Ransomware attacks have exploded across Australia, surging by 92% in just the past year. For many businesses, that means one thing, scrambling to pick up the pieces after crippling downtime, stolen data, and a bruised reputation.
In simple terms, ransomware is a nasty piece of software that locks you out of your files, demanding a ransom to get them back. It does not just target big corporations either. No one is off limits for small businesses, councils, and healthcare providers.
The fallout can be brutal: weeks of lost productivity, panicked customers, and legal chaos. Getting hit without a plan can push a business to the brink.
If you are dealing with a ransomware attack or want tobe ready before disaster strikes, you are in the right place. This guide walks you through the essential steps to take control, limit the damage, and rebuild stronger.
1. Recognise the Signs of a Ransomware Attack
Not everyransomware attack comes with flashing warning lights. Sometimes the first clue is subtle, files refusing to open, odd system behaviour, or employees locked out of critical programs. Other times, it is more obvious, like a pop-up message demanding payment to unlock your data.
You might also notice entire folders suddenly encrypted, strange file extensions, or a network running much slower than usual. Cybercriminals are clever;they design ransomware to spread quietly before making demands, often aiming to hit backups and servers before anyone notices.
The sooner you spot the signs, the better your chance of taking action. If anything feels suspicious or unsure, treat it seriously and respond immediately.
2. Contain the Threat Immediately
Once you suspect a ransomware attack, every second counts. The goal is to trap the infection where it is before it spreads across your network and causes even more chaos.
Start by disconnecting the infected devices from everything — Wi-Fi, Ethernet cables, Bluetooth connections, and shared drives.
Avoid switching off machines immediately unless your IT or security team advises. Shutting systems down without a clear plan can destroy valuable evidence that investigators need later.
If you are operating in a cloud-based environment, move quickly to restrict access permissions. The more you can isolate the threat, the easier it will be to contain the damage and focus on recovery without giving the attackers more ground.
3. Activate Your Incident Response Plan
When a ransomware attack strikes, panic is the enemy. This is the moment your incident response plan needs to kick in.
If your business already has a plan, pull it out and get your key people moving. IT teams, legal advisors, public relations managers, and executives all need to know their roles and act decisively. Everyone should work off the same script to avoid confusion or mixed messages.
If no formal plan is in place, start by creating a basic leadership chain immediately. Assign someone to handle technical containment, someone to coordinate communications, and someone to liaise with legal and regulatory bodies. Clear communicationinside your organisation is as important as dealing with the outside world.
4. Identify the Type of Ransomware
Not all ransomware attacks are created equal. Some are blunt and sloppy, while others are sophisticated and targeted. Figuring out what you are dealing with gives you a huge advantage when planning your next steps.
Start by checking the ransom note itself. Often, it names the ransomware strain right there. If not, online resources and security tools can help you match the behaviour and demands to a known type.
Identifying the strain could reveal whether a public decryption tool is available or if law enforcement agencies already have advice on how to handle it. It also helps cybersecurity teams spot the attack’s methods, making it easier to patch weaknesses before another breach occurs.
The quicker you know your enemy, the better you can prepare for what comes next.
5. Preserve Evidence for Investigations
Preserving evidence is not just smart, it is essential when dealing with a ransomware attack. Every log file, screenshot, email, or locked device holds valuable clues that can help you understand how the attackers got in and how to prevent it from happening again.
Secure a full copy of affected systems where possible. Do not wipe, reformat, or overwrite anything until security experts have reviewed it. Even ransom notes, strange network traffic, and login records can offer important leads.
Keep all your evidence offline and well-documented. If law enforcement or insurance providers get involved,a clear, detailed record strengthens your case.
Good evidence also helps forensic teams build a complete picture of the attack, speeding recovery and bolstering defences for the future.
6. Manage Communications Carefully
What you say during a ransomware attack matters as much as what you do. Poor communication can cause panic inside your business and damage your reputation with clients and partners.
Appoint one person as the official spokesperson straight away. Having a single voice avoids mixed messages and keeps the situation under control. Be honest but measured. Share enough information to maintain trust without revealing sensitive details that could worsen things.
Internal communication needs just as much care. Staff should know what is happening, what steps to take, and where to find updates. Keeping your team in the dark only breeds confusion and mistakes.
If media interest starts building, prepare a holding statement. Buying time gives you breathing room to assess the situation properly without being forced into rushed responses.
7. Restore Systems from Clean Backups
Once the threat is contained and the dust settles, the focus shifts to getting your business back on its feet. Restoring from clean backups is often the safest and fastest way to do it, but rushing can do more harm than good.
First, check every backup carefully to make sure it has not been compromised. Restoring infected files could throw you right back to square one. If you have air-gapped or offline backups stored separately from your main network, start there. They are far less likely to be tainted.
Prioritise critical systems and essential data first. Getting core operations running helps you rebuild customer trust and staff confidence. It is better to restore key systems properly than try to bring everything back at once and risk another collapse.
Take the time to do it right and avoid shortcuts that leave gaps open.
8. Legal and Regulatory Requirements
After a ransomware attack, dealing with the technical fallout is only part of the job. Legal obligations kick in quickly; missing them can land you in even deeper trouble.
In Australia, businesses must report eligible data breaches to theOffice of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC)under theNotifiable Data Breaches scheme. If personal or sensitive information has been exposed, it is not just good practice but the law.
Engage legal counsel early to guide you through disclosure requirements and protect your business from additional risk. Document every action you take from the first moment of the attack. Clear records will be your best defence if regulatory investigations or insurance claims come into play.
9. Should You Pay the Ransom?
It is tempting to think that paying the ransom will remove the nightmare, but the reality is rarely that simple. Australian authorities strongly discourage payment, and for good reason.
Handing over money fuels criminal operations, and there is no guarantee you will get your data back. Some businesses have paid hefty ransoms only to be left empty-handed or hit again weeks later.
Before deciding, consult legal experts, cybersecurity advisors, and law enforcement. Explore every recovery option available first. Paying the ransom should never be the first move. It should only be considered after exhausting all other possibilities and fully understanding the risks involved.
10. Investigate and Strengthen Defences
Once the immediate crisis is under control, it is time to investigate how the attack happened and ensure it does not happen again.
A proper root cause analysis willuncover the gaps that cybercriminals exploited. It might be outdated software, weak passwords, or overlooked security patches. Whatever the weakness, now is the time to fix it properly.
Strengthen your network by updating systems, improving access controls, and rolling out stronger cybersecurity training for staff. A ransomware attack is brutal but offers a chance to build a far tougher, smarter defence for the future.
Take Control of the Chaos Before It Controls You
A ransomware attack can feel like everything is spinning out of control, but your response shapes what happens next. Acting quickly, communicating clearly, and strengthening your defences can be the difference between a temporary setback and lasting damage. Stay prepared, stay informed, and remember — resilience is built through action, not fear.
Datcom specialises in rapid response, cybersecurity hardening, and long-term protection for businesses across Australia.
Our team understands the pressure and complexity of a serious cyber incident. We move quickly to contain threats, recover systems, and set up stronger security frameworks that will protect you going forward.
If your business needs expert support right now, or you want to prepare properly before something happens, contact Datcom. Stronger, smarter cybersecurity starts with the right partner on your side.