Summary:
Ransomware is getting worse, and more insidious. It is not anymore that hoodie-wearing hacker. It is a full business model with Ransomware as a Service (RaaS), and it is enabling even low-skill attackers to launch high-end cyberattacks. One scary example: hackers are using legitimate tools like Microsoft's Quick Assist to actually deliver ransomware like Black Basta to organizations.

Cybersecurity professionals estimate that by 2031, there could be a ransomware attack every 2 seconds with up to $275 billion in losses annually. That is why recovery is now as critical as prevention. If ransomware breaches, your best hope is a sound Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery (BCDR) strategy.

This article summarizes five essentials to survive ransomware:

• Backups that are immune to tampering (3-2-1-1-0 rule)
• Automated, watched, and verified backups
• Separated and locked-down backup systems
• Regular restore testing with the entire team's participation
• Ransomware detection early through backup-layer monitoring

And don't neglect your first line of defense, your humans. Train them, test them with simulated phishing campaigns, and make it safe to report suspicious material without fear.

Security Officer Comments:
Ransomware is like a computer fire; it spreads rapidly, holds your files hostage, and demands cash to turn around. Unlike an actual one, however, this blaze can creep through an act as harmless as a click on a misleading link. That is why it is highly important not only to try to stop it from happening, but also to have plan B when it finally does. Consider it a fire drill, you want to learn how to get out safely before there is smoke.

Backups are like having some spares of your homework project. But if the virus infects those as well, you're done. That's why we now have regulations like having one backup which never can be modified (also "immutable") and always checking that it actually works. Companies also need to test whether they actually can recover quickly, like, how fast can they get back to business as usual?

If there's a backup system that can also recognize when an unusual event takes place, like all files being encrypted simultaneously, it can alert all in advance, essentially a smoke detector for ransomware.

Bottom line, prepare, practice often, and get everyone on board with their part of keeping the fire from spreading.

Suggested Corrections:

• Use the 3-2-1-1-0 backup strategy: Three copies, two media types, one offsite, one immutable, and zero doubt it’ll work.
• Automate backups and monitor them: Don’t just schedule them, watch for errors, and test them often.
• Secure the backup environment:
  • No direct internet access
  • Strong firewalls and access rules
  • Role-based permissions and MFA
  • Monitor logs for weird behavior
• Regularly test restores: Run full recovery drills that include the IT team and business leaders.
• Use your backup system as an alert system: Detect unusual changes in data to catch ransomware early.
• Train your users:
  • Run fake phishing exercises
  • Reward people who report threats
  • Make it easy and safe to speak up

Link(s):
https://thehackernews.com/2025/05/top-5-bcdr-capabilities-for-ransomware-defense.html