Are Outdated Backup Systems Putting Your Business at Risk?
Picture this: Your entire business grinds to a halt because your crucial files have been locked by cybercriminals demanding a ransom.
This is called a ransomware attack—a growing threat to businesses worldwide.
Ransomware is a form of cybercrime where attackers infiltrate your systems and encrypt your data, rendering it inaccessible. They then demand payment (usually in cryptocurrency) in exchange for a decryption key.
Even if you pay, there’s no certainty you’ll regain access to your data. That’s why having a robust backup system is one of the best defences against such threats.
Why Backups Matter
Backups create copies of essential files and systems that are stored separately from your main network. If disaster strikes—whether it’s a ransomware attack or accidental file deletion—you can restore your data and keep operations running smoothly.
For businesses of all sizes, backups are non-negotiable. But here’s the catch: not all backup systems provide adequate protection. Many businesses unknowingly rely on outdated technology, believing they are safeguarded when, in reality, they remain vulnerable.
Older backup systems were not built to withstand today’s sophisticated ransomware tactics. Here’s why they fall short:
1. Backup Data is a Prime Target
Cybercriminals are aware that backups are a business’s last line of defence. That’s why they specifically target them. If your backup system lacks built-in protections against such attacks, it may not be there when you need it most.
2. Lack of Encryption
Encryption ensures that only authorised users can access stored data. Shockingly, nearly a third of businesses fail to encrypt their backup data, leaving it open to tampering and compromise.
3. Unreliable Backup Restorations
Older backup systems often fail when it matters most. Imagine discovering that your backup is unusable just as you’re trying to recover from an attack. This can lead to prolonged downtime and costly recovery efforts that many businesses simply can’t afford.
How to Strengthen Your Backup Defences
To stay ahead of ransomware threats, businesses need to rethink their backup strategies. Modern solutions such as immutable storage offer a far stronger layer of protection. Immutable backups cannot be altered or deleted, ensuring your data remains intact no matter what happens.
This technology operates on a Zero Trust security model, which assumes that no user or system should be trusted by default. Every access request is verified, and permissions are strictly controlled, making it significantly harder for attackers to compromise your data.
Ransomware threats aren’t going away—they’re evolving. The best time to secure your backups was yesterday. The second-best time is now.
Not sure where to begin? That’s where we come in. Contact us for expert advice on strengthening your business’s IT security.
