The backup paradox: are you really protected?

Intro

Backups are often seen as the ultimate safety net against ransomware, data loss or system failure. But is your trust in those backups justified?

Many organizations only discover the flaws in their backup strategy after an incident occurs. In some cases, backups are incomplete, infected, or not recoverable. This article explores the backup paradox — the false sense of security — and what your organization can do to build true digital resilience.

Why backups aren't always real protection

In theory, a backup means safety: copy, store, restore when needed. But in reality, things often go wrong. Common blind spots include:

• lack of testing to ensure data can actually be restored

• backups stored in the same environment as production (and vulnerable to attack)

• a false assumption that "the tool has it covered"

• unclear understanding of what data is actually being backed up

What looks like protection can be nothing more than a digital illusion.

Three common pitfalls

1. no recovery testing

A backup you haven't tested is only a theory. Regular restore drills are essential to ensure recoverability.

2. no separation or isolation

Backups connected to live systems can also be encrypted or deleted during an attack. Isolated storage is a must.

3. relying on a single tool

If your backup setup relies on one system or one script, you're at risk. Layering and monitoring is key.

What can you do instead?

At AltF7, we help organizations audit and improve their backup strategies. We don't just tick boxes — we evaluate performance, logic and recoverability. With our partners at APPelit, we also support robust architectures for custom-built software.

Five critical steps:

• Perform routine restore tests

• Physically or logically separate backups from production systems

• Add alerting and logging for all backup jobs

• Encrypt backups and manage your encryption keys securely

• Include backup in your wider risk and incident response strategy

Where software design plays a role

In custom applications, backup is rarely a default feature. At APPelit, we develop software that is built for recoverability — including data export, versioning, audit logs and rollback capabilities.

Good backup starts with good software design.

A backup isn't a safety net unless it actually works. To achieve digital resilience, you need more than storage — you need visibility, testing and a plan.

Not sure if your systems can recover after a disaster? Let AltF7 conduct an independent backup and recovery audit — and regain control over your data protection.