Here’s What We Actually Recommend
At Nxt Gen IT, we don’t do scare tactics. But we are honest. And when it comes to ransomware, we believe too many businesses are relying on luck rather than a plan.
We’ve worked with companies that have walked in one morning and found their systems locked down. Not deleted or misplaced, but encrypted. Files held hostage by criminals demanding a hefty ransom just to maybe hand them back.
It’s harsh. It’s real. And it’s getting worse.
In the first quarter of 2025, ransomware attacks hit a record high. Reports show an 84% increase compared to the same time last year. The numbers tell a clear story: it’s not about if your business will be targeted, but when. Two-thirds of businesses have already experienced ransomware in the past two years. That statistic alone should have every business owner asking, “Would we survive an attack?”
Here’s our take: your ability to bounce back relies entirely on one thing. Your backups. And not just any backups. They need to be immutable.
Why Most Backups Won’t Save You
A lot of businesses think they’ve got this covered. They back up regularly, keep copies off-site or in the cloud, and maybe even test their restores now and then. That’s a good start. But it’s not enough.
Modern ransomware is built to hunt for and destroy backups. Once attackers have access to your system, their next step is to wipe out any chance you have of recovering without paying. And too often, that includes your backup environment.
We believe that unless your backups are completely tamper-proof, they’re not giving you the protection you need.
Why Immutable Backup Storage is the Best Defence
Here’s what we recommend: immutable backup storage.
“Immutable” simply means unchangeable. Once a backup is written, no one (not hackers, not internal users, not even your own admins) can alter or delete it. That data is locked down, and it stays that way until the backup expires according to your policy.
If ransomware hits and everything else fails, those backups are still there. Untouched. Waiting for you to restore your systems and move forward.
It’s the most reliable line of defence we’ve seen, and it’s helping our clients recover from serious incidents without paying a penny to criminals.
How It Works Today
In the past, businesses used to protect their backups with air-gapped storage. That means physically disconnecting devices from the network. That worked, but it came with downsides: manual processes, hardware costs, and long restore times.
Today, we’ve got better tools. Cloud-based immutable storage solutions are faster, easier to manage, and far more scalable. You get the same unchangeable protection, but without the complexity of managing physical devices or tapes.
We use these solutions ourselves, and we deploy them for our clients. They are tried, tested, and reliable when it matters most.
So Why Are So Many Businesses Still Behind?
Honestly, we think it comes down to awareness. According to recent research, 81% of IT professionals agree that immutable backups are the most effective protection against ransomware. But only 59% of businesses are using them.
That gap is a serious risk.
In our view, most organisations are still focused on prevention (firewalls, antivirus, email filtering) and that’s important. But it’s not the full picture. You also need to plan for the day something gets through. That’s why we always advise businesses to adopt a breach mentality. Assume you will be attacked. Then make sure you can recover.
Immutable backups are what make that possible.
Nxt Steps
If you’re not completely confident that your backups are safe from ransomware, now is the time to act. At Nxt Gen IT, we help businesses take a proper look at their setup and put strong, practical protections in place.
We can:
- Review your current backup systems
- Identify weak points that ransomware could exploit
- Set up immutable, cloud-based solutions that give you real peace of mind
Because when ransomware hits, your response time matters. So does the strength of your backup strategy.
Want help making your data untouchable? Get in touch. We’ll give you honest advice, clear options, and a plan that works for your business.
Ben helps growing businesses turn technology into a driver of performance instead of a barrier. At Nxt Gen IT he works with SME leaders, recruiters, and fast-scaling teams to design solutions that improve reliability, strengthen security, and unlock growth.
With a background in email deliverability and cloud systems, Ben specialises in making sure businesses communicate effectively, keep data safe, and get the most from Microsoft 365. His experience spans solution design, managed IT services, and virtual CIO support, always with a focus on practical outcomes that reduce headaches for business owners.
Ben has supported organisations across the UK, from recruitment agencies struggling with inbox placement to SaaS firms scaling fast, and SMEs needing a trusted partner for their IT. He believes tech is never the end goal: growth is. His role is to make sure technology never gets in the way of it.