Immutable Backups: Your Best Defence Against Ransomware

In this article:

⦿ Discover why ransomware is one of the biggest threats to businesses today.
⦿ Understand the limitations of traditional backup systems in defending against cyberattacks.
⦿ Learn what makes immutable backups a game-changer in ransomware protection.
⦿ Explore how immutable backups work and why they’re crucial for data recovery.

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In today’s interconnected world, the rise in ransomware attacks is enough to keep any business owner or IT manager up at night. These cyberattacks can bring operations to a grinding halt, cause significant financial losses, and tarnish reputations. While traditional backup systems have long been a cornerstone of cybersecurity, they’re not foolproof. Enter immutable backups—a game-changing solution that adds an extra layer of protection against ransomware.

A quick explainer: What is Ransomware?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software (malware) that locks you out of your own data by encrypting it. The attackers then demand a ransom – often paid in cryptocurrency to avoid being traced – for its release.

  • Now you’re in a digital hostage situation!
  • Ransomware can target anyone from individual users to large corporations, governments, and critical national infrastructure.
  • The aftermath of an attack can include halted operations, loss of trust, and hefty financial hits, particularly if victims feel forced to pay the ransom.
  • Famous cases include the Royal Mail Ransomware attack.

And as ransomware becomes more sophisticated, so do the strategies we need to fight it.

Traditional backups are vulnerable to Ransomware attacks.

Traditionally, backups have been the safety net in a company’s disaster recovery plan. If ransomware strikes, restoring data from a recent backup should allow businesses to get back on track without paying the ransom.

However, there’s a catch: many modern ransomware attacks are designed to locate and encrypt, or even delete, backups before launching the main attack. If the backups are compromised, recovery becomes nearly impossible. This is where immutable backups come into play.

What Are Immutable Backups?

The term ‘immutable’ means unchangeable. When applied to backups, it refers to a system where data is stored in a way that prevents it from being edited or deleted once saved.

  • Imagine it as a digital time capsule: sealed, untouchable, and ready to use whenever needed.
  • This concept often relies on technologies like Write Once Read Many (WORM) devices, this is effectively ‘one-way traffic’, once data is sent to the backup, the digital doorway is locked shut and can only be viewed but not changed.
  • Cloud solutions, such as Amazon’s S3 Object Lock, have also become industry leaders in this area.

What benefits do Immutable Backups offer?

Immutable backups operate by storing data in a state that remains fixed for a predetermined period. Here’s how they add value:

Versioning: Immutable backups save every version of a file, ensuring no accidental or malicious deletions impact the data history.

Retention Policies: Organisations can define how long data must remain locked, aligning with regulatory and operational requirements.

Unalterable Storage: Even if attackers gain access to the system, they cannot modify or erase these backups.

Think of it as freezing a physical document in ice. You can see through the ice and read the document clearly, but there is no way to break through the ice and change what the document says.

How to Implement Immutable Backups.

Deploying immutable backups involves integrating both hardware and software solutions into your backup strategy. Here are the steps to get started:

  1. Choose the Right Tools: Select services or hardware that support immutability, such as AWS S3 Object Lock or backup software with WORM capabilities.
  2. Set Retention Policies: Define the duration for which data should remain immutable based on your business needs.
  3. Test Regularly: Ensure backups are functioning correctly and accessible when needed.
  4. Integrate with Broader Strategies: Use immutable backups alongside other security measures for a multi-layered defence.

Why Are Immutable Backups So Effective Against Ransomware?

Immutable backups are ransomware-proof by design. Since they cannot be altered or deleted, even a sophisticated attacker cannot tamper with the stored data. This guarantees a safe recovery path and eliminates the need to pay a ransom.

By safeguarding the integrity of your data, immutable backups allow businesses to:

  • Quickly recover and resume operations after an attack.
  • Avoid financial losses associated with ransom payments.
  • Maintain trust with customers and stakeholders.

Conclusion

The threat of ransomware continues to grow, but so do the tools we have to combat it. Immutable backups provide a vital layer of defence, ensuring that your organisation’s data remains safe and recoverable no matter what.

If you’re looking to strengthen your cybersecurity strategy, it’s time to explore the power of immutable backups. After all, when it comes to ransomware, preparation is the best form of protection. Contact Trustco today for free of charge, expert advice for your organisation.