This is part of an ongoing 2021 predictions series. We’ve asked top cyber experts to contribute their insights and expertise to provide a look ahead at what the new year may bring to cybersecurity.
Annemie Vanoosterhout, release and project manager, Datadobi:
"Ransomware will become more active and visible in 2021, creating the need for companies to protect their business-critical data. Organizations will need a data protection strategy that outsmarts sophisticated adversaries conducting ransomware attacks. The traditional two-folded system with a primary recovery source on-premise and a secondary system either on-premise or in the cloud will not be enough. If disaster strikes and both systems fail after an attack, an organization will suddenly face an existential risk and have to shut down business - which can cost thousands of dollars or more.
In order to create a disaster-proof business continuity plan, companies must know what data is business-critical and protect it in a “bunker” — either on-premises or in the cloud. This “golden copy” of data is a simple, cost-effective way of complementing a traditional disaster recovery plan. The bunker is completely isolated from the primary and secondary storage systems which creates an air gap that inhibits ransomware or other human errors that could disrupt primary and secondary copies from affecting the third copy. The air-gap also shifts control from a large number of employees to a limited set of company administrators. Even the few selected to have access will also have to complete a number of steps before opening the bunker.
Being unable to access business-critical data can cripple businesses. Adding a golden copy of this data to complement traditional business continuity plans can give organizations the peace of mind while also protecting from the devastating effects of ransomware during the New Year and beyond."
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