How to protect backups from ransomware and cyber attack

While many businesses rely on backups as their safety net against data loss, cybercriminals are catching on. Attackers are no longer content with just locking down your primary systems – they’re going after your backups, too. These cybercriminals know that if they can compromise your backups, they eliminate your chances of recovering data without paying a ransom. 

Ransomware often infiltrates networks through phishing, malicious downloads, or unpatched vulnerabilities, and from there, it can spread to backup storage, encrypting or deleting files along the way. Some strains even search specifically for backup files, exploiting network connections or misconfigured backup systems to disable recovery options. This makes securing your backups just as crucial as protecting your active systems.

When backups are compromised, the fallout can be devastating. Without clean, reliable backups, your organization could face:

• Permanent data loss: Once ransomware encrypts both your active data and backups, recovery becomes nearly impossible without paying the ransom – or worse, paying and not receiving any usable data.
• Operational downtime: The longer it takes to recover from an attack, the more revenue and productivity are lost, potentially crippling business operations.
• Financial damage: Beyond the ransom demands, there are costs related to downtime, data restoration efforts, and potential legal or regulatory consequences if sensitive data is exposed.
• Reputational harm: Customers and partners rely on your ability to protect their data. A ransomware attack that compromises backups can damage trust and long-term business relationships.

So, how do you stay one step ahead and ensure your backups remain a solid defense rather than a potential weakness? This article has you covered with effective strategies to safeguard your valuable data!

Backup strategies for ransomware protection 

When it comes to protecting backups from ransomware, a proactive, multi-layered defense is key. Implementing a combination of best practices can dramatically reduce your risk and ensure that, in the event of an attack, your backup data remains safe and recoverable.

“A multi-layered defense strategy means building adaptability into your backup environment so that even if one layer is compromised, your backups remain a reliable line of defense. At Liquid Web, we understand this complexity and offer tailored solutions that evolve with emerging threats to keep your data safe and recoverable.”

Stephanie Kristek, Director of Product Strategy & Operations at Liquid Web.

 Below are some of the most effective strategies to secure your backups:

Follow the 3-2-1-1 backup rule

One of the most widely recommended best practices in data protection is the 3-2-1-1 backup rule. This rule provides a simple yet effective framework for ensuring your backups are resilient against ransomware and other cyber threats:

• 3: Keep at least three copies of your data.
• 2: Store these copies on at least two different types of storage media (e.g., local hard drives and cloud storage).
• 1: Keep one copy offsite or in a remote location to protect against physical disasters.
• 1: Maintain at least one air-gapped or immutable backup that is completely disconnected from your network or protected from tampering.

Implement air-gapped, offline, and offsite backups

Air-gapped backups are a highly secure method of protecting your data. These backups are completely disconnected from any network or online system, making them inaccessible to ransomware or any other cyber threat. 

By creating an air gap – either physically or via a highly controlled, intermittent connection – you can ensure that your backup data remains safe, even if your network is compromised. This strategy is particularly valuable for critical or sensitive data that requires an extra layer of protection beyond traditional backup methods.

In addition to air-gapped backups, maintaining offline and offsite backups further strengthens your data protection. Offline backups are disconnected from your network, preventing ransomware from accessing them. Offsite storage, such as in a secure cloud environment, adds geographic separation, protecting your data from localized incidents like natural disasters or physical breaches. 

Combining these methods ensures your backup data remains intact and readily available when needed.

Utilize immutable backups to prevent data tampering

Immutable backups are a powerful defense against ransomware because they are unchangeable. Once data is written, it cannot be altered or deleted for a specified retention period. This means even if ransomware reaches your backup system, the data remains intact and untouchable, providing a reliable fallback for restoration after an attack.

Leverage cloud-based backup solutions

Cloud-based backup solutions offer a powerful way to protect your data from ransomware attacks thanks to their inherent scalability, flexibility, and enhanced security features. By utilizing cloud-based backups, you can ensure that your data is stored offsite in secure, redundant environments, greatly reducing the risk of ransomware infecting your backups.

Many cloud backup providers, including Liquid Web, offer features specifically designed to prevent ransomware from compromising your data. Additionally, cloud backup services provide flexibility and ease of access, allowing you to restore data from anywhere, at any time, without being tied to on-premises infrastructure.

Versioning and data retention policies

Versioning and data retention policies play a critical role in protecting your backups from ransomware attacks. Versioning allows you to store multiple versions of the same file, giving you the ability to restore a clean, pre-infection version if ransomware compromises your system. This can be especially useful when malware encrypts files without your knowledge, as it provides a historical record of your data that can be recovered.

Here’s how versioning and data retention policies help:

• Multiple file versions: With versioning, you can revert to earlier, uninfected versions of files, ensuring that ransomware doesn’t permanently lock you out of your data.
• Granular restore options: Data retention policies allow you to specify how long different versions of files are kept, providing flexibility in how far back you can restore from.
• Custom retention settings: You can tailor retention settings based on the needs of your business, ensuring that you aren’t keeping unnecessary data while still maintaining adequate protection against attacks.

Building a comprehensive ransomware protection plan

A strong ransomware protection plan goes beyond just setting up backups. It requires a well-rounded strategy that combines secure backup practices, proactive prevention, and constant vigilance. 

Here’s a blueprint to get you started:

Regular backup testing procedures

Testing ensures that your backups are functional and can be restored in the event of a ransomware attack or data loss. Here’s how to implement effective backup testing procedures:

• Schedule frequent tests: Set regular intervals – monthly, quarterly, or after major system changes – to test both the integrity of your backups and your ability to restore data from them.
• Simulate ransomware scenarios: Run simulations of ransomware attacks to ensure your backups are resistant to malware infections. This helps identify potential weaknesses in your backup system.
• Test different restoration points: Make sure to test different versions of backups, including recent and older versions, to ensure all recovery points are intact and uncorrupted.
• Document results: Keep records of each test, including any issues that arise and steps taken to resolve them. This documentation helps refine your backup processes over time.

Combining backup strategies with preventive measures

Backups are essential, but they must be combined with preventive measures to provide a comprehensive defense against ransomware:

• Deploy robust endpoint security: Antivirus software, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems are your first line of defense against ransomware. These tools help block malicious software before it can infiltrate your systems and potentially corrupt your backups.
• Patch and update software regularly: Keeping your operating systems, applications, and backup software up to date is crucial for closing security vulnerabilities that ransomware can exploit.
• Implement network segmentation: Segmentation helps contain ransomware outbreaks by isolating critical systems and backup environments from the main network, preventing the spread of malware.
• Use strong access controls: Limit who has access to your backup systems by implementing strict user permissions and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to ensure only authorized personnel can modify or restore backups.

Employee training and awareness

Human error is often the weakest link in cybersecurity, making employee training and awareness crucial components of any ransomware protection plan. Ransomware often enters systems through phishing emails or malicious downloads, so it’s essential that employees understand how to recognize these threats and act accordingly.

Conduct frequent training sessions to educate employees about the latest ransomware tactics and how to avoid falling victim to phishing or other social engineering attacks. Additionally, use phishing simulations to test employee awareness and identify individuals or teams that may need additional training.

Ensure employees know how to report suspicious emails, files, or other activity quickly, allowing your IT or security teams to take action before malware can spread. Encourage them to use strong password hygiene, use MFA, and practice safe browsing practices to reduce the risk of ransomware infecting your network.

Keeping your backup strategy current in the face of evolving threats

Ransomware tactics are constantly evolving, which means your backup and security strategies must evolve, too. You need to stay informed about new types of ransomware and cyber threats that could affect your backups. Industry reports, security bulletins, and vulnerability databases can help you stay proactive in your defense efforts.

Regularly review your backup policies to ensure they align with the latest security standards and business needs. This might include adjusting your retention periods, expanding capacity, or implementing new technologies such as immutable backups or cloud-based solutions.

As ransomware becomes more sophisticated, investing in advanced backup technologies – like AI-driven threat detection, immutable storage, or blockchain-based backup security – can provide enhanced protection.

Don’t forget to conduct periodic audits of your backup and security practices to identify areas for improvement. Regular reviews help ensure your strategy remains effective as your organization grows and evolves.

Liquid Web’s ransomware-resilient backup solutions

When it comes to safeguarding your backups from ransomware and ensuring business continuity, Liquid Web offers a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to keep your data secure, accessible, and ready for recovery. 

They even provide encrypted offsite backup options for Dedicated Hosting customers through Acronis Cyber Backups, as well as web application security tools.

With advanced backup technologies and a focus on security, Liquid Web helps mitigate the risks posed by ransomware and other cyber threats. Here’s how:

Secure offsite backup solutions

Liquid Web provides offsite backup options, ensuring that your data is stored in secure, geographically diverse locations. By storing backups in a separate, secure environment, Liquid Web helps ensure that your data remains safe, even in the event of an on-premises or network-wide attack.

Immutable backups for maximum protection

Liquid Web offers solutions that include this critical feature, providing a secure version of your data that remains untouched and safe from ransomware. In the event of an attack, you can quickly restore from an immutable backup, ensuring your data is reliable and uncorrupted.

Data encryption at rest and in transit

Liquid Web ensures that your backup data is encrypted both at rest and in transit, meaning it’s protected during storage and while being transferred to offsite locations. This encryption prevents unauthorized access, ensuring that even if attackers attempt to intercept or tamper with your backups, the data will remain secure and unusable without the correct decryption keys.

Multi-factor authentication and access controls

To further protect your backups, Liquid Web enforces strong security protocols, including MFA and powerful access controls. These measures limit who can access, modify, or restore your backups, significantly reducing the chances of unauthorized users – including ransomware attackers – gaining access to your critical data. Liquid Web ensures that only authorized personnel can make changes to your backup configurations or initiate restorations.

Continuous monitoring and 24/7 support

Ransomware threats can emerge at any time, which is why Liquid Web provides 24/7 monitoring and support. Their security team monitors backup systems for any unusual activity or signs of compromise, allowing for quick detection and response to potential threats. In the event of a ransomware attack, Liquid Web’s expert support team is available around the clock to help restore your data and minimize downtime.

Backup automation and regular testing

Liquid Web’s automated backup solutions ensure that your data is regularly backed up according to a predefined schedule, reducing the risk of human error and ensuring that your data is always up to date. 

In addition, Liquid Web offers regular testing of your backup systems to verify that they are fully functional and capable of restoring data quickly and efficiently in the event of an attack. This proactive approach ensures that your backup solution is always ready for use when you need it most.

Customizable data retention policies

With Liquid Web, you can customize your data retention policies to fit your business needs, ensuring that you are storing the right number of versions for the right amount of time. Whether you need long-term retention for compliance reasons or short-term recovery points for more frequent restoration needs, Liquid Web allows you to tailor your backup solution to best protect against ransomware and ensure data availability.

Disaster recovery planning

What’s more, Liquid Web assists in building comprehensive Disaster Recovery (DR) plans that integrate with your backup strategy. This ensures that in the event of a ransomware attack, your business can recover swiftly with minimal downtime. Their experts work closely with you to develop a DR plan that outlines critical recovery steps, prioritizes essential systems, and ensures seamless restoration of your data.

Commitment to compliance and security standards

Liquid Web is committed to helping businesses meet their industry-specific compliance requirements by offering backup solutions that adhere to stringent security standards. Their infrastructure is designed to meet compliance frameworks such as HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI-DSS, ensuring that your backup processes remain secure and compliant with the necessary regulations, even in the face of a ransomware attack.

Safeguard your backups from ransomware and cyber attacks with Liquid Web

In the ongoing battle against ransomware and cyber attacks, having a strong backup strategy is your best defense. Protecting your backups is not just about having copies of your data – it also means ensuring those copies are secure, resilient, and ready for recovery when disaster strikes. 

Liquid Web’s advanced backup solutions offer the critical features you need, from immutable backups and data encryption to 24/7 monitoring and expert support. By partnering with Liquid Web, you gain access to cutting-edge technology and a dedicated team committed to protecting your most valuable asset – your data.

Don’t leave your data vulnerable to ransomware. Contact Liquid Web today and let our experts help you build a secure, reliable, and future-proof backup solution before the next attack strikes!

Note on the original publish date: This blog was originally published in February 2020. It has since been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.