Why Backup Systems Are the New Ransomware Target
For years, backups were considered the ultimate safety net, the one thing that could save a business when ransomware struck. But attackers have adapted. Today’s ransomware groups know that if they can compromise your backups, they can guarantee you will pay.
That is why backup systems have quietly become one of the most targeted parts of the IT environment. And for manufacturers, where downtime is measured in tens of thousands of dollars per hour, this shift is especially dangerous.
Here’s why backup systems are now in the crosshairs and what you can do to protect them.
- Attackers Know Backups Are the Last Line of Defense
Modern ransomware groups do not just encrypt production systems; they go after the recovery path.
If they can:
- Delete backups
- Corrupt backup repositories
- Steal backup credentials
- Encrypt backup storage
- Disable backup agents
…then your organization has no choice but to negotiate.
This is why groups like BlackCat, LockBit, and The Gentlemen now explicitly target backup infrastructure early in the attack chain.
- Backup Servers Are Often Over‑Privileged
Backup systems need broad access to data and attackers love that.
Common weaknesses include:
- Backup service accounts with domain admin rights
- Backup servers with unrestricted access to file shares
- Backup consoles accessible from the general network
- Agents running with elevated privileges
Once an attacker compromises a backup server, they often gain full visibility and control over the entire environment.
- Backup Repositories Are Frequently Stored on the Same Network
Many organizations still store backups:
- On the same SAN as production
- On network shares accessible to standard users
- On servers joined to the same Active Directory domain
- On storage that is not immutable
This makes it trivial for ransomware to encrypt or delete backups during lateral movement.
- Legacy Backup Systems Were Not Built for Today’s Threats
Older backup platforms were designed for:
- Hardware failures
- Accidental deletion
- Natural disasters
They were not designed for:
- Credential theft
- Lateral movement
- Privilege escalation
- Targeted destruction
- Insider threats
Attackers know exactly how to exploit these gaps.
- Cloud Backups Are Not Automatically Safe
There is a dangerous misconception that “cloud backups can’t be hit.”
Not true.
Attackers routinely:
- Steal cloud backup credentials
- Delete cloud snapshots
- Disable retention policies
- Remove version history
- Exploit misconfigured IAM roles
If your cloud backups are not immutable and isolated, they are vulnerable.
- Ransomware Groups Now Target Backup Software Directly
Attackers actively research and exploit backup platforms, including:
- Veeam
- Commvault
- Rubrik
- Acronis
- Datto
- Cohesity
They look for:
- Unpatched vulnerabilities
- Exposed management consoles
- Default credentials
- API weaknesses
- Misconfigured storage policies
Backup software is now a high‑value target, not an afterthought.
How Manufacturers Can Protect Their Backups
The good news: you can make your backup environment dramatically more resilient with the right strategy.
Here is what we recommend.
- Implement Immutable Backups
Immutable backups cannot be:
- Modified
- Encrypted
- Deleted
Even by administrators.
This is the single most crucial step you can take.
- Isolate Backup Infrastructure
Your backup environment should be segmented from:
- Production networks
- Domain controllers
- User workstations
- Vendor access paths
Think of backups as a vault, not another server.
- Use Dedicated Backup Credentials
Backup service accounts should:
- Have the minimum permissions required
- Not be domain admins
- Use MFA where possible
- Be rotated regularly
- Be monitored for unusual activity
Never reuse credentials across systems.
- Protect Backup Consoles
Backup management interfaces should be:
- Firewalled
- Accessible only from secure admin workstations
- Protected with MFA
- Logged and monitored
If an attacker can reach the console, they can destroy your recovery plan.
- Store Backups in Multiple Locations
A resilient strategy includes:
- On‑prem immutable storage
- Cloud immutable storage
- Offline or air‑gapped copies
- Separate retention policies
Diversity = survivability.
- Test Restores Regularly
A backup you have not assessed is a backup you cannot trust.
Manufacturers should evaluate:
- File‑level restores
- VM restores
- Application‑level restores
- Full environment recovery
At least quarterly.
How 2W Tech Can Help
Backup resilience is no longer optional; it is a core part of cybersecurity. 2W Tech helps manufacturers build modern, ransomware‑resistant backup strategies using immutable storage, Zero Trust principles, and secure architecture design. We assess your current backup posture, identify vulnerabilities, harden your backup environment, and implement a multi‑layered recovery strategy aligned with NIST, CMMC, and Microsoft best practices. Whether you are using Epicor, VMware, Microsoft 365, or hybrid cloud workloads, we ensure your backups remain intact, even when attackers try to destroy them.
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