Author: Soteria Team

Cybercriminal Threat to SA – Cybercrime

South Africans Suffering at the Fingertips of Cybercriminals

It’s barely three months old, and already this year appears to be another troubling one in terms of cybercrime for South Africans. 

As SA retains its unwanted crown as the African continent’s biggest target for ransomware attacks, cybercriminals are becoming increasingly bold as they target major government organisations and corporations.

In this article, we lay out the facts surrounding the wave of online attacks facing the country and find out just what can be done to secure your personal and business data.

The worrying cybersecurity landscape in South Africa

Over the past decade, South Africa has gone from a relatively obscure target for cybercriminals to a region with one of the most active cybercrime activity levels. 

With ransomware attacks, phishing attempts, and credential theft on the rise, no business can afford to think that it’s safe from the malicious intentions of cybercriminals.

  • Despite accounting for less than 5% of Africa’s population, SA represents 40% of all cyberattacks carried out on the continent.
  • Client financial data, intellectual property, crypto wallets, and other valuable data are densely concentrated in South Africa’s relatively affluent and more developed economy, making it the ideal target for cybercriminals focusing on victims south of the Sahara.

In spite of reports of cyberattacks frequently appearing in the media, South African businesses remain inadequately prepared in the face of cyberattacks.  According to a 2024 security awareness report, organisations often rely on outdated antivirus software and rudimentary firewalls as their line of defence with inadequate online backup.

The extent of the country’s lack of readiness to deter cyberattacks has been on display again recently, with high-profile incidents affecting the South African Weather Service and National Laboratory Services over the past six months. 

As government struggles to secure its own data from hackers, small to medium-sized businesses are scrambling to establish data security protocols under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).

The good news: Cyber defence doesn’t require a multimillion-Rand budget

A common myth circulating in the SMB sphere is that cybersecurity is simply too expensive and complex to be practical for small businesses, and that hackers probably won’t bother with a small enterprise anyway.

Neither of these statements is factually correct. 

As business owners come to terms with the urgent need to beef up their online security, there are data security packages that can help substantially mitigate the risk of a damaging cyberattack and assist in data recovery if an attack does occur.

  • Small business owners who don’t have a technical background in IT are usually apprehensive about signing up for data defence packages that are overly complex and difficult to implement. 
  • At the same time, the current economic climate means that managers and owners are keeping an eye on costs. 

In this context, the ideal data security package is one that offers excellent protection, is easy to use for non-specialists, and can fit easily into a reasonable company budget.

Total Data Protection is a great fit for any company 

In response to the needs of business owners, Soteria Cloud has developed a total data protection package that offers next-level security powered by Acronis. Our solutions are easy to use, customisable for a variety of applications, and provide comprehensive data protection at a single competitive price. 

To learn more about our reliable data protection offerings, click the button below.

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Cybersecurity Myths | Cybercrime

Cybersecurity Myths Busted: Separating Fact from Fiction in the Digital Age

The cybersecurity industry is a technical field that provides crucial data protection services to companies and households across the country. Like many highly complex services, a number of myths tend to circulate in the cybersecurity field and falling prey to them can be almost as damaging as a cyberattack itself.

In this article, we take a look at some of the misconceptions surrounding data protection, compared to the true reality of things based on the latest data, and suggest alternative approaches to enhance online security.

Cybersecurity Myth 1: An antivirus package is enough

While having updated antivirus software is an important part of cybersecurity defence, it is certainly not enough to repel today’s sophisticated online attacks. 

Social engineering, malware, and other types of unauthorised data access and theft often slip under the radar of antivirus programs, leaving your business exposed to major data loss and reputational damage. What’s more, outdated antivirus software can be a major risk for data breaches. 

Cybersecurity Myth 2: Cyberattacks don’t affect South African businesses

While South Africa faces significant cybersecurity threats, it is a global issue with widespread impact. However, given the huge potential for data loss and reputational damage, South African companies must be hypervigilant when it comes to cybercrime.

If this myth was ever true, it hasn’t been valid for a long time. As South Africa’s connectivity levels increase and are comparable to those of many advanced countries, the frequency of cyberattacks has grown significantly. 

In 2023, a Kaspersky report revealed that South African businesses experienced 300 cyberattacks in a single week, shedding light on the serious domestic cybercrime situation which has yet to improve. 

Cybersecurity Myth 3: Cyber defence is too expensive

If you think cybersecurity is expensive, the cost of not having it can be astronomical. Data
loss and corruption can cost a fortune in downtime, lost productivity, and reputational damage.

When client data is involved, the risk of POPIA Act compliance violations becomes very real. A number of organisations, including the Education Department which was fined R5 million over a Matric results data breach, have learned this the hard way.  

When compared to the potential costs of a cyberattack – ranging into millions of Rands – not to mention the fines incurred for failure to properly protect customer data under the POPIA Act, a monthly cyber defence package like our Total Data Protection offering is exceptionally reasonable.

Realistic solutions: how to keep your data safe

Now that we’ve busted some of the biggest myths about cyber defence, let’s take a look at some simple but powerful ways that your business can protect its data from cybercriminals.

Step 1: Limit access to sensitive files

Setting file permissions so that only users who absolutely need to access sensitive documents can view or edit them limits the potential number of employees that cybercriminals can trick into revealing sensitive data.

Step 2: Invest in professional-grade cyber defences

Secure cloud storage with advanced encryption technology and full customisability should be the benchmarks of any cyber defence system you choose for your business. By shopping around for the best suppliers, you’ll find that you can protect sensitive data without breaking the bank.

Step 3: Train your staff to become cybersecurity warriors

As cybercriminals increasingly target company employees to gain access to networks, every member of your staff needs to join the fight against hackers.

Investing in staff training for cyber risk management, so that your team is able to identify suspicious activity online and report it in time, could make the difference between a failed attempt to access your data and a huge, damaging data leak or cyberattack.

Find the solution that sets your business up for success

Not all solutions are equal, and not all are suitable for every company but there are a few questions you should consider in order to ensure that your security needs are fully met.

In asking the right questions you will be able to develop a cyber security strategy that is right for your business:

  • What regulatory or governance requirements do we need to adhere to?
  • Are we POPIA compliant?
  • What is our risk tolerance?
  • Can we afford the crisis our business would face in the event of a data breach?
  • How would this affect our employees?
  • Are we keeping our staff educated about cyberattacks?
  • Do we need cyber insurance to protect the company?
  • Have we made every effort to safeguard our data with reliable cloud backup and advanced encryption?

Soteria offers a range of affordable and cutting-edge cyber protection packages to meet the needs of any enterprise.

Head over to our services page for a full breakdown of our entire service offering, with rates tailored to suit every business.

Cyberattack Response Plan – Cybersecurity

The First 24 Hours: Your 7 Step Cyberattack Response Plan

Logging onto your device only to find that you’ve become the latest victim of the current wave of cyberattacks sweeping the country is one of the scariest moments for any internet user. 

When your data is on the line and time is of the essence, it may seem natural to panic, but that’s the last thing you should do. The first 24 hours following an attack is a crucial time window for limiting damage and restoring systems, and you’ll need a plan in place to respond effectively. 

By following the series of steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to assess the scale of the damage, take proactive steps to mitigate data loss, and hopefully emerge from the cyberattack with all (or at least some) of your data and your company’s reputation intact.

How to React When Hackers Strike

The first thing to do after a cyberattack is to remain calm. Notify management of what has happened and start taking steps to assess and mitigate the damage by following this structured step-by-step incident response plan; Identify, Isolate, Notify & Protect, Analyse, Report, Reset, Protect.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Identify the Attack

A ransomware attack typically starts with a message from the hackers, stating that your data has been compromised and providing further instructions, such as the ransom amount and how to pay it. 

Whatever you do, don’t even consider following these instructions until you’ve completed the next step.

2. Isolate the Affected Systems ASAP

Your priority following a cyberattack is to isolate the device or network that has been compromised. This means powering down and disconnecting the device from your network without delay. 

These steps may help to slow the spread of malware or ransomware to other devices in your organisation.

3. Notify and Protect Your Network

Alert key personnel such as your IT manager or outsourced networking consultant immediately. Once they are available, convene a “war room” with the IT department, management, and possibly legal and PR advisors to mitigate the potential damage to your network and your company’s reputation.

4. Analyse the Damage

There are several types of damage a cyberattack can cause: 

  • Financial damage from lost data and downtime
  • Damage to your computer network that may take time to restore 
  • Reputational damage that your business may suffer if the cyberattack becomes public knowledge. 

It’s important to realistically assess the worst-case and medium-case scenarios and start fixing the damage as soon as possible.

5. Report the Incident

Cyberattacks must be reported to the Cybersecurity Hub at the national CSIRT as soon as they occur. In cases where fraud is suspected or a large amount of customer data has been leaked, you may also need to report the incident to law enforcement authorities.

6. Reset, Patch, and Update

With the help of a trusted IT professional, reset your computer network, patch the vulnerabilities that allowed the attack to occur in the first place, and update your files with the most recent versions from your secure cloud backup. 

This will help you get your business up and running again. 

7. Post-attack security upgrade

Finally, be sure to remove any malware that hackers may have installed to gain access to your network and prevent similar attacks from taking place weeks or months down the line.

Implement a total data protection plan

To help ensure that your business is prepared for future cyberattacks, if you don’t already have reliable cloud backup and a secure data protection plan, this would be the time to upgrade your security.

Secure cloud storage, particularly comprehensive encrypted data storage solutions like our
Total Data Protection package, will help keep your sensitive files safe in the cloud.

Trust Soteria Cloud to safeguard your valuable data while focus on your core business. Get Total Data Protection today.

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Proactive Defence – Cybersecurity

Beyond Defence: Proactive Approaches to Cybersecurity in the Digital Age

As the Cybersecurity landscape evolves, a new generation of threats is emerging faster than ever.

Powered by AI and other advances in technology, the latest cybercrime risks are developing faster than any defensive strategy can keep up with. That’s why a proactive approach is so crucial when setting up a multi layered cyber defence system for your business.

By learning more about proactive defence you’ll be in a better position to keep your sensitive data safe at a time when thousands of cyberattacks take place worldwide every day. Let’s start by taking a look at the necessity for several layers of cyber defence.

The importance of proactive cybersecurity

Today’s cybersecurity landscape is characterised by rapidly evolving threats. Unlike the situation of ten or twenty years ago where a good antivirus programme and firewall were sufficient to keep most viruses at bay, the current and future scenario is complex and subject to rapid change.

The rise of AI, in tandem with the growing ranks of black hat tech specialists working in cahoots with cybercriminals, has created a wave of new online threats that threaten to overwhelm traditional defences. Of these, Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are of particular concern to business owners.

  • Imagine a hacker gaining access to your network and sitting idle for weeks or even months, spying on the internal workings of your business and reading through your confidential documents at their leisure until they spot the perfect target for a cyberattack.
  • This is exactly how APT attacks are carried out – and why they’re both hard to spot and frustrating to respond to. A proactive approach is the only way to spot these attacks in time and respond to them.

Threat intelligence and rapid response: the new cybersecurity gold standard

With cybercriminals harnessing the power of AI and machine learning to create new threats, the cyber defence industry needs to use them to counter the risks of major data losses. Detecting stealth attacks and limiting the damage they can do are now the primary objectives of any effective cybersecurity strategy.

  • AI-driven cybersecurity software, including the top-level detection tool we offer in partnership with Acronis, can help spot potential attacks in real time.
  • Effective encryption and user permissions, including file locking and need-to-know basis data sharing, can help limit the extent to which hackers can read and use compromised files.

A holistic approach to cyber defence

Smart secure cloud storage, which ensures timely online backups across various apps and can be customised by IT managers, is the only approach that stands a chance of keeping up with cybercriminals in 2025.

You’ll find these features and more in our Total Data Protection package. Click the button below to learn more.

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Acronis Partnership Solutions – Cloud Backup

5 Ways Acronis Integration Supercharges Your Cloud Backup Experience

At Soteria, one thing that’s always on our minds is keeping your data safe in the cloud using the latest technology to ensure a seamless user experience. 

Over the years, we’ve invested in loadshedding-proof data centres, scalable backup solutions culminating in total data protection, and immutable storage to ensure that your vital information remains encrypted and accessible only to you.

Through our partnership with Acronis, a leader in data backup and protection, our team is fully certified and benefits from continuous training in order to assist our clients to harness the power of one of the best cloud storage systems available internationally – with access to top-tier solutions.

Acronis remains at the forefront of innovation, investing in research and development to anticipate technological trends. Their cutting-edge solutions include blockchain-based data validation, AI-driven ransomware protection, and integrated disaster recovery which means that you have access to the best practices and insights in the industry.

Market leader

Acronis stands out in the data protection and backup industry thanks to its comprehensive solutions, from backups and disaster recovery to cybersecurity and secure file sharing.

With a strong global presence and trusted brand, it partners with major players like Microsoft and VMware for seamless integrations. Its focus on cybersecurity, including anti-ransomware features enhances its appeal, while user-friendly interfaces make it accessible to all skill levels.

The Gold Standard in data protection 

With cyberattacks on the rise, your business can’t afford to have anything but the best data protection. 

Some of the features we offer through our valued partnerships with Acronis include backup and recovery solutions that help to make sure your data is securely backed up and can be easily restored. This helps to reduce downtime and data loss to a minimum in the event of a cyberattack. 

Smooth cloud integration

Off site storage is key when it comes to avoiding data corruption and physical theft of backup drives. 

Cloud integration ensures that your valuable data is stored in an encrypted format and remains accessible 24/7 from anywhere on earth using trusted credentials. 

Easy to use interface

You shouldn’t need to be an IT expert to back up and manage your data. We’ve partnered with Acronis to bring you one of the best designed UXs in the cloud storage industry. 

This will help to avoid operational errors and make data backup accessible to all members of your team. 

Advanced security even with cross-platform integration

Staying a step ahead of the hackers on various operating systems and devices means you need the most technically advanced cybersecurity available today with enhanced operational efficiency. 

Our offering includes built-in security measures like ransomware protection and immutable encryption, which add an extra defensive shield of security to your sensitive data.

Secure your data with our cutting edge packages 

If you’re ready to experience the effortless convenience of our highly secure cloud storage packages, visit our services page today. You’re sure to find a solution that suits the needs and scale of your business. 

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Ultimate Cloud Checklist – Online Backup

How to Choose The Best Cloud Backup Provider – The Ultimate Checklist

Most of us would never board an oceangoing vessel without a reliable life jacket, even though the chances of needing it may not be high. But if disaster were to strike, the life jacket would be critical and you’d want it to work effectively the first time – just like your secure cloud storage backup plan.

With cybercriminals lurking like unseen rip currents, businesses around the world are facing an ever growing challenge to their data security yet as these criminals continue their relentless attacks to sink the ship. Considering the huge cost that data loss can cause, it has never been more important to choose the right cloud backup provider to keep your crucial information safe.

To help you choose an effective cloud storage solution that will secure your data, we’ve put together a checklist for business owners and managers. Here are the most important factors to consider when making your decision.

Security & Compliance: Keeping Your Data Safe

It’s not only important to have secure backups but also to check that your provider offers the latest technology to stay a step ahead of cybercriminals. Here are a few things to check when you vet a potential supplier:

  • End-to-End Encryption – Ensure data is encrypted during transfer and storage.
  • Compliance & Certifications – Check for adherence to data protection laws.
  • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Adds an extra layer of security.
  • Zero-Knowledge Encryption – Only the customer should have access to their data.

You’ll find military-grade encryption technology, secure multi-factor authentication, and immutable storage as standard features in our packages. That’s part of our commitment to keeping your data safe.

Reliability & Performance: Ensuring Consistent Backups

A secure cloud storage system is only as good as its uptime. 

A system that delivers the essential features you need to keep your data safe and is always online will help you rest easy in the knowledge that your data is in the right hands. Here are some features to look out for when it comes to performance:

  • 99.9% Uptime Guarantee – No downtime means no risk of data loss.
  • Automated & Scheduled Backups – Avoid human error by ensuring backups happen automatically.
  • Fast Recovery Speeds – Quick restoration options for minimal disruption.
  • Versioning & Retention Policies – Keep multiple versions of files to prevent accidental deletions.

With an impressive uptime record, regular scheduled backups, and comprehensive disaster recovery features, Soteria’s Total Data Protection solution is ideal for businesses that cannot afford to lose any important information—and that’s every business today.

Storage & Scalability: Growing with Your Needs

A flexible cloud storage solution that grows with your business every year is essential to balance affordable costs with essential protection. A good cloud storage provider will always offer the following:

  • Flexible Storage Plans – A plan that can be scaled as your business grows or changes.
  • Unlimited File Size & Type Support – No restrictions on what you can back up.
  • Redundant Storage Locations – Multiple data centres for added safety.

Our scalable plans with redundant cloud storage for enhanced data protection allow businesses of all sizes to benefit from advanced data protection and increase the total size of the backup as their needs expand.

Customer Support & Service: Help When You Need It

When you’re having trouble with your cloud storage or suspect that a cyber-attack is taking place, there’s no time to waste. 

Customer support is essential for every cloud storage customer, and your provider should offer the following:

  • 24/7 Support Availability – 24/7 expert help when disaster strikes.
  • Multiple Support Channels – Live chat, email, and phone options.
  • Knowledge Base & Resources – Guides, FAQs, and tutorials for self-help.

Soteria’s packages feature 24/7 expert support with extensive self-service resources. Call us or create a customer support ticket to get the help you need.

Get the Ultimate Data Protection 

As you run down this list you might have noticed that our range of essential cloud storage solutions ticks almost every box. Our range of products, including Total Data Protection, offer turnkey solutions for businesses of all sizes that wish to keep their data safe. 

Click the button below to learn more about our flagship Total Data Protection offering.


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Budgeting for Data Protection: Cloud Backup Solutions

Data Protection on a Budget: Cloud Backup Solutions for Small Businesses

Small businesses are being deliberately targeted by cybercriminals, and the damage from a cyberattack of this kind can be devastating.

One in three SMEs in South Africa has fallen victim to a cyberattack, showing that no business is safe.

The reality is small businesses often don’t have an extensive budget to invest in the cybersecurity solutions that large corporations employ.

However, this doesn’t mean they can afford to ignore data protection at any cost – when the cost of a data breach would significantly impact operations, destroy the company reputation – and significantly, could paralyse finances.  

What should your cybersecurity budget consider?

Establishing a budget for data protection is a critical component of any small business plan.

By implementing basic security measures that include employee education and choosing a cost-effective cloud storage solution to suit a limited budget, small businesses can safeguard their critical files without overspending.

Cybersecurity is a substantial arena and there are many areas to be considered when prioritising your data protection plan and budget that should include:

  • A risk assessment
  • Incident response plan
  • Business continuity plan
  • Employee education
  • Identification and management of networking and website vulnerabilities
  • Regular testing
  • Automated backup plan

Combining peace of mind and the assurance that valuable data is protected from cyberattacks and other risks, Total Data Protection is an excellent secure backup solution designed perfectly for small business needs.

How cloud storage offers secure backup on a budget

Secure cloud storage offers several features to make data protection both secure and affordable. When choosing a package, make sure it ticks these boxes:

  • Scalable Plans – Pay for only what you need, with flexible pricing options tailored to small business needs.
  • Automated backup – Ensure data is regularly backed up without manual intervention, saving time and IT costs.
  • Disaster recovery – In the event of a cyberattack or hardware failure, data can be quickly restored, minimising downtime.
  • Local data centers & compliance – Secure storage that complies with regulations, is loadshedding proof, and offers lower costs than international providers.

Real-world benefits for small businesses

Unlike conventional cloud providers such as Google or iCloud which offer basic and reliable services, Soteria goes several steps further and offers granular control over backups, letting businesses select specific files and set custom schedules.

Soteria’s proactive monitoring ensures backups run smoothly, and versioning allows businesses to revert to previous file versions. These are features that iCloud lacks.

With local backup options and encrypted data protection, Soteria Cloud ensures data is secure and recoverable when needed most.

Conclusion: Affordable data protection is within reach

Data protection doesn’t have to be expensive. With Soteria Cloud, small businesses can secure their information without overspending. Protect your data today with a solution that fits your budget.

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Comprehensive Customer Support – Secure Cloud Storage

Secure Cloud Storage: Comprehensive Customer Support at Your Fingertips

When it comes to secure cloud storage, safeguarding your data and ensuring that it’s accessible and at your fingertips 24/7 will always be our top priorities.

In the unfortunate event of a cyberattack or unexpected issue, we’ve got you covered with robust backup solutions and a customer support system that ensures your needs are addressed quickly and efficiently.

At Soteria Cloud, we believe that great customer support is essential for delivering a seamless cloud storage experience. That’s why we’ve made it easy for you to reach out whenever you need assistance. Whether it’s a technical concern or a general query, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Reliable cloud backup and data protection

Soteria Cloud takes the stress out of backup woes, safeguarding your valuable assets while you focus on growth and innovation. With advanced automation to improve efficiency and advanced security and real-time detection against threats your endpoints are secure against data attacks.

Our complete backup solutions ensure data integrity against loss or corruption and you can rest assured, in the event of a data breach or unexpected problem, that our comprehensive disaster recovery solutions will minimise any downtime to your business.

Backup troubles? Help is just a phone call away

We’ve built our secure cloud storage service to run smoothly and effortlessly, ensuring you experience minimal disruption. Our infrastructure is designed with redundancy in mind, including multiple data centers to protect against power outages and other issues.

Even with these precautions, occasional challenges can arise. Whether it’s a failed backup or unexpected system behavior, our team of dedicated customer support experts is available to resolve any issues and ensure your data remains safe.

  • Proactive Technical Support: Our support team is highly trained to handle all technical inquiries, no matter how complex.
  • Multiple Data Centers: Redundant systems guarantee service reliability, even in unforeseen circumstances.
  • Live Assistance: Our experts are ready to help resolve your concerns quickly from 8AM to 6PM, Monday to Friday.

Explore our knowledge base

Need quick answers? Our Knowledge Base is a comprehensive library of FAQs, tutorials, and troubleshooting guides to help you make the most of your cloud storage service.

Available 24/7 and accessible online, it’s designed to save you time and provide instant solutions.

How to get in touch

If you encounter any issues or have questions about your service, we’ve made connecting with us as simple as possible:

  • Phone Support: Call us at 087 943 2288 for immediate assistance with urgent issues.
  • Live Chat: Reach out via chat for quick responses, often in real-time.
  • Submit a Ticket: Use our online ticketing system for detailed queries or requests.

At Soteria Cloud, your satisfaction is our priority. We’re here to ensure your backups are seamless and your data is always accessible. Reach out to us anytime to get the answers you need.

Proactive Cybersecurity – One Step Ahead

Preparing for a Cyberattack: Why Proactive Backup Is Your Best Defense

Is there anything you can do to prepare for a cyberattack ahead of time and be ready to restore your valuable data? The answer is a resounding, proactive YES. Here’s what business owners need to know to stay ahead of the online crooks.

Cyberattacks: Not if but when – and what then?

Global cyberattacks continue to be one of the top worries of IT managers and company owners worldwide, with an estimated 5,200 victims of ransomware incidents estimated for this year. These destructive attacks are expected to more than double in 2024.

Disruptive attacks
Image courtesy of QEB

Cybercriminals often see significant financial rewards from these illegal activities , which is why these figures remain alarmingly high. For business owners and managers this means being proactive about cybersecurity is crucial to safeguarding your business against the evolving threat landscape.

Proactive backup is one of the best practices we recommend to all our clients. “Proactive cybersecurity” means anticipating future problems or changes to take appropriate action, immediately. With careful planning “before or in the event of” a cyberattack, you can keep your company information secure and recover quickly in the event of a cyberattack.

Put simply – being proactive means being ahead of the game – being proactive to prevent an attack from taking place rather than reactive once your data is seriously compromised.

Proactive Backup: Staying ahead of the hackers

Simply signing up for a backup service is a good first step towards protecting your company’s data, but that alone is not enough to ensure your critical files are safe in the cloud and accessible when needed.

A proactive approach to backup means ensuring the following steps are taken:

Your files are backed up regularly

Scheduling automatic backups ensures that the latest version of your files is always saved in the cloud. This minimises the risk of data loss resulting from a breach or technical failure, preventing a situation where only outdated versions of files are available for restoration.

The right files are backed up

It’s essential to ensure that critical business documents—such as financial records, proprietary information, and especially client records protected under the Protection of Personal Information (POPI) Act — are included in your secure cloud folder.

Threats are detected early

Ongoing monitoring is vital. Ensuring any suspicious network activity is promptly reported to your IT manager helps detect cyberthreats at their earliest stages. This enables you to act quickly and take emergency measures to protect your systems.

Total Data Protection puts you in full control

Finding a single solution that blends secure cloud storage, automated backup, and monitoring used to be difficult – until now, that is.

With Soteria Cloud’s Total Data Protection plan you are in total control of your backups with a full range of customisable options. Click the button below to learn more.

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Data Backup vs. Disaster Recovery – Total Data Security

Backup vs Recovery – Is Data Backup Enough?  

Secure cloud backup and disaster recovery are two vital components of the type of data protection strategy that every business should be using in 2025. While these terms are often used interchangeably, even by managers and CIOs, they refer to distinctly different services with varying recovery timeframes. 

Understanding the difference between backup and disaster recovery is crucial for any business aiming to safeguard its data in the face of increasing cyberattacks.

Knowing the difference 

While having a data backup is an important first step, it may not be sufficient by itself to address the sophistication of modern cyberthreats or even a natural disaster.

Losing critical business data—whether financial records, client information, intellectual property, or operational documents—could result in devastating consequences and costly downtime. This is precisely the risk businesses face when hit by a cyberattack with only a simple backup in place – and this scenario is all too common as the new year’s cybersecurity trends take shape. 

It’s important to understand the difference between having a complete data recovery plan and a backup system that simply stores a copy of your files in the cloud but has no data recoverability plan in place. This type of backup often creates a false sense of security among staff who then neglect basic security practices. Worse still – an untested backup system could take days or weeks to restore only selected data – at considerable cost to your business.

On the other hand, a complete disaster recovery strategy with full disk images will enable you to restore your data in a matter of seconds ensuring that you have access to your data immediately in the event of a cyberattack.

When data backup isn’t enough

For the sake of clarity – picture the scenario: You take delivery of your new car which comes with all the bells and whistles and a spare key which you give to a relative who lives close to your home in Cape Town.

  • If something goes wrong with the car, regardless of where you might be at the time, you have a physical and online owner’s manual that you can refer to in order to fix the problem.
  • Lose your original car key on a business trip in Johannesburg and it’s another problem entirely. Your key is 1400km away and will need to be couriered from Cape Town causing a delay of at least 2 or 3 days, which means downtime for you and your business meetings.

The spare key analogy is akin to the time spent waiting to access selected files stored in a traditional backup and the delay in restoring your IT infrastructure from scratch. A comprehensive disaster recovery plan offers total data protection, allowing your business to be up and running in minutes rather than hours or days.

Next level information recovery: total data protection 

Total data protection with disaster recovery should also include critical employee training in both data management and disaster recovery. Comprehensive data protection goes beyond basic backups by ensuring that a working copy of your most recent business information is securely stored offsite and readily accessible at a moment’s notice. 

Our Total Data Protection solution takes this a step further by offering fully customisable backup and recovery options for specific applications, giving IT managers and network administrators enhanced control and flexibility.

In the event of a cyberattack, data backed up with TDP will be available almost immediately so that your organisation’s crucial information can be accessed and used to restart your IT infrastructure.

Click here to learn more about total data protection and how it can secure your business. 

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