What if I told you ransomware is not your biggest problem?
It is your backups.
Yes. The thing you thought would save your business when disaster strikes is exactly what cybercriminals are targeting now.
Why the backup conversation has changed
It used to be simple. Ransomware hits, you restore from backup, and your problem is solved. Disaster avoided. Business continues as usual. Sound familiar? That old model of restore and continue has long been the default recovery strategy for IT teams everywhere.
But things have changed. Ransomware is no longer just locking your files. It is also hunting your backups. Cybercriminals have figured out that your backups are the critical link in your recovery plan. If they can corrupt or encrypt those backups, they can remove your ability to bounce back without paying.
Recent data confirms this shift. A staggering 96 percent of ransomware attacks in the past two years included steps to compromise backup data. This means that almost every time attackers strike, they are not just locking your main systems. They are also targeting the safety net you rely on.
This is why immutable backups are so important.
What makes a backup truly immutable
An immutable backup is not a trendy buzzword. It is a very specific technical guarantee. An immutable backup means that once your backup data is written or committed, it cannot be altered, overwritten, or deleted for a set period of time. It is not just locked away. It is sealed. Think of it as writing in ink and placing the document in a vault that no one can access until the right time.
Immutable backups provide two critical protections:
- Data integrity. Even if a threat actor gains elevated privileges, they cannot modify or delete the protected snapshots or backup data.
- Restoration confidence. You have a clean copy of your data, safe from contamination, and ready to be restored.
This means if ransomware strikes, you can restore a version of your data that is guaranteed to be clean.
Old versus modern approaches
Offline backups
In the past, protecting backups meant physically disconnecting storage from networks. Companies used tape drives stored in locked cabinets or hard drives kept offline. This was secure but required a lot of manual effort. People had to manage media rotation, track storage, transport tapes offsite, and ensure everything stayed organized.
This approach worked to a point. But human error, mismanagement, lost tapes, or outdated hardware often created gaps. As businesses modernized, they needed something more scalable and reliable.
Cloud-based immutability
Today, we have automated systems that provide the same level of protection without the complexity. Cloud-based storage platforms can enforce write-once policies and retention locks to prevent tampering. Once data is written, it cannot be altered until the specified time period expires.
This cloud-native method eliminates the manual workload and makes recovery much faster. Businesses can take hourly or daily immutable snapshots and restore quickly when needed.
Why some businesses still hesitate
If immutable backups are so powerful, why do so few businesses use them?
Here are some common reasons:
- Perceived complexity
Many IT teams are comfortable with their current backup processes. Switching to an immutable system may seem like an added challenge. - Cost concerns
Immutable storage, especially in the cloud, can appear more expensive at first. Storage fees and retention policies can seem intimidating. - Vendor concerns
Some IT professionals worry about becoming too dependent on a single cloud provider or tool to manage immutability. - False confidence
Many believe their current backups are safe. Statements like “our backups are disconnected” or “we run nightly snapshots” can create a false sense of security.
The reality is this. Eighty-one percent of IT professionals believe immutable backups are the best defense against ransomware. Yet only 59 percent of businesses have implemented them. That leaves many organizations exposed.
The right mindset for recovery
Businesses need a shift in mindset. This is what I call a breach mentality. You should assume that security defenses will eventually fail. When they do, you need a recovery plan that works.
If your defense does not hold, the quality of your recovery will determine the outcome. Immutable backups are an essential part of this recovery-first approach.
Real benefits of immutable backups
- No ransom payments
With clean immutable backups, you do not have to negotiate with attackers. You can restore your data and continue operating. - Fast recovery
Immutable snapshots allow you to quickly roll back to a safe state, minimizing downtime. - Compliance support
Many regulations require data protection and tamper-proof storage. Immutable backups make this easier to achieve. - Improved audits
You can demonstrate that your recovery came from verified, untampered data. - Peace of mind
Knowing your backups are reliable helps your leadership and teams focus on the business.
How to implement immutable backups
Step 1. Audit your current backups
- How and where is your data backed up?
- Are your snapshots protected?
- How often do you rotate storage?
- Is any part of your backup stored offline? If so, is it really disconnected?
Step 2. Define your protection needs
- What level of immutability do you need? Thirty days? Ninety days? Longer?
- What are your recovery time objectives and recovery point objectives?
- Which systems need protection? Databases, virtual machines, file shares, archives?
Step 3. Choose the right platform
- On-premises options include storage systems with retention locks.
- Cloud providers like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google all offer immutable storage features.
- Backup software often includes options for configuring immutable repositories.
Step 4. Automate and test
- Set up automated immutable snapshots on a frequent schedule.
- Regularly test restores to ensure recovery works under pressure.
- Monitor storage usage. Immutable backups require more space than standard backups.
Step 5. Use layered protection
- Immutable backups do not replace firewalls or anti-malware solutions.
- They are your last line of defense if an attack succeeds.
- Think of immutable backups as your business recovery insurance.
Limitations to be aware of
In rare cases, attackers may attempt to overwhelm or bypass immutable protections. They might use denial-of-service attacks or attempt to destroy multiple backup locations at once.
The best defense here is diversity. Replicate your immutable snapshots across different locations or cloud regions. Use separate systems and teams to manage backup access. Make sure you have true resilience.
How to build a strong backup structure
It is not enough to simply point your backup software at an immutable storage target and consider the job done. You need a layered system.
- Protect snapshots in isolated storage that is separate from daily operations.
- Replicate your data across multiple regions or storage systems.
- Limit administrative access to backup retention policies.
- Maintain immutable audit logs that track all changes to backup configurations.
- Conduct regular simulated ransomware drills and practice full restores.
Common questions
Does immutable backup data expire?
Yes. Once the retention period ends, the data can be deleted. You choose this window based on your needs and compliance requirements.
Will immutable backups increase costs?
Storing data for longer periods will increase storage costs. However, the ability to avoid ransom payments and extended downtime offers tremendous return on investment.
Can ransomware still hit primary backups?
Yes. This is why you need immutable backups that ransomware cannot touch.
Do I still need offline backups?
Not necessarily. Modern cloud or on-premises immutable storage can provide the same protections without manual management.
Is immutable backup required for compliance?
Yes, in many industries. Immutable storage supports compliance frameworks such as SOC 2, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and others.
Real-world examples
Healthcare network
A healthcare provider switched from offline tapes to cloud-based immutable backups. When a ransomware attack occurred, they restored their electronic medical records in hours without paying any ransom. Patient care was not disrupted, and auditors were satisfied with the recovery process.
Manufacturing company
A manufacturing company discovered its on-premises backup device had been silently corrupted for months. When they tried to restore from it, they were unable to recover their critical systems. They later implemented cloud-based immutable backups. When another incident occurred, they restored clean data without any impact to production.
Final thoughts
Ransomware attackers are targeting backups in nearly every case. Immutable backups provide the resilience you need to avoid becoming a victim.
Cloud-based immutable storage options make this easier and faster than ever. Yet too many businesses still rely on outdated or incomplete backup strategies.
Do not fall into that trap.
Prepare your organization with a breach mentality. Assume that attackers will get through your defenses eventually. Make sure your backups can withstand that scenario.
Immutable backups are not a luxury. They are a necessary part of any modern cybersecurity strategy.
What to do next
- Evaluate your current backup strategy. Are your backups truly immutable?
- Identify critical systems that need protection.
- Pilot an immutable storage solution.
- Conduct a test restore from your immutable backups.
- Scale the solution across your most valuable systems.
If you would like help evaluating or improving your backup strategy, my team is ready to assist. We can help you design a solution that will keep your data protected, your business running, and your peace of mind intact.
When it comes to ransomware, preparation is your best defense. And having an immutable backup system in place is one of the smartest moves you can make today.
