Backup tools to enhance ransomware protection
Ransomware attacks are happening way more frequently nowadays, and organizations should consider going beyond prevention and into detection with the ability to keep operating while the situation is being managed. Having a ransomware protection plan in place could help you avoid a hefty ransom to get your data back– not to mention damage to your reputation and costly downtime.
Employing ransomware protection backup tools helps take the leverageable data away from attackers so that you maintain control.
What is ransomware?
Ransomware is a type of malware that cybercriminals use to block access to your device, data, and other personal information. This information is then encrypted by the attackers and held hostage until a ransom is paid. Unfortunately, ransomware is often very difficult to remove, and paying the ransom does not guarantee that the criminals will give back access to your data– or prevent them from leaving alternative access to your system that they can use for financial gain later.
TLDR: Key must-have features for your ransomware protection tool
- Backup files
- Pattern recognition
- Data recovery
Backup files
Having proper backup files to recover from a ransomware attack could be a key defensive and recovery technique from an attack. Malware developers look for ways to adapt to these tactics, primarily by attempting to encrypt backup files too. A high-level ransomware protection backup tool will apply the appropriate defenses to counter such an attempt by storing files on off-site servers, encrypting files in transit, and restricting access to those files.
Pattern recognition
Artificial intelligence pattern recognition can be a very effective threat detection tool. The extra layer of security, in addition to anti-virus software, could successfully recognize attack behaviors. For example, utilizing machine learning will allow you to further understand when and how ransomware attacks will take place by identifying threat signatures that may not be logged yet. Standard anti-virus software can only pinpoint known threats as opposed to newly developed ones.
Data Recovery
The faster a ransomware attack is thwarted, the less time the attackers have to destroy files by encrypting them. However, even if those files are encrypted, and you must resort to restoring your backup files, that’s only helpful if files are backed-up frequently. So, you’ll get a backup, but from when? Weeks ago? Months ago? Likely, not the latest version of your files. This would leave you vulnerable and managing your potential ransomware predicament longer than necessary. Implementing a backup data tool that can restore encrypted files to your latest version can help remove unease about what data you have recovered and from when.
Final Thoughts
Anti-ransomware software can effectively stop a ransomware attack and handle the recovery of smaller files after an attack– but not necessarily get the user back on their feet completely. The ability to detect and stop a cyber attack in its tracks and recover seamlessly requires a thought-out ransomware protection plan with backup tools that can do the job.
