The BEST protection against ransomware

What would you do if you arrived at work tomorrow and all your files were gone?

Not just missing. But locked up. Encrypted. Held for ransom by criminals demanding a massive payout just to get them back.

Maybe.

That’s the reality of ransomware. And it’s getting worse.

In the first quarter of 2025, ransomware attacks hit a new high. Up 84% compared to the same period last year.

It’s no longer a case of “if” your business might be targeted… but “when”.

In fact, two-thirds of businesses have been hit by ransomware in the last two years. It’s the kind of stat that makes you stop and think: Is your business ready?

Now, the good news (yes, there is some) is that there is a very effective way to protect your business: Immutable backup storage.

I’ll explain what that is in a second.

First, a quick refresher on ransomware. It’s a type of cyber attack where criminals gain access to your systems, encrypt your files, and then demand a ransom payment to unlock them.

It’s nasty stuff.

And these attacks don’t just target your day-to-day files anymore. According to recent research, 96% of businesses that were hit by ransomware in the last two years saw their backups targeted too.

That’s right. The attackers know about that safety net you thought would save you. And they’re gunning for it.

This is where immutable backup storage comes in.

“Immutable” means unchangeable. With immutable storage, once your backup data is written, it can’t be edited, deleted, or overwritten. Even by someone with admin access.

That means if a ransomware attacker does manage to get into your system, they still can’t tamper with these backups. It’s like putting your most important information into a vault, locking it up, and throwing away the key… except you still have a secure way to access it when you really need it.

Traditionally, businesses achieved this by storing backups on devices that were physically disconnected from the network. What we call “air-gapped” storage.

But these days, we’ve got smarter, cloud-based options that offer the same level of protection without the need for bulky hardware or complex routines.

So, why isn’t every business using immutable backups?

That’s a great question. Even though 81% of IT professionals say it’s the best way to protect against ransomware, only 59% of businesses are using it. And that’s a worry.

Today, security hardening alone isn’t enough. Firewalls, security software, and careful user permissions are all part of the picture. But if ransomware gets through (and often, it does), your last line of defence is your backups.

They need to be untouchable.

I call it having a “breach mentality”. Working on the assumption that an attack will happen at some point. That means preparing for recovery, not just prevention.

Immutable backup storage is one of the smartest investments you can make right now. When the worst happens, being able to restore your data quickly and safely (without paying a ransom) can be the difference between a bad day… and business-ending disaster.

Got questions about how to get started with immutable storage or want help reviewing your backup strategy? My team and I can help. Get in touch.

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How to create secure passwords

Weak passwords are one of the biggest security risks to your business.
Why?
Because cyber criminals are getting smarter than ever before. If they manage to crack just one password, they could gain access to your sensitive business data, financial information, or even gain control of your entire system.
Cyber criminals use automated tools to guess passwords, allowing them to try out millions of combinations in seconds. So, if you’re using something like “Password123” or “CompanyName2025”, you’re practically handing them the keys to your business.
A compromised password can lead to big issues, such as:
• Data breaches
• Financial losses
• Identity theft
• Reputation damage
But how do you create strong passwords without driving yourself (and your team) mad?
Think of your password like a secret recipe, where only you should know the ingredients. It should:
• Be at least 14 characters long (the longer, the better)
• Include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters
• Contain a few numbers and symbols (like @, $, %, or &)
• Not contain any common words or easily guessable information (like birthdays, names, or the word “password”)
Instead of using a single word, you could try a passphrase – a short, random sentence that only you would understand. For example, instead of “Sailing2025”, try something like “Coffee&CloudsAreGreat9!”. This is much harder to crack, yet still easy to remember.
You should also steer clear of these common mistakes:
• Using personal info (your name, birthday, business name, etc.)
• Reusing the same passwords across multiple accounts
• Using simple sequences (“123456” or “abcdef”)
• Storing passwords in an easily accessible place (like a sticky note on your desk)
If remembering unique passwords for every account sounds impossible, there is another option: Password managers. These generate strong passwords, store them securely and autofill them for you.
With a password manager, you only need to remember one strong master password for the manager app itself. The rest are encrypted and stored safely, reducing the risk of data breaches.
Even the strongest password isn’t foolproof, which is why multi-factor authentication (MFA) is also important. MFA requires a second form of verification, like a one-time code sent to your phone or generated from an authentication app.
If you have employees accessing your business systems, it’s a good idea to have a password policy in place to explain your rules and why they’re important. This should include:
• Unique passwords for each system and account
• Regular security training on password best practices
• Business-wide use of MFA for critical systems
• Scanning for compromised passwords regularly
By making password security a priority, you can reduce the chances of a cyber attack creating a nightmare for your business.
And if you need help making your business more secure, get in touch.

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