Amid an escalating wave of ransomware and cyberattacks, modern backup solutions are stepping up with innovative strategies to safeguard critical data. Modern technologies are evolving far beyond traditional data recovery, incorporating advanced measures to both protect and restore vital information, addressing threats in a reactive and proactive manner.
We spoke to three cybersecurity experts on how modern backup solutions are addressing the rise in ransomware and cyberattacks. Their insights align to show the key trends that are emerging on the most efficient backup practices to tackle cyberthreats.
Trevor Horwitz, CISO, TrustNet
Modern backup solutions have become a cornerstone in defending against ransomware and cyberattacks, and they’ve evolved significantly to keep up with the threats we face today. It’s no longer just about having a copy of your data; it’s about ensuring that data is secure, resilient and ready when you need it most. One of the most impactful advancements is immutable backups – data that, once written, can’t be changed or deleted. This is a game-changer because even if attackers get into your system, they can’t touch those backups. It gives organisations a reliable safety net to recover from an attack.
Another critical development is air-gapped backups, where backups are stored on systems that are either physically or logically disconnected from the main network. This isolation makes it incredibly difficult for ransomware to reach them. It’s like having a vault that attackers can’t even find, let alone access.
Beyond storage, modern solutions are also proactive. They now include ransomware detection tools that monitor for unusual activity, such as large-scale file changes or encryption patterns, and flag potential issues early. These tools often leverage Machine Learning to spot threats before they escalate.
Encryption is also a must-have, both for data in transit and at rest, ensuring that backups remain secure even if intercepted. Many systems now integrate multi-factor authentication to prevent unauthorised access, adding another layer of defence. What’s more, granular recovery options let businesses restore exactly what they need, whether it’s a single file or an entire system, minimising downtime and disruption.
Finally, backup strategies have embraced the zero-trust mindset, where access is tightly controlled, and every interaction is verified. When combined with hybrid approaches, using both on-premises and cloud solutions, these technologies ensure flexibility and resilience. These innovations are more than just technical upgrades – they reflect a fundamental shift in how we think about recovery. It’s not just about surviving an attack; it’s about recovering stronger and faster, with trust intact.
Freddie Tubbs, Technical Program Manager, Academized
Ransomware attacks and hacking have brought to light the importance of data protection systems. Backup solutions have become more sophisticated to mitigate these threats and now consist of a range of features that not only increase recovery speeds but also provide enhanced security and resilience.
Air-gapping and immutable storage are two key innovations in modern backup solutions. Air-gapping will ensure backup data is isolated from the production network, which prevents attackers accessing it after they breach the primary network. Immutable storage, however, means that backups cannot be modified or deleted, even by administrators. This method is essential, as ransomware hackers often encrypt or wipe backups in their attempts to extract as much leverage as possible.
The second major innovation is to utilise cutting-edge AI and Machine Learning in identifying abnormal patterns. These technologies detect ransomware activity early in the attack lifecycle and can trigger alerts and pre-emptive action including shutdown of targeted devices or isolation of backup data before it is compromised.
Data is also being stored securely using cloud-based backups. Cloud services provide scalability, redundancy and rapid recovery times. In addition, most cloud providers have implemented solutions such as end-to-end encryption and zero-trust systems that provide additional protection to ensure only authorised people get access to the data. MFA and identity management make these tools even more robust, ensuring that backup systems are less susceptible to hacking.
Back-up software now includes automated, frequent backup routines. This is crucial for preventing downtime and ensuring that companies can restore data to a state prior to a cyberattack. Continual automated testing of backups ensures faster and reliable recovery in the event of a real disaster.
Lastly, contemporary backup solutions integrate with end-to-end cybersecurity infrastructures to make backups part of an organisation’s overall security plan. This proactive backup security strategy also matches the zero-trust model in which everything in the network is a threat unless otherwise proven.
Backup Technologies will keep evolving as ransomware and cyberattacks grow. With security, automation and speed of recovery as their key priorities, new backup solutions are reducing exposure to evolving and sophisticated attackers.
Bob Bilbruck, CEO, Captjur
One of the standout features now is immutable backups. Think of it like a locked box – once data is saved, it cannot be changed or deleted for, even by someone with admin access. Therefore, if ransomware hits and encrypts your live data, your backups stay intact and ready to restore.
Then there’s air-gapped storage. This is keeping backups completely separate from the main network, either offline or in a different environment, so they’re out of reach for hackers. Some solutions also use cloud-based storage with multiple layers of encryption, adding another barrier.
Another modern advantage is how smarter technology, like Machine Learning, is being used. Backup systems are now capable of spotting unusual patterns that might indicate ransomware or other malicious activity. If something looks suspicious, the system can trigger alerts or block the backup process until it’s checked out. Furthermore, zero-trust architecture is often implemented to combat potential hackers. Instead of assuming everything inside the network is safe, these systems verify every action. So, if someone tries to tamper with backups, they’d need to jump through a lot of hoops to prove their legitimacy.
Recovery speed has also improved a lot. Some solutions focus on getting businesses back online quickly, offering tools like instant recovery or virtual standby environments. This way, even if an attack happens, downtime is minimised. Additionally, regular testing has become easier. Many solutions now automate backup testing, so you don’t have to wonder if your data will actually be restored when you need it.
Modern backup solutions aren’t just about storing data anymore, they are about being a proactive shield against attacks. It’s like having a digital insurance policy that’s always ready to step in and save the day when things go sideways.
