Industry executives and experts share their predictions for 2024. Read them in this 16th annual VMblog.com series exclusive.
Data Backup Solutions and Ransomware Defense in 2024
By Bhavani
Shanmugam, Senior Analyst - Product Success, Vembu Technologies
As we
approach 2024, the cyber threat landscape shows no signs of declining. The
number of reported ransomware incidents and the total amount paid as ransoms
over the last decade is a reminder that ransomware attacks remain
one of the persistent cyber threats.
However,
according to the IBM X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2023, the
proportion of incidents attributed to ransomware decreased from 21% in 2021 to
17% in 2022. Additionally, Chainalysis research revealed a
significant drop in ransomware payments in 2022.
Does this
mean ransomware attacks are declining? Hold on, the slight decline in
ransomware attacks may have been because organizations have learned to enhance
and implement proper security measures from their past mistakes and other
ransomware victims. This indicates that organizations are progressing in the
right direction and also emphasizes the importance of continuously updating
their cybersecurity plan.
As
technology evolves, so do the attackers. They are changing the way they operate
and updating the methods used. In the coming year, we may see ransomware
attacks that employ advanced encryption techniques and AI-driven attacks using
machine learning to bypass traditional defense mechanisms. This implies that
organizations need to work even harder and stay ahead of the attackers.
One of the
most significant trends for 2024 to stay ahead of cybercriminals will be the
intertwining of data backup and ransomware defense.
Businesses are recognizing the need for a comprehensive approach that combines
robust data protection measures with the capability to detect, protect, and
respond to ransomware threats.
Currently,
there are limited vendors in the market that offer integrated ransomware
protection within backup solutions. They understand that backup solutions,
traditionally seen as the first line of defense, can play a crucial role in
preventing ransomware attacks from causing irreparable damage. At BDRSuite, we've already
embraced this trend by incorporating ransomware protection as part of our
comprehensive and cost-effective backup and disaster recovery solution. Our
focus in 2024 is on enhancing features for robust ransomware defense, offering
businesses a reliable ally against evolving cyber threats.
In the
coming year, we anticipate an increase in backup vendors offering
backup solutions with built-in ransomware protection capabilities. The
recognition of this need is driven by the growing realization that protecting
data is not merely about backups; it's about proactive measures to prevent,
detect, and mitigate ransomware threats.
So,
what should you look for in these emerging ransomware-ready backup solutions?
Here are a few key aspects:
- Comprehensive
Protection: Offers backup and ransomware defense for your entire diverse
IT infrastructures covering VMs, Servers, Endpoints, Cloud workloads, SaaS
applications, etc.
- Real-time
Monitoring: Provides real-time monitoring for any unusual
activity or behavior, helping to identify potential ransomware threats as they
emerge.
- Ransomware
Detection: Equipped with advanced ransomware detection
algorithms that can distinguish ransomware activity from legitimate user
behavior.
- Automated
Response: Automated response mechanisms to isolate and
contain ransomware incidents before they can spread.
- Endpoint
Protection: In light of remote work models, these solutions
include endpoint protection to mitigate security risks and prevent unauthorized
access exploiting human vulnerabilities.
- Secure Backup: These solutions will
implement encryption and access controls to protect the backup data itself.
In
conclusion, 2024 is poised to be a year of significant change in the battle
against ransomware. As the cyberthreat continues to evolve, so too must our
defenses. The integration of ransomware protection into backup solutions
represents a proactive and forward-thinking approach to data protection. It's a
positive step towards safeguarding our digital world from the relentless and
evolving threat of ransomware.
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ABOUT THE
AUTHOR
Bhavani is a Senior Analyst
at Vembu Technologies. She is an integral part of the Product Success team,
collaborating seamlessly with cross-functional teams to ensure Vembu's products
deliver unparalleled value and an exceptional user experience. With a rich
background in Product Experience and Marketing, Bhavani is dedicated to
elevating user satisfaction and implementing innovative marketing strategies
for heightened brand awareness. Her commitment extends to refining the customer
journey, constantly exploring new approaches to enhance product success.
Bhavani holds a Bachelor's degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering,
underlining her strong foundation in technology and engineering.