Outdated Backup Systems Could Leave Your Business Vulnerable

Picture this: Your business grinds to a halt because your critical files are locked away by scammers, who are demanding a ransom for their release.

This is known as a ransomware attack, and it’s an escalating threat to businesses worldwide.

Ransomware is a type of cyber attack where criminals infiltrate your systems and encrypt your data, rendering it unusable. They’ll then demand payment (often in cryptocurrency) for the key to unlock it.

Even if you pay the ransom, there’s no guarantee you’ll recover your data. This is why a robust backup system is one of the best safety nets you can have.

Backups are copies of your important files and systems, stored separately from your main network. If something goes wrong (like a ransomware attack or even accidental deletion), you can use your backup tools to restore your data and keep your business running.

Backups are essential for businesses of all sizes. But here’s the catch: Not all backup systems are created equal. Recent research shows that many businesses are using outdated backup technology, leaving them exposed to risks even if they think they’re protected.

Older backup systems weren’t designed to handle today’s sophisticated ransomware attacks. They leave businesses vulnerable in three main ways:

1. Backup Data is a Target - Ransomware attackers are getting smarter. They know that backups are your last line of defence, so they target them directly. If your backup system isn’t designed to protect against these attacks, your safety net could be cut away when you need it most.

2. Lack of Encryption - Encryption scrambles your data so only authorised people can access it. Without encryption, scammers can tamper with your backup data – yet nearly a third of businesses report that their backup data isn’t encrypted.

3. Failed Backups - It can be difficult to restore lost data with older systems, and this is where they often fail. Imagine discovering your backup didn’t work just as your business is trying to recover from an attack. It can mean long downtimes and expensive repair efforts, which many businesses simply can’t afford.

So, how can you combat ransomware threats?

Rethink your approach to backups. Modern solutions like immutable storage are designed to offer the strongest protection against ransomware attacks. Immutable storage ensures your backup data can’t be altered or deleted, no matter what.

This technology is built on something called Zero Trust, a security model that assumes nobody and nothing can be trusted. Every access request is validated, and permissions are strictly limited, ensuring your important business data stays safe even if an attacker breaches your system.

Ransomware attacks are not going away. If anything, they’re becoming more sophisticated and even more common. Now is the time to ensure your backup system is solid.

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