Ransomware attacks continue to pose a significant threat to organizations across various industries. While many companies rely on backups as their primary defense against data loss, recent research reveals the profound impact of compromised backups on ransomware outcomes. In this blog, we explore the findings from Sophos’ research into the implications of backup compromise and discuss how Cyfer Tech, as a Sophos Gold Partner, can help your organization strengthen its cybersecurity defenses and mitigate the risks associated with ransomware. 

Compromised Backups: A Disturbing Trend 

Backups are critical for business continuity and data recovery in the event of a ransomware attack. However, Sophos’ latest report shows that ransomware actors frequently target backups to increase the pressure on victims to pay the ransom. The study, conducted by independent research agency Vanson Bourne, surveyed 2,974 IT and cybersecurity professionals whose organizations experienced ransomware attacks in the past year. The findings are eye-opening: 

•  94% of ransomware victims reported that attackers attempted to compromise their backups. 
• 57% of backup compromise attempts were successful, impacting the recovery process for over half of all victims. 
• Ransomware recovery costs are eight times higher when backups are compromised, with overall recovery costs reaching $3M compared to $375K for those whose backups were not compromised. 

These statistics underscore the critical importance of protecting backups from ransomware attacks. 

 How Backup Compromise Impacts Ransomware Outcomes 

The research revealed several key insights into how backup compromise affects ransomware outcomes: 

Ransom demands and payments increase: Organizations whose backups were compromised received ransom demands that were, on average, more than double that of those whose backups weren’t impacted. Additionally, the median ransom payment for those whose backups were compromised was $2M, almost double the amount for those whose backups remained intact. 

Longer recovery times: Just 26% of victims whose backups were compromised fully recovered within a week, compared to 46% for those whose backups were not impacted. 

Greater likelihood of paying the ransom: Organizations with compromised backups were almost twice as likely to pay the ransom to recover encrypted data (67% vs. 36%). 

Recommendations to Protect Your Backups 

Given these alarming findings, it’s crucial to take proactive steps to secure your backups and reduce the risk of ransomware attacks. Here are some key recommendations: 

Take regular backups and store in multiple locations: This reduces the risk of losing all data if one backup is compromised. Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to secure cloud backup accounts. 

Practice recovering from backups: Regular practice ensures that your team is prepared to respond quickly and efficiently in the event of an attack. 

Secure your backups: Monitor for suspicious activity and respond quickly to potential threats to prevent backup compromise. 

How Cyfer Tech and Sophos Can Help 

Cyfer Tech, as a Sophos Gold Partner, offers cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions designed to protect your backups and strengthen your organization’s resilience against ransomware. Here’s how we can help: 

Sophos MDR (Managed Detection and Response): Sophos 24/7 expert-led MDR service provides continuous monitoring and rapid threat response. With over 500 cybersecurity experts, Sophos MDR detects and neutralizes advanced threats, including those targeting backups, with an average response time of just 38 minutes. 

Sophos XDR (Extended Detection and Response): For in-house IT teams, Sophos XDR offers visibility, insights, and tools to detect, investigate, and respond to attacks across multiple vectors. With Sophos XDR, you can leverage telemetry from your backup and recovery solution to quickly identify and respond to potential threats. 

By partnering with Cyfer Tech and Sophos, your organization can strengthen its defenses, reduce the risk of ransomware attacks, and ensure that your backups remain secure and uncompromised. To learn more about our cybersecurity solutions, contact us today and take the first step toward a safer digital future.