Strengthening Cyber Defenses: A Focus on Breach and Attack Simulation

Understanding the Threat Landscape

Ransomware continues to be a pressing concern for businesses across the UK, as evidenced by significant breaches at reputable companies such as Marks & Spencer, Adidas, and Co-op. Recently, Marks & Spencer reported a staggering £300 million loss in operating profit and more than £1 billion wiped from its market value due to a ransomware attack that halted online trading for seven weeks. This incident not only highlights the financial implications but also the detrimental effects on customer trust stemming from exposed personal data.

The Simplicity of Vulnerabilities

One of the most alarming aspects of these attacks is that they often don’t involve overly sophisticated methods. In Marks & Spencer’s case, the breach stemmed from human error linked to social engineering via a third-party supplier. This serves as a critical reminder that cybercriminals often exploit basic weaknesses. A single mistake can allow attackers to infiltrate an organization, making it essential for companies to evaluate and strengthen their defenses diligently.

Proactive Defense through Breach and Attack Simulation (BAS)

In light of these challenges, it’s crucial for security leaders to move beyond merely reacting to incidents and start focusing on proactive defense. Breach and Attack Simulation (BAS) emerges as an essential tool in this regard. By continuously testing security controls against common tactics employed by ransomware actors, BAS helps organizations discover vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

Rising Incidence of Ransomware Attacks

The momentum of ransomware attacks is not limited to high-profile cases. The recent 2025 Cyber Security Breaches Survey reveals a troubling statistic: ransomware attacks more than doubled from 2024 to 2025. This alarming rise is partially fueled by the Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model, which enables even low-skilled cybercriminals to deploy ransomware with ease. Groups provide readily available tools and share profits with attackers, creating a straightforward attack sequence: initial access via phishing, moving laterally within systems, encrypting data, and demanding ransom.

Despite the involvement of technology, it’s crucial to note that AI isn’t the primary driver of this surge. While AI is being explored for generating more convincing phishing emails and automating attack processes, many ransomware operators continue to rely on traditional methods due to their speed and effectiveness.

BAS vs. Traditional Testing Methods

While penetration testing and red teaming remain relevant for assessing defences against more complex threats like Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), ransomware attacks often exploit basic operational gaps, which may not be addressed through occasional testing. Traditional assessments, usually conducted once a year or less, can leave organizations vulnerable to attack for extended periods if misconfigurations aren’t identified.

BAS fills this gap by continuously running simulations of real-world attack techniques. This ongoing testing provides organizations with a clearer view of their security posture, allowing for quicker responses to emerging vulnerabilities.

Effectively Implementing BAS

Incorporating BAS into security measures can significantly enhance an organization’s defensive strategy, but it’s important to understand its role within the broader security ecosystem. BAS is tailored to simulate known attack techniques at scale, confirming existing defenses and revealing misconfigurations. However, it should be viewed as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for manual assessments like red teaming.

To maximize the effectiveness of BAS, organizations must prioritize tuning and implementation. A well-configured BAS platform can reduce extraneous noise, allowing security teams to focus on significant findings that warrant immediate attention.

Adopting a Resilient Mindset

Effective ransomware prevention requires a multi-faceted approach. Ransomware actors typically follow established approaches facilitated by RaaS, making it imperative for organizations to reinforce their foundational security measures—such as ensuring reliable backups, establishing endpoint visibility, training staff, and effectively detecting common attack patterns.

True resilience in the face of such threats involves a cultural shift within organizations. It necessitates transitioning from reactive measures to proactive simulations, routinely testing recovery strategies, and grasping how and where potential ransomware threats might emerge.

Preparing for Ongoing Threats

The breach at Marks & Spencer highlights the critical stakes involved: organizations must contend with potential losses in revenue, reputation, and customer trust. As ransomware evolves, the challenge lies not just in strengthening perimeter defenses but in understanding how existing security controls can withstand pressure.

Ransomware attacks show no signs of abating. As organizations navigate this landscape in 2025 and beyond, it is no longer a question of if they will be targeted but when. By embracing a proactive mindset and employing the right tools, businesses can approach these threats with a steadfast sense of assurance.