Immutable storage is the best defense against ransomware: What it is and how it works

As ransomware attacks become more frequent and sophisticated, IT professionals are shifting their focus toward immutable storage as a critical line of defense. Backed by zero trust principles and growing industry consensus, this approach is proving to be the most effective strategy to ensure data resilience and minimize downtime.

Why immutability matters in ransomware protection

Immutable storage means data cannot be changed, deleted, or overwritten, even by admins or malicious actors. This is especially crucial when backups are the last resort after an attack. According to a new report by Object First and Enterprise Strategy Group, 81% of IT experts believe that immutable backup storage built on zero trust principlesoffers the best protection against ransomware.

Target appliances vs. integrated solutions

The study highlights that target backup appliances are seen as more secure than integrated ones, with 54% of respondents favoring them. These appliances not only align better with zero trust strategies but also offer improved backup and restore performance, making them a preferred option for organizations aiming to reinforce their infrastructure.

The reality of ransomware attacks today

Two-thirds of organizations have already suffered a ransomware attack, and nearly half have faced multiple incidents. Shockingly, 49% took up to five business days to recover, with many unable to recover all their data. Furthermore, 96% of those attacked reported that their backup data had been targeted, underscoring the need for immutable solutions.

Best practices: From zero trust to the 3-2-1 rule

Despite these risks, only 59% of organizations currently use immutable storage, and just 58% follow the classic 3-2-1 backup rule. Experts urge companies to adopt a multilayered strategy that includes immutable storage, distributed backup locations, and strict segmentation to defend against evolving threats.