Cyber Defense eMagazine October Edition for 2021

accessible. Different agencies have varying needs, and there are solutions out there that can provide
benefits for agencies of all sizes and functions.
Optimizing Around Costs
One of the most intimidating parts of a ransomware attack is not only the information being sacrificed,
but the costs associated with recovery. In the case of the Colonial Pipeline attack, the nearly $5 million
ransom was paid in full – and a payout this high can debilitate agencies’ budgets and their ability to
maintain services.
High costs to restore information can be daunting for agencies of all sizes. Moreover, paying the ransom
in the event of an attack is not a guarantee that the effects of the attack can be mitigated. Nevertheless,
with the right data security processes in place, the likelihood of enduring these costs in the first place can
be reduced significantly.
While many data protection platforms often come with a steep price tag, agencies should look to invest
in solutions that fit the changing needs of their budget and service goals. For example, many As-a-Service
solutions optimize around relatively low installation costs yet allow the agency to flex their storage plans
as capabilities evolve.
Restore and Backup – Keys to Success
The best way to prevent a ransomware attack is to stay ahead of it. Organizations should focus on
routinely backing up systems, reinforcing basic cybersecurity awareness and education, and revisiting
cyber incident response plans. In addition, agencies should focus on preparation now rather than reacting
after an attack occurs. By investing in solutions that get ahead of the attack, with security built into the
platform, it is easier to minimize downtime and get systems back online more efficiently and effectively.
Two additional essential variables in a backup platform are reliability and speed of backup. Federal
agencies doing mission-critical work cannot afford any amount of downtime. Rapid restore is necessary
as agencies try to protect themselves against the effects of ransomware attacks. Systems with the fastest
recovery time ensure that they can avoid significant operational and financial impact, protect critical data,
and stay focused on the mission.
Invest in the Right Solutions Today
Having consistent, real-time access to data is critical for agencies – and in the event of an attack, they
must be able to recover data at scale, as quickly as possible, when systems go down. In addition, the
backups themselves must be both valid and usable. Modern data protection is fast, simple, and costeffective.
This strategy helps prevent the devastating effects of cyberattacks that could reduce
productivity, cost millions, threaten mission-critical work, or create a lapse in essential citizen services.
Cyber Defense eMagazine – October 2021 Edition 71
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