The Managing Director of a company h eld to ransom Attack.Ransom by hackers has warned other bosses to protect themselves against cyber crooks − or run the risk of web sharks crippling their businesses . Stuart Kettell − owner of audio-visual specialist Kettell Video Productions − was targeted by tech scammers who infiltrated his firm ’ s IT systems with malware that infected its network of files . They d emanded Attack.Ransom £1,000 initially in Bitcoins to decrypt the malicious software − and warned that failure to p ay Attack.Ransom would render the files permanently inaccessible . Thankfully Stuart routinely backs-up all company systems − and even backs up the back-ups − so survived the online attack relatively unscathed . But he ’ s warned that without the archive of replicas his entire business could have collapsed . He said : “ I noticed all my photos , videos and pdf files ghosting to white with a new filename…it attacked my desktop first then it wormed its way into folders one file at a time every few seconds . “ I ’ ve no idea how the malware was introduced as we use software that ’ s designed to prevent against such attacks . And t he demand for payment Attack.Ransom seemed very professional : I was given links where I could buy Bitcoins and even offered the chance to decrypt one file for free ! “ I unplugged my computer , isolated it from the internet , and ran some anti-malware software to stop the virus spreading further . “ It was scary : I had no idea about cyber-attacks before and really didn ’ t know what to do . Critical files , including images and videos for clients , were wiped out along with a lifetime of personal memories . “ The affected files were lost for good − the only way to recover them was with the key code held by the blackmailer − but luckily I back-up everything to an external data cartridge . In the end it was more an inconvenience…but it could have threatened the business . “ I would strongly urge all business owners to back-up their essential files . '' Sergeant Gary Sirrell from the cybercrime team at West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit said commercial web attacks are increasingly being committed against smaller firms and not big multi-nationals . He explained : “ Small and medium sized companies are easier targets : they often don ’ t have the resources or expertise to protect against cyberattacks . And if they are targeted , the impact can be devastating . “ But there are steps business owners can take to mitigate the risk . A really effective tactic involves ‘ layering ’ defences to include a firewall , anti-malware software , staff training and regular re-training ) around phishing email awareness , and finally to p lug Vulnerability-related.PatchVulnerability any holes in your defences by u pdating Vulnerability-related.PatchVulnerability software patches and updates in a timely manner . “ By exercising good cyber hygiene , and having a strong backup policy , Stuart avoided the dilemma of whether to see his business significantly damaged , or to have to hand over a ransom Attack.Ransom to organised crime gangs to get his data unlocked . “ If more businesses in the West Midlands proactively took such steps there would be significantly fewer crimes victims . ''