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When a Freelancer Got Hacked — And What Every Business Can Learn From It
Cyberattacks aren’t just a threat to large corporations with massive IT budgets. In fact, freelancers and small businesses can be just as vulnerable — sometimes even more so — and their experiences offer valuable lessons for organisations of all sizes.
Recently, a freelance designer I know experienced a ransomware attack first hand. It all started with what looked like a normal client email — the kind he’d received dozens of times before. The message hadan attachment and appeared to come from someone he had worked with in the past. But something was off.
The email was a spoof — a fake sender address designed to look legitimate. As soon as he opened the document, his system was infected. The ransomware didn’t just stop at his laptop — it reached his connected network storage too, encrypting everything in its path. That included his local project files and his local backups.
The hacker then demanded a cryptocurrency ransom,threatening to delete or leak his files if he didn’t pay up. Projects, client trust, and income were suddenly all at risk.
The Saving Grace? Cloud Backups.
Thankfully, this freelancer had one more line of defence — cloud backups stored separately from his local network. These off-site backups weren’t connected at the time of the attack and remained untouched. Within hours, he was able to restore his files without paying a penny in ransom.
It could have been a disaster. But because of a simple, layered backup strategy, it turned into a stressful — but manageable —situation.
Why This Matters — No Matter Your Size
While the scale may differ, the core risks and solutions are the same whether you’re a freelancer, a small business, or a large enterprise:
- Your data is your business.
Whether it’s creative work, customer data, internal reports, or intellectual property — losing access can seriously damage your operations, reputation, and revenue.
- Cybercriminals don’t care how big you are.
Smaller or less protected organisations are often easier targets. But even large companies have blind spots — especially with remote teams, contractors, or third-party tools.
- Preparation beats panic.
When an attack happens, having a recovery plan in place makes all the difference. Backups and good habits can turn chaos into control.
What Everyone Can Do — Key Takeaways
1. Back up regularly — and smartly
Use multiple storage options: external drives, network-attached storage, and cloud backups. Never rely on just one.
2. Keep backups separate and secure
If your backup is always connected to your main system, it’s at risk too. Use offline or read-only cloud storage where possible.
3. Strengthen your access controls
Use strong, unique passwords and turn on two-factor authentication (2FA)wherever you can. Most breaches happen through weak or stolen credentials.
4. Organise and separate your data
Don’t keep everything in one place. Segmenting your files helps reduce what’s exposed if something goes wrong.
5. Test your recovery process
Backups are only helpful if they actually work. Run test recoveries regularly so you’re not left scrambling when time matters most.
6. Raise awareness across your team
Cybersecurity is everyone’s job — not just IT’s. Train staff and freelancers to spot phishing attempts and think twice before clicking unknown links.
A Freelancer’s Story, A Universal Warning
This attack could have easily ended in disaster.But thanks to one smart step — cloud backups — the freelancer walked away with his files, his reputation, and his business intact.
The lesson? Whether you're a one-person operation or a large enterprise, cybersecurity isn't optional. It's a basic part of protecting your livelihood.
Want to learn how to protect your business from attacks like this?
Join us at our London Summit this September, where cyber security experts will share real-world strategies, insights, and tools to help you stay ahead of evolving threats.
Secure your spot, stay informed — and stay protected.
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