Consumers Show Skepticism for Data Protection Amid Rising Ransomware Attacks

Consumers Show Skepticism for Data Protection Amid Rising Ransomware Attacks

By Greg Tavarez

Organizations undergoing digital transformation face a surge in data volume while battling the prevalence of ransomware attacks. As they adopt digital technologies, data generation and collection expand exponentially. The total amount of data created, captured, copied and consumed globally is projected to grow to more than 180 zettabytes by 2025, according to Statista.

This data influx presents opportunities and challenges, necessitating robust infrastructure, scalable storage solutions and effective data management strategies. Organizations can harness this abundance of data to gain insights and enhance operations through advanced analytics and AI. However, without proper management, organizations may struggle to derive value from their data and face security risks.

At the same time, ransomware attacks have emerged as a dominant cyberthreat. Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access and encrypt victim data until a ransom is paid. Factors such as the value of digital data, remote work and anonymous cryptocurrencies contribute to the rise of ransomware attacks. These attacks have severe consequences, including financial losses, operational disruptions and reputational damage.

To understand the implications of ransomware attacks on consumer data, Object First conducted a comprehensive survey. Here is what the survey found:

  • 40% of consumers are skeptical of organizations' abilities to protect their data adequately.
  • 75% of consumers would quickly switch to another company after a ransomware attack.
  • 55% of consumers favor companies with comprehensive data protection measures such as reliable backup and recovery, password protection, and identity and access management strategies.

“It is no wonder consumers are seeking greater protection as organizations generate and consume more data than ever. With the escalating ransomware threat, data protection must be a core concern for every business,” said David Bennett, CEO of Object First. “Consumers take data protection seriously, and organizations must prioritize safeguarding consumer data against modern threats. This can be achieved by ingraining immutable data resilience as core to cyber security strategy.”

Bennett is right. According to the survey, 81% of consumers feel “very scared or worried” about their data being held by organizations lacking robust resilience against ransomware. The results underscore the necessity of a preemptive, effective backup and recovery plan to circumvent intricate, time-consuming, and costly recovery processes that could undermine vendor trust and jeopardize long-term business growth.

A preemptive backup and recovery plan is essential to prevent complex and expensive recovery processes that can harm vendor trust and hinder long-term business growth. Such a plan ensures data protection, availability, and business continuity. It safeguards against data loss, system failures and cyberattacks, enabling quick restoration of operations.

A well-executed backup strategy also instills confidence in customers, partners and vendors, contributing to long-term business growth and scalability.

Those organizations that do not have a plan in place need to be warned. After an attack, one in three consumers demand evidence of resilient backup and recovery strategies, and 30% lose all confidence in the company’s data protection plan, according to the report.

It is imperative for organizations to reassess their data protection strategies to ensure foolproof ransomware protection. Immutable on-premises backup storage can provide vendors with secure, unalterable and ransom-proof data, restoring consumer confidence and preserving brand reputation.




Edited by Alex Passett
Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. [Free eNews Subscription]

MSPToday Editor

SHARE THIS ARTICLE
Related Articles

LogMeIn Rescue, to the Rescue: Forrester Studies GoTo's Support Capabilities

By: Alex Passett    9/22/2023

Over a period of three years, a Forrester Total Economic Impact (TEI) study examined the business and financial benefits of LogMeIn Rescue, a flagship…

Read More

Canadian Managed IT Services Gear Up for Cybersecurity Awareness Month

By: Contributing Writer    9/22/2023

October, prominently known as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, is an annual observance and an intensified rally for Canada's premier IT service provider…

Read More

ITEXPO Exhibitor RingLogix Looks to TeamMate to Open New Possibilities for MSPs

By: Greg Tavarez    9/21/2023

The RingLogix and TeamMate collaboration enables MSPs to get the most out of Microsoft Teams as a collaboration solution.

Read More

Acronis Introduces Advanced Automation for MSPs

By: Stefania Viscusi    9/21/2023

Acronis Advanced Automation addresses a common challenge faced by MSPs, the increasing complexities businesses face with so many different initiatives…

Read More

Comprehensive Cybersecurity Solutions: Rackspace Taps Palo Alto Networks

By: Alex Passett    9/20/2023

Strengthening organizations' abilities to stay ahead of progressively evolving cyber threats and attackers is key. That's why Rackspace Technology has…

Read More