Are Your Business Backups Really Safe from Ransomware? Here’s What SMBs Need to Know

Why Attackers Now Target Your Backups—And Why It Matters

Imagine finally getting ahead of the latest ransomware threat—only to find that, when disaster strikes, even your backups are encrypted or deleted. For many small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), reliable backups are the ultimate insurance policy against cyberattacks. But today’s ransomware groups are specifically targeting backup infrastructure, knowing that if they disable these lifelines, organizations are much more likely to pay up.

This raises a critical question for SMB leaders: Are your backups resilient enough to survive a direct cyberattack?

> Note: The hackers’ playbook has changed. Backup security is no longer a ‘nice to have’—it’s an essential part of business continuity and risk reduction.

According to the 2023 IBM Cost of a Data Breach report, 32% of organizations that suffered a significant ransomware attack found their backups compromised or destroyed (IBM, 2023).

3 Actionable Steps to Protect Your Business Backups—This Month

1. Separate Backup Credentials & Stay Off-Domain

Many attacks succeed because backup software uses the same credentials as the rest of your IT systems. Store backup credentials separately, and never allow them to be reused, shared, or accessible through your regular Active Directory environment. Isolate your backup management as much as possible.

2. Implement Immutable and Offline Backups

Immutable backups can’t be altered or deleted by ransomware—even if criminals get into your systems. Save at least one backup copy in an offline, write-protected format (sometimes called “air-gapped” or “immutable storage”). This ensures there’s always a copy that stays locked down and recoverable.

3. Check Backup Logs and Test Restores Regularly

It’s easy to assume your backups are working—until you try to recover from them. Review logs for any suspicious access attempts and actually practice restoring critical files or data at least once per month. This builds team confidence and uncovers potential gaps before a real incident.

4. Monitor for Privilege Escalation and Backup System Access

Backup admin accounts are a primary target. Use continuous monitoring to look for unusual access, changes in permission levels, or signs of abuse. Consider identity threat protection tools that watch for user account risks—BoltWork can help you implement these defenses quickly (learn more).

5. Don’t Rely on Default Backup Security Settings

Attackers research common backup vendors and their weak points. After deployment, review backup application security controls—restricting access to only essential users, using multi-factor authentication (MFA), and eliminating unnecessary management interfaces.

Want help verifying your current backup security? Schedule a free 30-minute consult with BoltWork’s experts and get tailored recommendations.

Why This Matters for SMBs: The Cost, the Risk, and the Peace of Mind

SMBs are especially vulnerable to backup-targeted ransomware attacks—they typically have fewer IT resources, minimal redundancy, and cannot afford lengthy downtime.

If your backup strategy fails, you may face:

• Extended business disruptions due to lost files or systems
• Major, unpredictable costs associated with ransom payments or data recovery
• Unrecoverable loss of customer trust and compliance standing

Ransomware actors know this—and bet on your team being unprepared.

Key Takeaways You Can Act On Now

• Audit backup access: Limit credentials, enable MFA, and keep logs.
• Add offline or immutable backup copies: Ensure you have at least one recovery method cybercriminals can’t touch.
• Test your restores: Don’t assume; verify recoverability every month.
• Update access controls: Remove unused accounts and tighten permissions on all backup software.
• Monitor backup infrastructure activity: Proactive monitoring spots abnormal access before it becomes irreversible loss.

Simplify Backup Protection with Managed IT & Security

Tackling backup security alone can be daunting—especially if you’re juggling daily business demands. BoltWork’s team can help your organization secure, simplify, and reduce costs by hardening your backup environment, monitoring for threats 24/7, and ensuring recoverability is always a given—not a gamble.

Ready to make ransomware recovery predictable and stress-free? Book a 15-min security consult today. Let us help you build a backup plan that truly protects your business.

References

• IBM, Cost of a Data Breach Report 2023
• The Hacker News, 2025