Businesses, charities and organisations in Stone and across Staffordshire are being urged to protect themselves from ransomware attacks, after new figures showed hundreds of organisations reported being targeted last year.
Report Fraud said 323 organisations reported a ransomware attack between April 2025 and March 2026, equal to more than 26 attacks each month.
More than half of the reports came from small and medium sized enterprises, with 175 reports recorded.
The warning comes as Report Fraud launches a campaign urging organisations to take steps to reduce the risk of ransomware and to report cyber attacks when they happen.
Where the sector of the organisation was listed, the manufacturing industry accounted for 42 reports, followed by the scientific and technical sector with 21 reports and education with 19 reports.
Ransomware attacks happen when cyber criminals gain access to a company or organisation’s network, often through a vulnerability, and use malware to lock devices or data.
The criminals then demand a ransom, usually through an onscreen message, in exchange for restoring access. Payment is often requested through cryptocurrency or another method designed to make the transaction harder to trace.
Report Fraud is urging organisations not to pay ransom demands.
The National Cyber Security Centre and UK law enforcement do not encourage, endorse or condone paying ransoms. There is also no guarantee that access to data will be restored, and devices may still be infected.
Small and medium sized enterprises currently experiencing a ransomware attack should call Report Fraud immediately on 0300 123 2040.
The service has a 24 hour phone line for businesses, charities and organisations under cyber attack.
Organisations can also use National Cyber Security Centre guidance on ransomware, the Cyber Action Toolkit, and the Cyber Essentials scheme to help protect themselves from common cyber threats.
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