Ransomware’s Worst Enemy: Is Your Backup Ready?

Imagine this: You sit down at your desk tomorrow, coffee in hand, ready to tackle the day… and nothing works.

Your files? Gone.

Not deleted—locked. Encrypted by cybercriminals who now hold the keys. And if you want them back? You’ll need to pay up.

Maybe.

Welcome to the world of ransomware. And like it or not, it’s not a distant threat anymore. It’s knocking on the doors of businesses across Chicagoland—especially in sectors like healthcare, education, insurance, government, and non-profits.

In early 2025, ransomware attacks skyrocketed—up 84% compared to last year. This isn’t a hypothetical “what if.” It’s a “when.”

Two out of three businesses have already faced a ransomware attack in the past two years. That number alone should make you stop and ask:

“Would we survive a ransomware hit?”

Now, here’s the good news: There’s a powerful line of defense you might not be using yet—immutable backup storage.

Let’s back up (pun intended) and explain.

Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts your files, effectively taking them hostage until you pay a ransom. It’s fast, sneaky, and devastating.

But here’s what’s changed: Today’s attackers aren’t just targeting your live data—they’re going after your backups, too. A recent study found that 96% of ransomware incidents involved backup systems being compromised.

Translation? That “Plan B” you were counting on might not be as safe as you think.

Unless… your backups are immutable.

“Immutable” means they can’t be changed. Once a backup is created, no one—not hackers, not rogue admins, not even you—can alter or delete it.

Think of it as digital concrete. Attackers might still break into your system, but your immutable backups remain untouched—waiting safely for you to restore your data when it matters most.

In the past, companies used air-gapped storage—physically disconnected devices—to achieve this. That still works, but today’s cloud-based immutable solutions offer the same protection with far more flexibility and less hassle.

So why isn’t every organization using it?

Great question. Despite 81% of IT leaders acknowledging immutable backups as a top defense against ransomware, only 59% of organizations are actually using them.

In sectors where data is sensitive and downtime is critical—like patient care, student records, policy data, or donor information—that’s a dangerous gap.

Here’s the truth: Firewalls, antivirus software, and access controls are vital—but they’re not foolproof. Ransomware often finds a way in. When it does, your backups are your last, best hope.

And those backups must be untouchable.

At Reintivity, we recommend adopting what we call a “breach-ready mindset.” That means planning for the worst—not because you’re pessimistic, but because you’re smart.

Immutable backup storage is one of the most effective, affordable ways to protect your business’s future. When disaster strikes, being able to restore your data—without paying a ransom—can be the difference between a temporary disruption and a full-blown crisis.

Have questions about setting up immutable backups or need a second opinion on your current backup plan? We’re here to help. Let’s make sure your data stays exactly where it belongs—in your control.