Most businesses don’t realize they’re victims until it’s too late. Ransomware attacks grab headlines, but there’s a quieter crisis happening behind server room doors across the country. John Duncan has seen it firsthand during his years leading IT strategy. The founder of EquityTech Consulting now helps companies break free from both external threats and their own outdated systems that keep them trapped in a cycle of vulnerability.
When Your Own Technology Holds You Hostage
Reflecting on what he’s seen throughout his career, he says,”There are just way too many companies being held hostage out there.” The threat isn’t just from hackers demanding Bitcoin payments. Companies face a double-threat that few talk about. “Not only are they being held hostage by ransomware, they’re also being held hostage by their current systems,” John explains. Old tech creates vulnerabilities that keep businesses trapped.
The dangerous combination creates perfect conditions for disaster. “Their current systems are outdated, riddled with cybersecurity threats, and they just don’t have IT strategies that scale with them,” he notes. When companies can’t grow because their technology won’t let them, they’re paying a different kind of ransom every day.
Breaking Free – Three Practical Steps
John has built his consulting practice around practical solutions that work in the real world. His approach tackles both immediate dangers and long-term security. Here’s his three-part strategy for escaping the IT hostage crisis:
Strengthening Defenses
The simplest solution often works best. “Starting off with the literal sense, if you’ve got backups, you don’t have to pay the ransom,” John says. It’s a straightforward approach that completely changes the game. Good backups strip attackers of their leverage. “Let the ransomers keep that data. It’s not your problem,” he explains with a shrug. “You have access to all of your data, you don’t have to pay them to get it back.” The peace of mind alone is worth the investment.
Securing Data with Backups
John doesn’t promise immunity from attacks. “Let’s talk zero trust,” he says. “Now, is this going to prevent you from losing data? No, it’s not. You’re going to lose data.” That honesty is refreshing in an industry full of false promises.
Instead, zero trust architecture minimizes damage by restricting access across your organization. “People are only going to be able to steal the data that they have access to,” John points out. Smart access controls contain breaches before they spread. This compartmentalization keeps small problems from becoming company-wide disasters. “You’re making sure that you can encapsulate these threats,” he explains. “You can make sure they are only affecting those they actually directly impact.” When your accounting department gets hit, your engineering team keeps working.
Containing Attacks with Zero Trust
The human element makes all the difference. “You should have a team that is standing behind you that is ready to defend you,” John insists. This isn’t about occasional check-ins or emergency response. Security needs constant attention. “You’ve got to have people on your team, on your side, who are ready to help you,” he says. “And I don’t just mean once a year, and I don’t just mean when bad things happen.” Regular engagement keeps your defenses current. The right partners provide comprehensive protection. “You’ve got to have people who are getting you cyber insurance, who are setting up an EDR,” John explains, referring to endpoint detection and response systems. “You need people who are thinking ahead, working on your behalf regularly.”
John’s entire approach centers on one core belief: “Your IT should not be working against you. It should be working for you.” This mindset shift changes everything about how companies approach technology. For businesses tired of constantly reacting to problems, John offers a better way forward. “If you’re tired of reacting to threats and you’re ready for a proactive leader to help you and your organization,” he suggests reaching out through his website. The goal is simple but powerful: “We’re going to show you how to build an IT system that protects your bottom line.”
Connect with J. R. Duncan on LinkedIn to learn how to secure your business.
