Ransomware Episodes

In this essential episode of The Backup Wrap-up, we delve into the critical components of a robust ransomware backup strategy. We explore the concept of dwell time and its implications on backup retention periods, emphasizing the need for longer-term storage solutions. Our discussion covers the importance of frequent backups and designing systems with multiple recovery options. We examine the benefits of cutting-edge technologies like snapshots, replication, and cloud-based recovery solutions in...

In this eye-opening episode of The Backup Wrap-up, we delve into the critical topic of detecting ransomware. Joined by cybersecurity expert Dr. Mike Sailor, we explore the subtle signs that could indicate a ransomware attack in progress. From slight performance degradation to unusual network behavior, we cover the early warning signs that every IT professional and digital asset owner should be aware of. Our discussion goes beyond just identifying threats. We examine the role of advanced secur...

In this eye-opening episode of The Backup Wrap-up, we delve into the world of tabletop exercises and their crucial role in cybersecurity preparedness. Our guest expert, Mike Saylor from Black Swan Security, guides us through the ins and outs of planning and executing effective tabletop exercises. We explore why these simulations are essential for organizations of all sizes, and how they can dramatically improve incident response capabilities. Listeners will gain valuable insights into selecti...

In this important episode of The Backup Wrap-Up, we delve into the world of cybersecurity training. We explore why effective training is crucial in today's digital landscape and how to implement a comprehensive program that goes beyond just ticking boxes. From creating robust cybersecurity policies to conducting engaging, frequent training sessions, we cover it all. Learn why rewarding vigilance is more effective than punishing mistakes, and how to foster a security-aware culture in your orga...

In this very dense episode of The Backup Wrap-up, we delve into the critical world of incident response plans, from the business impact analysis (BIA) to finalizing its creation. Our expert guest, Dr. Mike Saylor, CEO of Blackswan Security, shares invaluable insights on crafting and implementing effective incident response strategies. We explore the key components of a robust plan, from conducting a business impact analysis to creating scenario-specific playbooks. Learn why having an incident...

In this eye-opening episode of The Backup Wrap-up, we delve into the critical concept of minimizing the cyberattack blast radius. Joined by cybersecurity expert Dr. Mike Saylor, we explore practical strategies to significantly reduce the impact of a breach on your organization. We start by discussing the principle of least privilege access and its role in containing a cyberattack's blast radius. Next, we examine the importance of network segmentation in limiting the spread of an attack. The c...

In this episode of The Backup Wrap-Up, we delve into the crucial world of ransomware forensics with cybersecurity expert Mike Saylor. We explore the essential steps and tools used in forensic analysis during a cyber attack, highlighting the importance of preserving evidence and navigating the complexities of both traditional and mobile device forensics. From log preservation to forensic imaging, we discuss how organizations can prepare for and respond to ransomware incidents. Mike shares insi...

Dive into the world of cyber insurance with our latest episode featuring expert Mike Saylor. We explore the evolving landscape of cyber insurance policies and their crucial role in today's digital security strategies. Learn why cyber insurance is more than just a financial safeguard and how it can be a proactive tool in your cybersecurity arsenal. Mike shares invaluable insights on maximizing your cyber insurance benefits, from understanding policy nuances to leveraging your insurer's experti...

In this important episode of "The Backup Wrap-Up," we continue our discussion on ransomware, and dive deeper into the world of ransomware prevention. We assume you've done the basics (password & patch management, and MFA), and want to do more. As cyber threats continue to evolve, it's more important than ever to stay ahead of potential attacks. We discuss a range of strategies to protect your organization, from application whitelisting to securing service accounts. Among other things, our con...

In this episode of The Backup Wrap-Up, we delve into the critical world of IT security audits. We explore why these audits are essential for maintaining a robust cybersecurity posture and how they can help organizations identify and address potential vulnerabilities. Our discussion covers key elements of surviving an IT security audit, including user education, application whitelisting, and securing remote access protocols. We also touch on the importance of regular security assessments and proa...

Discover how to stop ransomware in its tracks with this informative episode of The Backup Wrap-up. Hosts W. Curtis Preston and Prasanna Malaiyandi look into three crucial strategies that can prevent 90% or more of ransomware attacks. Learn why patch management is your first line of defense and how to implement it effectively. Explore the world of password security and discover why a robust password management system is essential. Finally, uncover the power of multi-factor authentication in thwar...

In this episode, we delve into the world of immutable backups, a crucial component of modern data protection strategies. We explore why immutable backups have become increasingly important in the face of sophisticated cyber threats, especially ransomware attacks that target backup systems. The episode covers the evolution from tape backups to disk-based systems and cloud solutions, highlighting how this shift has introduced new security challenges. We discuss the spectrum of immutability in b...

In this crucial episode, we delve into how to protect backups from ransomware, a critical concern for IT professionals and business owners alike. We explore why backup systems are prime targets for cybercriminals and the devastating consequences of a successful attack. Our discussion covers essential strategies to fortify your backups, including implementing immutable storage, using local accounts instead of Active Directory, and employing network segmentation. We also emphasize the importance o...

This episode about what is ransomware is the first in a new series on the topic. The episode explores what it is, how it works, and why it has become such a significant threat to businesses and individuals alike. We discuss the evolution of ransomware attacks, from simple data encryption to sophisticated extortion schemes involving data exfiltration and direct attacks on backup systems. Our conversation highlights the importance of prevention and detection measures, such as robust access control...

In this episode, we explore the differences between XDR and SIEM, two crucial tools in the world of security monitoring. Our guest, Dez Rock, CEO of SIEMonster, shares her fascinating journey from professional hacker to building an affordable, scalable SIEM solution that encompasses SOAR and XDR capabilities. We discuss the importance of evaluating security tools based on their true capabilities rather than just market perception, and Dez provides real-world examples of how SIEMonster's SIEM/XDR...

In this episode, we explore the essential strategies and best practices for building and optimizing a blue team cybersecurity approach. Our guest, Mike Sailor, shares his expertise on how organizations can effectively prepare for and respond to cyber incidents. From establishing relationships with law enforcement to conducting tabletop exercises and understanding cyber insurance policies, Mike provides valuable insights to help companies strengthen their cybersecurity posture. Throughout the ...

In this popular episode from last year, we explore the fascinating world of red team cyber security with Dwayne Laflotte, a seasoned expert in offensive cybersecurity. Dwayne shares his wealth of knowledge and experience, diving into the tactics and strategies employed by red teams to identify vulnerabilities and strengthen an organization's defenses. From exploiting backup systems to the importance of least privilege and strong passwords, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in b...

In this episode, we examine the Rackspace ransomware attack that crippled the company's hosted exchange environment, affecting thousands of customers. We discuss the timeline of events, the importance of timely patching, and the challenges Rackspace faced in restoring customer data. Learn about the value of comprehensive disaster recovery plans and third-party backups in protecting your organization from similar attacks. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from one of the most ...

Disaster lurks around every corner - ransomware, natural disasters, human errors. Are you thinking about all the data and systems at risk. Is your organization prepared? In this episode, Curtis and Prasanna pull back the curtain on the disaster recovery decision - to build or to buy? They unpack the tradeoffs around cost, complexity, control, and even cybersecurity. Whether you're an anxious IT leader losing sleep over business continuity or just disaster recovery curious, you won't want to m...

Staying resilient in the face of disaster is crucial for any organization today. In this episode, we dive deep into crafting robust disaster recovery plans that help you outmaneuver outages. We discuss critical groundwork like taking inventory across environments and analyzing risk to determine what to prioritize recovering when the worst happens. Whether it's ransomware, natural disasters, or other threats taking systems down, smart preparation makes all the difference. Key highlights inc...

This timely episode features an in-depth discussion between cybersecurity expert Melissa Palmer (@vmiss) and hosts W. Curtis Preston and Prasanna Malaiyandi on the crucial role preparation and planning play in effectively responding to and recovering from the inevitable ransomware attack. They stress that flying by the seat of your pants without an incident response plan when ransomware hits leads to chaotic, inefficient efforts and substantially higher costs. Melissa outlines pragmatic steps o...

Changing your organization's backup system is no easy task - it requires careful evaluation of requirements, risks, and capabilities. Many admins get stuck with backup environments they've outgrown or that lag on modern demands. On this episode, backup guru W. Curtis Preston and his cohost Prasanna Malaiyandi lend their expertise to help you determine if and when migrating your backup solution makes sense. You'll learn: Key indicators that your current system is no longer fitting your nee...

Tired of backup windows and 24-hour recovery point objectives? Then it's time to learn about how snapshots and replication work together to create near-continuous data protection, or near-CDP. In this episode, backup experts W. Curtis Preston and Prasanna Malaiyandi dive into leveraging snapshots for instant point-in-time recovery and replication for an offsite copy. By combining these technologies, you can achieve recovery point objectives measured in minutes rather than hours or days. Li...

Ransomware attacks and data breaches dominate the headlines, but is your data protection strategy truly secure? This must-listen episode dives deep on an unsung hero of cyber resilience - tape. Tape may have been written off by some as a legacy technology, yet it offers unparalleled air gap protection that no hacker can penetrate. Top experts from Fujifilm and IBM (sponsors of this episode) reveal the major advances that make modern tape more scalable, reliable, and cost-effective than ever b...