Ransomware continues to be an issue for all industries. The latest statistics are concerning about the increase in variants that are introduced into the web on a daily basis. It is nearly impossible for companies to combat the increase in frequency and sophistication of malware attacking networks and systems.

In my experience, companies continue to struggle with developing back-up plans to prepare for a ransomware incident. We are seeing an increase in the amounts demanded in ransomware incidents, and companies often are unable to pay the ransom and must rely on back-up systems to get their business up a running after an attack.

Not only is a back-up plan essential for business continuity, but it is really the only way a business can recover from a ransomware attack. Unless you are resigned to paying the ransom (which only gives the attackers more incentive to continue to attack), the ability to implement your back-up plan to restore the data is the best defense to a ransomware attack.

Implementing a back-up plan is one of the highest priorities for managing the risk of a ransomware attack and should be high on the list of “to do’s” for an organization. The “we’ll get to it” attitude is a dangerous one for business continuity.

Not only is the implementation of a back-up plan crucial, but testing the back-up plan is vital to making sure it works and can be operationalized quickly and effectively.

Give your security folks the time and resources to devote to completing and testing the back-up plan. It could literally save your business in the event of a disaster.