Why ransomware requires isolated backups

What truly matters today: Three core protection principles

1. Physical and logical isolation (air gap)

Backups that are permanently connected to servers or clients via network shares are among the first victims of modern ransomware.

The decisive factor:

Backups must be separated from the production network – both technically and organizationally.

The MOUNT10 approach:

Dedicated transfer paths and storage in the SWISS FORT KNOX ensure a clear separation between production systems and backups.
This prevents malware from gaining direct access to backup copies.

2. Point-in-time backups & highest encryption standards

An effective backup must do more than simply mirror data.

• Effective protection: MOUNT10 creates true point-in-time backups. In the event of an infection, you can restore a clean, earlier version – rendering extortion attempts ineffective.

• Encryption as a digital vault: All data is encrypted using AES 256-bit encryption. Neither third parties nor MOUNT10 can access your content.
  (Note: Certain technical metadata, such as file names in OneDrive or email subject lines, remain unencrypted for system-related reasons.)

• Personal 24/7 support: Security is not an anonymous ticket system. Our Switzerland-based team is available around the clock at no extra cost to initiate recovery immediately.

3. History instead of a single snapshot

Ransomware attacks often remain undetected for extended periods.
Backing up only the latest version risks saving already compromised data.

A professional backup concept therefore provides:

• fast recovery

• flexible retention periods

• encrypted storage at an external location

These factors are particularly critical for SMEs.

Why Switzerland as a location is an additional security factor

Modern attacks increasingly combine encryption with data theft (“double extortion”).

A backup location in Switzerland offers two key advantages:

• Legal certainty: Data storage under Swiss data protection law (nDSG)
• Physical security: Highly secure data centers such as the SWISS FORT KNOX also protect against non-digital threats

This ensures that data sovereignty always remains with the company.

Preparation beats reaction

Ransomware is no longer just an IT issue – it is an existential risk for SMEs.

A modern backup strategy today requires:

• clear separation from production systems

• dedicated solutions for Microsoft 365

• transparent and regularly tested recovery processes

Backups are not designed to prevent attacks –
but to ensure you remain operational despite an attack.

Would you like to know how well your current backup strategy is prepared?
Do the Backup check by MOUNT10 and see where your backup plan needs attention