Attaques ransomware contre les PME espagnoles : comment les petites entreprises peuvent se proteger

Ransomware has become the number one cybersecurity threat for small and medium-sized enterprises (PYMEs/SMEs) in Spain. Attacks increased by 116% recently, and 70% of all ransomware attacks target small businesses. The consequences are devastating: 60% of affected SMEs close within 6 months, and the average cost of an attack is 75,000 EUR.

The Scale of the Threat

• 116% increase in ransomware attacks
• 70% target PYMEs/SMEs
• 60% of affected SMEs close within 6 months
• 75,000 EUR average cost per attack
• 122,000+ INCIBE incidents managed in 2025

Why SMEs Are Prime Targets

Factor	Why It Matters
Limited IT budgets	Cannot afford enterprise-level security
Outdated systems	Unpatched vulnerabilities
Lack of backup protocols	No way to recover without paying
Employee training gaps	Phishing emails succeed more often
No incident response plan	Panic leads to payment

How Ransomware Attacks Work

1. Entry: Usually via phishing email, compromised website, or remote desktop
2. Lateral movement: Malware spreads through the network
3. Encryption: Files and databases are encrypted
4. Ransom note: Demand for payment in cryptocurrency
5. Double extortion: Threat to publish stolen data if ransom is not paid

The 3-2-1 Backup Rule

The most effective protection against ransomware is proper backup:

• 3 copies of your data
• 2 different storage media
• 1 copy stored offsite or in the cloud

Critical: Test Your Backups

A backup that has not been tested is not a backup. Regularly verify that your backups can actually be restored.

Protection Strategies for SMEs

Technical Measures

• Keep all software and operating systems updated
• Use endpoint protection on all devices
• Implement network segmentation
• Enable multi-factor authentication everywhere
• Regularly test and update backups
• Use email filtering to catch phishing attempts

Human Measures

• Train all employees to recognize phishing emails
• Establish clear procedures for suspicious communications
• Conduct regular security awareness sessions
• Create an incident response plan

Credential Management

Store backup credentials, admin passwords, and recovery keys securely. Use LOCK.PUB to create password-protected, time-limited links for sharing these critical credentials with IT staff or recovery partners -- never through WhatsApp or email.

What to Do During a Ransomware Attack

Step	Action	Note
1	Disconnect affected systems	Prevent spread
2	Do NOT pay the ransom	No guarantee of recovery
3	Contact INCIBE	Call 017 for guidance
4	Report to police	Guardia Civil or Policia Nacional
5	Engage cybersecurity experts	For recovery and forensics
6	Restore from backups	If available and clean

Share Recovery Credentials Securely

During a ransomware recovery, you may need to share backup passwords, admin credentials, or recovery keys with external IT consultants. LOCK.PUB lets you create secure, expiring links for this purpose -- ensuring sensitive credentials are not left in email threads or chat histories where they could be compromised in a future attack.

Prevention Is Key

Ransomware attacks on Spanish SMEs are increasing at an alarming rate. The investment in prevention -- backups, training, and basic security measures -- is a fraction of the 75,000 EUR average cost of an attack. Start with the 3-2-1 backup rule and build from there.