update—Don’t skip those security patches.
• Air-Gapped Backups — Because ransomware tends to encrypt the local backups.
• Phishing is still the number one attack vector, User Training
• End-Point Security — EDR/XDR solutions should be a no-brainer.
• Traffic Monitoring—Detect anomalies prior to data encryption.
• AI & Threat Intel — Yeah, I’m skeptical but some of it works.

Now, let’s break it down.

How Ransomware Spreads

While ransomware is ever-changing, the methods attackers utilize are not rocket science. It spreads through:

• Phishing Emails – The good old one. Malicious attachments, fake invoices, “urgent” action required. Clicking this will say goodbye to your files.
• Unpatched Software – An open invitation.
• RDP & Weak Passwords – If you’re still exposing RDP without MFA for your company, sorry I can’t help you.
• Malicious Ads & Drive-By Downloads – Simply going to the wrong site or clicking the wrong ad can get you compromised without even downloading anything.
• Supply Chain Attacks — You patch your stuff, but what about your vendors?

Once you recognize these attack vectors, you can kill ransomware before it even gets that first foothold. Here’s how to be proactive:

1. Adopt a Zero Trust Model

If you haven’t heard this one before, here it is: trust no one, verify everything. Even internal users and devices should get the least access possible. Network segmentation – attackers shouldn’t be able to pivot across systems. MFA on everything.

2. Regular Patching and Vulnerability Management

I’d do this almost religiously. Do you know why? Monthly patching cycles won’t cut it – your adversaries aren’t waiting. Auto-update browsers, operating systems, apps. Maintain an asset inventory – so you know what needs to be patched.

3. Backup and Disaster Recovery

Once ransomware encrypts your data, you only have two options – restore or pay up. Air-gapped backups – cloud sync alone won’t help if the ransomware spreads there too. Follow the 3-2-1 rule – 3 copies, 2 different types of media, 1 offsite. Test your backups – often. Restoring shouldn’t be something you figure out during an attack.

4. User Training and Phishing Simulation

People will always be the weakest link if you don’t train them correctly. Teach your employees how to spot phishing attempts. Regular simulated attacks – because clicking “Report Phish” should be muscle memory. Disable macros in Office files – seriously, no one needs this enabled by default anymore.

5. Endpoint and Network Security

You can’t stop ransomware if you don’t detect it early. XDR/EDR to spot suspicious behavior. Network segmentation – keep critical systems separate from everyday workstations. Monitor DNS traffic – C2 servers don’t announce themselves.

AI & Threat Intelligence

Okay, okay, I’m skeptical about a lot of AI-powered security solutions. That said, too many vendors sprinkle “AI” on their product as if it’s some kind of magic cure-all. However, some AI-based threat intelligence does deliver value — when applied correctly.

For example:

• Anomaly detection powered by AI can spot ransomware-like activity before files are encrypted.
• Block known malicious IPs/domains through threat intelligence feeds.
• Unique AI training in your EDR/XDR helps pinpoint attacks more quickly than human analysts alone.

That being said, don’t take AI at its word—validate it against human expertise. AI is not a replacement for security teams; it is an extension of them.

Cyber Defense Solutions of PJ Networks

At PJ Networks we focus heavily on building effective security strategies. Our approach? Unlike check-the-box compliance, layered security and real-world proven solutions are the only way to protect against ransomware.

How We Get Clients to Put an End to Ransomware:

• AI-powered threat intelligence to stop attacks before they reach your network.
• Zero-trust architecture implementation — I just helped three banks replace theirs.
• Next-generation endpoint protection & monitoring — the days of typical antivirus are over.
• Penetration Testing & Red Teaming—Get ahead of attackers by discovering your vulnerabilities before they do.
• Security Awareness Training — If your employees don’t know, they will click.

We have received firsthand knowledge on how proper defenses put an abrupt end to ransomware. No gimmicks. No fingers-crossed security. Just real protection.

Conclusion

Ransomware isn’t going away — attackers will continue to evolve, refine their techniques and seek out those gaps.

But here’s the thing. You don’t need to become the next victim.

• Adopt Zero Trust.
• Keep backups safe.
• Provide training for your employees (yes, even the executives who claim they don’t need it).
• Use a strong defense on the endpoint.
• Don’t just use arousal for threat intelligence.

At PJ Networks, we’ve been protecting businesses before cybersecurity was even a term. If you don’t have a well-thought-out ransomware defense plan yet—it’s time to get one. Because when an attack occurs, the last thing you’ll want is to leap into solution mode.