Ransomware defenses are impacted by outdated backup technologies, insufficient backup data encryption, and failed backups.
Immutable storage solutions are suggested to enhance cybersecurity.
Ransomware attacks have become a primary concern for businesses worldwide, affecting organizations of various sizes and industries. A recent study has highlighted critical vulnerabilities and the growing importance of modern backup technologies in the fight against these threats.
Research reveals that many companies still rely on outdated technologies, leaving them exposed to attacks. This indicates that many are unprepared to face contemporary ransomware.
Backup Security
Backup information has become a prime target for cybercriminals, prompting organizations to reevaluate their security practices in this area. The report highlights that more than a third of participants acknowledged that outdated backup systems are a significant weakness, thus facilitating ransomware attacks. Additionally, 31% of respondents mentioned the lack of encryption for backup data as an issue hindering secure storage.
Another concerning point is that 28% identified failures in data backups as a significant vulnerability. These situations can leave companies unable to restore their systems after an attack, often resulting in prolonged downtime and high recovery costs.
Most alarmingly, ransomware attacks are starting to target backup data directly. Traditionally viewed as a last line of defense against an attack, now, with attackers focusing on compromising this information, merely having backups is no longer sufficient. This new dynamic has increased the demand for immutable storage backup systems, which ensure that data cannot be altered or deleted by ransomware once stored.
A noteworthy finding from the study is that 93% of respondents agreed that immutable storage is essential for protection against ransomware attacks. On the other hand, 84% of IT workers highlighted that they require better security measures for backups to comply with regulations. The need for this enhanced protection is reflected in the fact that 97% of participants plan to invest in immutable storage solutions as part of their cybersecurity strategy.
Immutable storage is based on the principles of Zero Trust, a security model that assumes no user or system is completely trustworthy. This approach focuses on continuously validating each access request and limiting permissions to reduce the risk of unauthorized access. Most IT professionals believe that aligning their backup systems with these principles is essential to protect their data from ransomware.
Despite the clarity regarding the need to improve security, the study also reveals that managing backup storage systems remains a challenge for many organizations. Almost 41% of IT professionals indicated that they lack the necessary skills to manage complex backup solutions, while 69% mentioned that budget constraints prevent them from hiring additional security experts.
The research shows that nearly half of organizations have experienced attacks targeting their backup data, underscoring the urgency of adopting storage solutions that are resilient against ransomware.
