Category: Backup

Why Soteria – Online cloud backup

8 Great Reasons to Get Online with Soteria Cloud 

Data loss, cyberthreats, and downtime affect businesses of all sizes in every corner of the globe. Ensuring that your enterprise is protected is a top priority, and we’re here to provide the turnkey solution you need for comprehensive data security powered by Acronis.

At Soteria Cloud, we believe that every company deserves cutting edge protection and performance, regardless of its size or IT budget. Here are eight powerful reasons why getting online with us could be the best business decision you make this week.

1. Advanced Security + EDR

Cyberattacks aren’t just targeting large enterprises anymore. With Acronis advanced security and endpoint detection and response (EDR), your business stays protected from sophisticated threats in real time.

Whether you’re a startup or a mid-sized operation, proactive defense is the protection you can obtain for your sensitive data. 

2. Advanced Management

Managing multiple devices, systems, and users can quickly get overwhelming. We streamline the entire process with centralised controls and real-time data visibility.

This means better performance and fewer headaches, even if your IT department is a streamlined operation run by just one person.

3. Advanced Automation

Backing up your data manually wastes your valuable time and leaves room for human error.

Our automation tools handle routine maintenance, patches, and updates so that you and  your team can focus on what really matters: delighting your customers and growing your business.

4. Advanced Backup

Losing critical data can create a major crisis in your business in an instant. Our backup solutions are secure, scalable, and easy to use, especially in an emergency.

Whether it’s a single file or an entire system, your data is always protected and ready to restore.

5. Advanced Disaster Recovery

Downtime is both expensive and potentially damaging to your reputation. Our disaster recovery solutions help you bounce back fast from hardware failure, ransomware, loadshedding, or natural disasters.

For small businesses, this means  surviving the incident while maintaining customer trust.

6. Advanced Email Security

Email is still the number one entry point for cyber threats. We keep your inboxes safe with smart filters, phishing detection, and encryption so your team can communicate safely in an increasingly risky online ecosystem. 

7. Advanced Data Loss Protection

From internal mistakes to external attacks, data loss can strike at any time. Our DLP tools monitor, control, and secure sensitive data wherever it may be stored: on-site, in the cloud, or on mobile devices.

8. Advanced File Sync and Share

Ready to collaborate across teams, offices, or time zones?

We make secure file access and sharing easy. This means that all your data will  stay in sync and accessible from anywhere, with full control over permissions and privacy.

Conclusion

Getting online with Soteria Cloud isn’t just about technology. It’s about empowering your business to operate securely and efficiently online. 

If you’re ready to future-proof your operations, hit the button below to see the difference advanced cloud solutions like EDR can make.

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MTN Group Reports Ransomware Attack: Customer Data Compromised

MTN Group, Africa’s largest telecommunications provider, has experienced a significant cybersecurity breach in April. The incident, which led to unauthorised access to the personal information of customers in more than one market, is the latest in a series of cyber incidents at major companies across the country. 

Despite the breach, MTN confirmed that its core infrastructure, including network, billing, and financial systems, remained secure and fully operational. Here are the full details of the breach and what businesses can learn from MTN’s response. 

How the Breach Happened 

Though MTN is a household name in SA, the  cyberattack actually resulted in the compromise of customer data beyond our borders, with approximately 5 700 MTN Ghana customers being affected. 

An unknown third party claimed responsibility for the breach and demanded a ransom for the release of the stolen data – a classic MO for cyberattacks of this kind. 

At the time of publishing this update MTN had not disclosed the ransom amount, citing the ongoing investigation, and has also neither confirmed nor denied that paying the ransom is a strategy currently under consideration. 

Did MTN Respond Appropriately?

MTN’s reaction in the hours and days following this attack is a good example of proactive cybersecurity response and the benefits of risk mitigation. 

  • After discovering the breach, MTN activated its cybersecurity response protocols and altered law enforcement agencies such as the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Hawks. 
  • This is the recommended course of action for any business dealing with a major cyber incident. 
  • The company also notified relevant authorities in affected countries and is in the process of informing impacted customers, adhering to local legal and regulatory requirements. As above, this is the approach favoured by cybersecurity experts: placing customer privacy and data first. 

MTN joins a long list of prominent cybersecurity victims across the country 

This incident is not the first of its kind, nor will it be the last, but it once again highlights the growing threat of ransomware attacks in the telecommunications sector. 

Earlier in 2025, Cell C, confirmed a data breach linked to a ransomware attack by the RansomHouse group. Unlike the anonymous MTN incident, this attack was carried out by a notorious cybercrime network with the intention of adding Cell C to their list of high profile victims. 

The ripple effects of cyberattacks have againbextended beyond telecoms to other essential services, including the travel industry. In May, South African Airways (SAA) suffered a major cyber incident that disrupted access to its website, mobile app, and key operational systems. The breach, which began over a weekend, significantly impacted customer services and internal processes, highlighting the broad-reaching consequences of digital vulnerabilities across sectors.

Whether hackers strike stealthily or make a show of their ability to penetrate digital defences, the increasing frequency of attacks like these underscores the need for robust cybersecurity measures across the industry and the economy as a whole. 

Secure your company data with us 

While MTN’s swift response ensured the protection of its core systems, the breach of customer data raises concerns about data privacy and the evolving cyber threats facing telecom and other industry operators. 

This incident serves as a reminder for companies to continuously assess and strengthen their cybersecurity frameworks to safeguard against future attacks.

To protect your business and clients’ critical data you need an integrated approach to cyber protection. Soteria Cloud offers an advanced backup package with secure managed cloud backup paired with Acronis Cyber Protect for the ultimate in data protection.  

To learn more about our packages and how they can keep your files safe and encrypted in the cloud, 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.

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.

Get Total Data Protection

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.

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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Essential Cloud Storage – Cybersecurity

Why Cloud Storage Is Essential for Your Business

Businesses generate and store more data each year, and the recent wave of cyberattacks gripping the country highlights how valuable this information is—not only to businesses but also to cybercriminals.

As businesses scramble to avoid becoming the next victim of a data breach, leak, or ransomware attack, owners and managers are weighing their options for data storage. 

With traditional physical storage, conventional cloud apps, and secure cloud storage emerging as the three main options, we’d like to make the case for encrypted cloud data protection.

Here are some reasons why secure cloud storage offers the gold standard in data protection and how it can benefit any business.

Protection of sensitive information

Businesses handle a variety of sensitive information, from company financial records and new product designs to sensitive client data that could result in serious privacy breaches if it falls into the wrong hands.

In light of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), which places an obligation on companies to protect client data to the best of their ability, obtaining the most powerful encrypted storage available has become a necessity.

Financial risk reduction

The monetary cost of a cyberattack can range from tens of thousands to millions of rands, depending on the scale and circumstances of the incident. The reputational damage could be even greater.

Secure cloud storage helps keep your business out of the high-risk landscape that comes with exposure to ransomware and phishing attacks. For a small monthly investment, you could pre-empt losses ranging from five to six figures.

Insider threat mitigation

According to research by Stanford University, 88% of data breaches involve internal actors like staff members. It’s also an unfortunate reality that many data leaks and breaches are the work of disgruntled employees—and it could be the person you least suspect.

  • Zero-trust architecture, which requires full credential verification before file access is granted, coupled with encrypted backups, removes personal trust from the equation.
  • Having a full backup of your valuable files ensures organisational control over your company data, regardless of what actions—good or bad—your team may take.

Customer trust

With news of data breaches being reported daily by the media, customers have developed heightened awareness and concern about how companies safeguard their data.

Having comprehensive and reliable data security in place inspires confidence in your clients as they trust you with their valuable and sensitive personal information. From a practical point of view, secure cloud storage also helps reduce the risk of losing client data in the event of a data breach or cyberattack.

To learn more about Soteria’s Total Data Protection package and how it can secure your business files, visit our product page today or click the button below.

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Doing your Backups | Online Backup

How Often Do you Back Up Your Data Online?

How often does your company back up essential business data? It turns out that the answer depends on which part of the world you live in. 

A recent survey conducted by MyExpressVPN reveals that companies in North America, Europe, and the UK prioritise backup frequency differently. Let’s examine the data in detail and see how your business compares.

France leads the charge in data backup frequency

When managers and IT specialists from four major countries were surveyed about their data backup habits, the French emerged as the most diligent savers. 

  • Twenty-two percent of respondents from France stated that they back up their data daily, while 42% reported conducting weekly backups—the gold standard for cybersecurity efficiency.
  • This places the European nation ahead of Germany, the UK, and the US, all economies typically considered highly efficient. 

Despite their reputation for prioritising leisure, the French have recognised the importance of regular backups in securing vital company data. But what prevents businesses in other countries from following their lead?

Factors that make clients reluctant to back up their data

After identifying the country most committed to performing backups, the survey explored the reasons why other managers back up their data less frequently. 

  • 9% of respondents cited a lack of knowledge, while 6% attributed it to poor backup habits. Meanwhile, 5% found backup packages too complex to use easily.

To explore these concerns more deeply, the survey asked participants what improvements would encourage them to use their existing backup services more often:

  • Forty-one percent requested larger backup capacities at affordable prices, 36% called for simpler backup methods, 35% highlighted the need for enhanced privacy protection, and 34% desired faster backup services.

Given these insights, the responsibility for regular backups doesn’t rest solely on clients. This should act as a wake-up call for service providers to improve their solutions. 

That’s exactly what we at Soteria have done with our new flagship product, Total Data Protection.

The solution: Total Data Protection

This new approach to cybersecurity product meets the exact needs of today’s business cloud storage user, offering unlimited backups at a single monthly price. 

Customers can secure their data for up to five years, with instant access to all versions of their files in the cloud, ensuring ease of collaboration and sharing for teams.

The package also includes highly customisable options, enabling backups for selected applications and allowing IT managers to cater to complex networks, including remote systems.

Here’s how Total Data Protection can help:

  • Prevent data loss: Ensure your business is prepared for any eventuality, with files accessible anytime, anywhere.
  • Mitigate cyber threats: Keep a working version of all files in case your system’s version becomes compromised.
  • Protect against natural disasters: Safeguard your files from damage caused by floods, fires, or system failures.
  • Ensure regulatory compliance: Meet the requirements of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) by securing client data effectively.

Find out how Total Data Protection can support your business. Contact us today!

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Smarter Cybercriminals – Better Backup

The Ransomware Wave Intensifies as Cybercriminals Get Smarter

Ransomware is one of the most pressing online threats facing businesses today, and the not-so-good news is that it’s becoming more sophisticated.

Cybercriminals are discovering new ways to use AI to perpetrate online attacks, with several prominent businesses—including Starbucks—recently falling victim. To make matters worse, hackers are recruiting software developers on the dark web to raise the sophistication of their attacks to a level where many cybersecurity systems may be unable to stop them.

As the threat landscape becomes more advanced, business owners must take steps to protect their valuable data. Let’s look at the evolving threats and see what you can do to safeguard your company’s information.

Businesses of all sizes fall prey to ransoware attacks

The days when only large corporations were targeted by cybercriminals using ransomware are truly over.

Despite ongoing attacks against providers like Blue Yonder—which recently forced Starbucks shops across America to switch to a manual entry system to pay their baristas—cybercriminals are increasingly setting their sights on small and medium-sized businesses. These businesses have the funds to pay significant ransoms but often don’t have cutting-edge cybersecurity systems in place.

A striking example of such an attack is the recent ransomware disaster experienced by British logistics company Knights.

  • Russian hackers demanded millions of pounds to release encrypted files, including the company’s financial records.
  • Ultimately, rather than pay the ransom, the company’s management was forced to borrow large sums of money and eventually, to seek a buyer for the business as operations came to a complete halt.

The ease with which cyberattacks of this kind are being carried out raises the question: how sophisticated have hackers become that they’re able to bypass industry-standard cybersecurity systems?

Worryingly, the answer is very sophisticated indeed.

Cybercriminals harness AI and software professionals to carry out attacks

Artificial intelligence is revolutionising the way many industries do business, and unfortunately, cybercriminals are all too aware of its potential to assist in carrying out ransomware attacks.

  • Generative AI, such as ChatGPT, can be used to clean up phishing emails and make them sound entirely legitimate.
  •  Cybercriminals even programme AI applications to imitate the tone used by companies in their PR materials, making impersonation scams more believable.

While some cybercriminals are turning to AI, a worrying trend on the dark web has emerged, where Russian hackers have started recruiting software developers to find security loopholes in their own ransomware and other harmful apps.

This helps them evade detection and mitigation efforts by cybersecurity experts.

These incidents show that cybercriminals are not only extremely serious about continuing their attacks but are also targeting smaller and less well-known businesses with sophisticated ransomware that may be difficult to evade.

This makes it absolutely imperative for companies to invest in secure cloud storage so that a working version of critical company data is always available in the cloud.

Secure your business with total data protection

Total Data Protection is the only real assurance businesses have when it comes to safeguarding their valuable information.

With comprehensive secure cloud storage, featuring immutable storage, regular automated backups, and access to the past five years’ worth of saved data, our flagship package is a powerful, turnkey solution ideal for any business.

To find out how this solution could benefit your company, click the button below.

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