Running a business in Alaska comes with challenges that most organizations in the Lower 48 never experience. Remote offices, unpredictable weather, satellite-based connections, small teams, and long distances between help and hardware all shape how technology is used, and how it fails.

These same realities affect how Alaska organizations approach cybersecurity. National reports, including findings from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Ransomware Statistics USA 2025 summary, show that phishing and ransomware attacks continue to rise across the country, especially among small and mid-sized businesses. Locally, Alaska Business identifies ransomware as the most common threat facing Alaska companies today.

For many businesses, a single successful phishing email has led to hours or even days of disruption. The good news is that improving small business cybersecurity in Alaska does not require a full redesign of your systems. Small daily habits and a few reliable safeguards can make a meaningful difference.

This guide walks through what’s changing and how Alaska teams can protect themselves in practical ways.

Cybersecurity in Alaska Has Its Own Realities

Cyberthreats don’t skip over Alaska. In fact, our geography can intensify the impact. When systems go down in the Lower 48, support may be minutes away. Here, recovery can take longer, especially for remote operations or teams relying on limited bandwidth.

Alaska has already experienced major disruption; the Matanuska-Susitna Borough ransomware attack is a well-known example, forcing departments into manual operations and shutting down essential systems for days (StateTech Magazine; Alaska Business Magazine).

For large companies, these incidents are disruptive. For small and mid-sized Alaska organizations, they can halt daily operations entirely.

This is why cybersecurity cannot be treated as a one-time setup. It becomes part of how teams work, communicate, and support each other.

Building a Security Culture That Works for Your Team

A strong security culture does not require heavy training programs or complicated policies. It focuses on helping people feel comfortable asking questions, slowing down when something looks off, and understanding the purpose behind the steps they take.

“A company with a strong security culture embodies the tenet that security is everyone’s job.”
– Kathy Wang, Security Director of GitLab

Here’s what that looks like in most Alaska workplaces:

1. Leadership sets the tone for good security habits
   When leaders encourage reporting and take the same precautions they ask of their teams, it creates an environment where security feels normal and expected. In most small Alaska businesses, this can be as simple as reminding staff to double-check unexpected links or helping set up MFA together.
2. IT, admin, and operations stay connected
   A collaborative working relationship between security and engineering teams is essential.
   For many Alaska organizations, this looks like IT, admin staff, and operations checking in regularly so small issues don’t grow into bigger ones.
3. Teams understand the “why”
   People adopt security habits more easily when they know why they matter. When someone understands how MFA protects an account, or why a link looked suspicious, they’re more likely to take the extra second to stay safe.
4. Automations help lighten the load
   Simple automations (alerts, backups, patch reminders) help smaller teams stay consistent without adding more work to their day. This is especially helpful for organizations without dedicated security staff.
5. Questions are encouraged, not avoided
   A quick “Does this look right?” can stop a phishing attempt early. When employees feel safe speaking up, it leads to faster detection and fewer mistakes.

These small, everyday habits make cybersecurity more approachable. Over time, they create a culture where everyone feels confident contributing to the business’s safety.

Why Ransomware Hits Alaska Businesses Harder

Ransomware locks down files, systems, or entire networks until payment is made. Because of Alaska’s unique environment, recovery can take longer when:

• Support isn’t immediately accessible
• Remote sites depend heavily on digital workflows
• Limited connectivity slows restoration
• Seasonal staff may not recognize common threat patterns

National data supports this trend. The FTC and the Ransomware Statistics USA 2025 report show that small businesses are impacted at increasing rates, with many lacking even the basics like MFA or tested backups.

A TruIT summary found that half of small businesses experienced cyberattacks last year. Strengthening ransomware protection is now essential for Alaska organizations of all sizes.

Phishing Scams: The Most Common Starting Point

Most ransomware attacks begin with phishing. Victims are tricked into clicking links in emails or text messages, leading to malware downloads, credential theft or ransomware attacks.

AI-generated emails now look more local and believable. That is why awareness and communication matter more than ever for small businesses in Alaska.

Common signs to watch for

• The sender’s email does not match the organization
• The tone feels unusual
• Unexpected links or attachments
• Requests for credentials
• Urgent messages that feel out of place

When something feels off, encourage employees to check with a coworker or supervisor. That quick pause prevents most incidents.

Steps You Can Take Today to Strengthen Your Cybersecurity

1. Strengthen and Test Backups
   Backups are your best protection against ransomware. Store them securely and test them regularly.
2. Turn On Multi-Factor Authentication
   MFA stops most unauthorized access attempts, even if a password is stolen.
3. Keep Systems Up to Date
   Regular updates close easy entry points for attackers.
4. Share Real-World Phishing Examples With Your Team
   Your business is being targeted as much as your employees are
5. Separate Critical Systems From Everyday Devices
   This limits how far malware can spread.
6. Create a Simple Incident Response Plan
   A short list of who to call and what to do in the first few minutes can save hours of downtime.

We Are Here to Help You Stay Protected

Alaska businesses deserve cybersecurity solutions that fit Alaska. If you want to strengthen your cybersecurity posture, improve ransomware protection, reduce exposure to phishing scams, or build a practical cybersecurity plan, we are here to help.

Schedule a complimentary Cybersecurity Readiness Review with Alasconnect.
We will look at your environment, help you identify risks, and give you a clear plan for moving forward.