As ransomware threats become increasingly commonplace, it is essential for businesses to have a plan for ensuring their data remains secure and accessible. This guide will provide an overview of best practices that organizations should follow when implementing a storage and backup strategy to help mitigate threats from ransomware.
Back Up Regularly
First and foremost, organizations need to ensure that they have regular backups of all critical data. This can be done through cloud-based solutions or local storage systems and should be done on a regular basis. Additionally, organizations should maintain multiple copies of their backups to reduce the risk of data loss in the event of a successful ransomware attack. Be sure to keep these copies stored in separate locations, such as on physical media and offsite storage facilities.
Store Backups Offline
To further reduce the risk of a ransomware attack, be sure to store your backups offline. This means your data should be kept outside of your network and disconnected from the internet. This will make it nearly impossible for malicious actors to access or encrypt your data. Additionally, make sure any devices you use for storage are properly secured with up-to-date security software.
Use Different Storage Solutions
It is important to spread out your data across multiple storage solutions in order to reduce the risk of an attack affecting all of your data at once. For example, you can choose to store some data on cloud-based solutions, while keeping certain types of sensitive information on local systems that are not connected to the internet. This will create an added layer of security and will make it more difficult for malicious actors to gain access to your data.
Secure Backup Systems
In addition to keeping your backups offline, you should also ensure that any system you use for storing your data is properly secured with the latest updates and security measures. This includes regularly patching software, enabling firewalls, updating antivirus software, and enforcing least privilege access controls on users who are able to access the system.
Monitor Your Network
Another important step in protecting your data from ransomware is regularly monitoring your networks and systems for suspicious activity or any signs that could indicate an attack is underway. You can use a variety of tools such as SIEMs (security information and event management systems) or NIDS (network intrusion detection systems) to help monitor for potential threats and ensure that your systems remain secure at all times.
By following these best practices when creating and maintaining your storage and backup strategy, organizations can better protect themselves from ransomware threats that could impact their business operations. Implementing these measures now can help save time, money, and resources in the event of an attack while helping improve security controls over critical data in the long run.
