Cybersecurity · Newton, MA — Since 1978
Ransomware-Proof Immutable Backup
Backup copies that cannot be changed or deleted, so a ransomware attack does not take your way back with it.
Call 617-965-4615 Book a Free Site SurveyQuick answer: Immutable backup is a backup copy that cannot be changed or deleted for a set period, even by someone with administrator access, so ransomware cannot encrypt or erase it. Systems Analysis Services in Newton, MA helps Greater Boston businesses add immutable and isolated copies to their backups, including IBM Safeguarded Copy on IBM FlashSystem as an authorized IBM reseller. Call 617-965-4615 to find out whether your backups could survive an attack.
What is immutable backup?
An immutable backup is a copy of your data that is locked against changes for a set retention period. Nobody can edit, encrypt or delete it until that period ends, including an administrator or an attacker using an administrator’s password.
The lock is enforced by the storage itself, not just by a setting someone can switch off. That is what makes it different from an ordinary backup folder with restricted permissions.
Why do ransomware attackers go after backups?
Because a business with good backups does not need to pay. Attackers know this, so they increasingly target backup systems as part of the attack.
They look specifically for:
- Exposed backup shares on the main network
- Unsecured NAS devices
- Poorly protected local backup servers
- Incomplete cloud recovery setups
- Administrator accounts that can reach both production systems and backups
If the backups are encrypted or deleted along with everything else, there may be no way back. Immutable copies close that gap.
Immutable vs. air-gapped backup: what’s the difference?
An air-gapped backup is disconnected from your network, while an immutable backup stays online but cannot be changed. Many businesses use both.
- Air-gapped: a copy kept physically or logically offline, such as rotated drives or an isolated vault. Hard to reach, but restores take longer.
- Immutable: a copy that stays connected and ready to restore, but is locked against changes for its retention period.
- Isolated vault: a separate, protected environment where copies are kept and validated before they are trusted for recovery.
The right mix depends on how much data you have, how quickly you need it back, and how much risk you can carry.
How IBM FlashSystem Safeguarded Copy protects your data
IBM FlashSystem keeps immutable snapshots, called Safeguarded Copy, that ransomware cannot change or encrypt. Its Cyber Vault design isolates and validates clean copies so recovery does not reinsert hidden threats.
FlashSystem also establishes verified restore points that support your recovery point objectives, and its anomaly detection helps spot unusual activity early. We are an authorized IBM reseller and install IBM FlashSystem for firms that hold a lot of client data, such as law, accounting and healthcare offices.
For smaller offices, we can help you evaluate immutable options in backup software and cloud storage that fit the budget.
What makes a backup ransomware-proof in practice?
No single product makes you ransomware-proof; layers do. An immutable copy is the most important layer, but it works best with the others.
- At least one immutable or offline copy
- Separate credentials and multi-factor authentication on the backup system
- An offsite copy through cloud backup services
- Backup jobs that are verified, with quarterly test restores
- Restored data checked before it goes back into use
This page is about preparing before an attack. If you are dealing with one right now, our ransomware recovery service covers what to do next.
Getting started in Newton and Greater Boston
We are a family-run IT company at 335 Auburn Street in Newton, working with businesses across Greater Boston since 1978. We review your backups on-site or remotely and give you a plain-language plan.
A site survey covers your servers, storage and backup systems; for FlashSystem candidates, we also offer a cyber resilience assessment.
Could your backups survive ransomware? Find out before an attacker does.
Call 617-965-4615Frequently Asked Questions
What is an immutable backup?
It is a backup copy that cannot be edited, encrypted or deleted for a set retention period, even by an administrator. The lock is enforced by the storage itself, so ransomware cannot destroy it.
Is immutable backup really ransomware-proof?
It is one of the strongest protections available, but no single product is a complete answer. Immutable copies work best alongside separate backup credentials, multi-factor authentication, an offsite copy and regular test restores.
What is an air-gapped backup?
An air-gapped backup is a copy kept disconnected from your network, physically or logically. It is very hard for an attacker to reach, but it usually takes longer to restore than an online immutable copy.
Is immutable backup only for large companies?
No. Large firms may use storage such as IBM FlashSystem with Safeguarded Copy, while smaller offices can often add immutable copies through backup software or cloud storage. We help you choose what fits.
Do we still need to test immutable backups?
Yes. A locked copy is only useful if it restores cleanly. We verify backup jobs and run quarterly test restores so you know the copy works before you need it.
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Systems Analysis Services · 335 Auburn Street, Newton, MA 02466
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · Call after hours for emergencies