You’ve heard us emphasize the importance of having a strong, ransomware-proof backup. A true backup solution must be protected from infection even if your network is compromised. One of the most reliable approaches is the 3-2-1 backup rule:
- Keep 3 copies of your data
- Store them on 2 different types of media
- Keep 1 copy off-site, completely separated from your network
This strategy dramatically reduces the damage ransomware can cause — but even perfect backups don’t eliminate the downtime, disruption, and cost associated with an attack.
Backups Help… But They Aren’t the Whole Story
Even if you never pay a ransom, recovering from ransomware still requires two critical steps: failover and failback.
Failover is the ability to switch to your backup systems immediately after an attack — similar to putting on a spare donut tire when you get a flat. It keeps you moving, but it’s not a long-term solution.
Failback is restoring your primary network and systems from the backup — the equivalent of replacing that donut with a brand-new tire.
Both steps take time, planning, and coordination. Without a documented and tested process, the downtime alone can cost your organization far more than you might expect.
Have a Plan Before You Need It
A backup is only as good as your ability to fail over and fail back successfully. Make sure you have a clear disaster recovery plan, understand the expected timelines, and have discussed every step with your IT provider (that’s us!).
Preparation reduces panic, cost, and downtime when something goes wrong — and in cybersecurity, preparedness is everything.
🔐 Want help assessing your organization’s backup, failover, and recovery readiness? Book a free 10-minute discovery call with Diamond Business Communications today.
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