Your backup strategy passed every test until ransomware operators spent three weeks mapping your network, identifying backup locations, and systematically corrupting them before launching encryption. Now you’re facing ransom demands whilst discovering that your recovery plan optimised for accidental deletion, not adversaries actively working to ensure it fails. Traditional backup strategies focus on hardware failures and human error, but ransomware represents something fundamentally different. Operators know you have backups. They study common implementations and specifically target backup systems during reconnaissance. If they can access your production environment, they can probably reach your backups.
Building Ransomware-Resistant Recovery Systems
Implement true air-gapped backups that aren’t accessible from your production network. This means maintaining backup systems on completely separate networks with no persistent connections. Attackers who compromise your primary environment should hit a wall when attempting to reach backups. Immutable backups prevent modification or deletion, even by administrators. Ransomware operators often gain high-level credentials that allow them to delete backup files through legitimate management interfaces. Immutability removes this option by making backups write-once at the storage layer.
Test recovery procedures against adversarial scenarios. Don’t just verify file restoration. Simulate a complete environment compromise where attackers had extended access. Can you identify which backups are clean? Can you restore critical systems quickly enough to maintain operations? Working with the best penetration testing company ensures your recovery capabilities are tested against realistic attack scenarios.
Expert Commentary
Name: William Fieldhouse
Title: Director of Aardwolf Security Ltd
Comments: “Modern ransomware operators are patient. They study your environment, map your backups, and ensure they can prevent recovery before they encrypt anything. Your backup strategy needs to account for this reality.”
Recovery Planning Beyond Technology
Document recovery priorities before an incident occurs. Which systems must return first? What’s acceptable downtime for each service? How will you verify that restored systems are clean? These decisions become harder when negotiating with attackers under time pressure. Maintain offline documentation of recovery procedures. If ransomware encrypts your network, you can’t access digital documentation stored on compromised systems. Keep physical copies of critical information including network diagrams and recovery procedures.
Regular penetration test quote requests should include ransomware scenario testing. Professional assessments identify backup architecture weaknesses before attackers exploit them. This testing provides evidence of security controls for cyber insurance policies.
Train your team on recovery procedures regularly. People who’ve practiced restoration under pressure perform significantly better during actual incidents. Run tabletop exercises that simulate the stress of real ransomware scenarios. Establish clear decision-making authority for ransom payment decisions before you’re in the middle of an incident. Ransomware isn’t going away. Your backup strategy needs to evolve beyond protecting against accidental loss to defending against adversaries actively trying to ensure your recovery fails.
