When ‘Paying the Ransom’ Isn’t an Option: What SMBs Must Know About Anubis Ransomware
New Threat, New Stakes: The Dual-Action Danger of Anubis
Imagine waking up to discover not only are your company files locked by ransomware, but even paying the ransom won’t get them back. That’s the terrifying reality behind Anubis ransomware, a newly discovered malware strain making headlines for its “encrypt and wipe” capability. Unlike standard ransomware—which typically dangles data recovery in exchange for payment—Anubis goes further: after it locks your files, it can also wipe them completely, making recovery impossible (The Hacker News, 2025).
For SMB owners and executives, this new class of ransomware is a business risk that simply can’t be ignored. It signals the end of last-ditch ransoms as a fallback and raises the stakes on having reliable, secure backups and proactive security strategies in place—hallmarks of cost-efficient, resilient IT.
Anubis Ransomware: Why It’s a Game Changer for Small Businesses
- No guarantee of data return: Anubis’s “wipe mode” ignores ransom payment and erases data permanently.
- Heightened financial exposure: Recovery costs and downtime skyrocket when files are unrecoverable.
- Trust and reputation at risk: Data loss erodes customer confidence and regulatory standing.
This is bigger than just malware—it’s a direct threat to SMB continuity, customer trust, and your bottom line.
Note: 83% of SMBs are not financially prepared to recover from a cyberattack that destroys data, according to the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA, 2023).
Key Takeaways: Steps to Secure, Simplify, and Reduce Costs Against New Ransomware
1. Prioritize Immutable Backups
Store backups in locations that ransomware and attackers cannot alter or delete. Cloud-based “immutable” backup solutions are purpose-built for this, ensuring your data is protected even if your systems are compromised.
2. Test Recovery Plans Before You Need Them
Run quarterly test restores to confirm backups work and your team knows the drill. Simulating “wipe scenarios” uncovers gaps before real damage is done.
3. Harden Employee Security Awareness
Phishing is how most ransomware sneaks in. Train your staff to spot suspicious emails and enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) everywhere possible.
4. Patch and Update—Automatically
Keep systems, applications, and security tools current. Automated patch management closes loopholes attackers exploit—without manual effort or added overhead.
5. Partner With a Managed Security Provider
Outsourcing cybersecurity expertise and monitoring helps SMBs get enterprise-grade protection—and predictable costs—without hiring an in-house team. Book a 15-min security consult to see how BoltWork.ai’s managed services help you stay a step ahead of what’s next.
Why ‘Hoping for the Best’ Is the Riskiest Path
With ransomware like Anubis, there’s no second chance. That means patchwork backup routines or “trusting the cloud” aren’t enough. The threat landscape is evolving, but so is the toolkit available to SMBs. Proactive investment now means keeping your business running when—not if—cybercriminals strike.
Your Next Moves (Within 30 Days)
- Audit your current backup strategy—verify that at least one backup is immutable.
- Schedule a simulated recovery exercise—your IT/operations team or managed provider should run point.
- Update your security awareness training materials and hold a quick all-hands refresher.
- Check for cyber insurance coverage—ensure your plans account for destructive malware events.
- Invite an expert for a quick, jargon-free consult—know your gaps before attackers do.
Ready for a cyber readiness tune-up? Don’t wait until permanent loss is your wake-up call. Book a 15-min security consult with BoltWork.ai and build real resilience—not just hope—into your operations.