In the quiet lanes of Shropshire, where rolling hills meet historic market towns, it’s easy to believe that cyber crime is a problem for someone else—big cities, global corporations, or government agencies. But this belief is not only outdated—it’s dangerous.

Cyber crime has evolved. No longer the domain of lone hackers in dark basements, today’s threats are orchestrated by sophisticated criminal syndicates offering Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS)—a business model where malware developers lease their tools to affiliates who carry out attacks. This model has made ransomware more accessible, scalable, and devastating than ever before.

According to the Royal United Services Institute, ransomware has become the most disruptive cyber threat to the UK’s national security, with average ransom payments reaching £1.6 million in 2023.

These attacks don’t just target large corporations—they’re increasingly aimed at smaller organisations, local councils, and critical infrastructure.

Graeme Pearson, former head of the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency, warns that “the myth of immunity is the greatest vulnerability.” He explains:

“Cyber criminals don’t care about your postcode. They care about your data, your systems, and your ability to pay. Rural businesses and public services are just as vulnerable—if not more so—because they often lack the defences of larger organisations.”

This is especially true in counties like Shropshire, where many businesses and organisations operate under the assumption that their rural location shields them from digital threats. It doesn’t.

From agricultural firms and logistics companies to schools and local councils, Shropshire’s infrastructure is increasingly digital—and therefore increasingly at risk. A successful ransomware attack could halt operations, compromise sensitive data, and erode public trust.

The 2020 ransomware attack on Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council is a chilling example. It took eight and a half months to recover, during which time social services, email systems, and even phone lines were down.

Imagine the impact of a similar attack on a Shropshire council or healthcare provider.

Tash Buckley, a cyber security expert at Cranfield University, highlights the disproportionate risk faced by smaller firms:

“It really can happen to anyone. For larger companies, you’ve got the resources to bring in experts. But for smaller firms, it’s an existential issue. They don’t have the kind of finances that big corporations do to recover from a major attack.”

She also warns of the growing threat posed by RaaS, which combines data theft with system encryption—a double blow that increases the pressure to pay and the damage done.

For many organisations, cyber security still feels like a “nice-to-have” rather than a necessity. But the cost of inaction is far greater than the cost of prevention. A single breach can destroy years of trust, disrupt services, and lead to financial ruin.

Cyber security is not just an IT issue—it’s a leadership issue. Boards and senior managers must understand that protecting digital assets is as critical as safeguarding physical ones.

At Stiperstone, we believe that every organisation—no matter its size or location—deserves state-of-the-art protection. We’re calling on local businesses, charities, councils, and service providers to take action now.

Let us help you assess your systems, policies, and procedures. We’ll work with you to identify vulnerabilities, implement best practices, and build a cyber resilience strategy that fits your needs and budget.