According to Security Magazine, there are over 2,200 attacks each day which breaks down to nearly 1 cyberattack every 39 seconds, been ransomware the most popular and probably the one that is getting more attention by the media. Ransomware is popular not only because of its denial of service, extortion and data-theft based nature, but also because of the very noticed attacks perpetrated and the well-known support that some nations are providing to organised hacker groups. But ransomware is not the only threat, AI has also become a driving force for cyber threats, enabling adversaries to launch more sophisticated and effective attacks faster and at a larger scale.  

Some backup vendors are hitting the market offering a complete ransomware protection, but honestly, thinking that any backup software can detect possible infections on the systems it backs up is naive. Standard backup solutions alone are no longer sufficient to safeguard against the myriad forms of ransomware emerging daily. Traditional backup systems typically operate under the assumption that the data being safeguarded is already secure and uncorrupted. However, this assumption falls short in today’s environment, where ransomware variants are specifically designed to evade detection and can lie dormant, only to activate after they have infiltrated backups. This delayed activation strategy allows ransomware to spread through networked systems unnoticed, making not just operational data vulnerable but also the backups supposed to ensure business continuity in crisis situations. Consequently, backups themselves can become a hidden reservoir of malware, leading to a vicious cycle of reinfection, and rendering disaster recovery efforts futile when they are most needed. 

Given this new reality, the integration of antivirus and anti-malware solutions with backup systems has become imperative, and OpenText is the only company offering its customers two leading enterprise backup and anti-virus/anti-malware solutions, Data Protector and WebRoot. That’s why we are launching this new integration in our new DP 24.2 release. 

Antivirus software, such as WebRoot, provides real-time threat detection and employs advanced heuristic analysis to identify and neutralize not just known viruses but also new, unidentified threats that conventional backups might miss. This proactive approach is critical because it ensures that the data being backed up is continuously scanned and cleaned before it is stored. Moreover, modern antivirus solutions are equipped with machine learning capabilities that adapt and evolve with new threats, offering a dynamic defence mechanism that is crucial for countering the innovative tactics employed by ransomware developers. By integrating these protective measures with robust backup solutions like OpenText Data Protector, organizations can create a resilient defence-in-depth strategy that not only backs up data but also ensures the integrity and cleanliness of that data, thereby securing a reliable restoration point free from malicious encryptions or manipulations.  

Understanding the Importance of Clean Backups 

A backup is only as good as its last clean state. If a backup contains infected files or ransomware, it compromises not only the recovery process but also the entire IT infrastructure's integrity. In an era where ransomware attacks are becoming more sophisticated and frequent, the significance of having clean, uncorrupted backups cannot be overstated. 

Why WebRoot  

Businesses of all sizes are under constant attack. With the volume and velocity of attacks, it’s never been more critical to stop malware, ransomware, phishing, and other damaging attacks aimed at your users and systems. 

Webroot Endpoint Protection solves these problems by delivering an award-winning management console with comprehensive protection that complements an organization’s cyber resilience strategy. Webroot harnesses the power of cloud computing and real-time machine learning to continuously monitor and adapt endpoint defences. 

Some of the most remarkable features that WebRoot offers include: 

Collective threat intelligence 

• Powered by advanced machine learning. 
• Predictive analytics provides automated protection against zero-day threats. 
• Requires minimal human interaction. 

Superior speed and efficiency 

• Nimble agent designed for minimal footprint and system performance impact. 
• Easy to deploy and installs in seconds. 
• Ultra-fast scans. 

Cloud-based architecture 

• Continuously correlates and analyses data from 95+ million sensors. 
• Access to advanced computing power. 

The Role of OpenText Data Protector 

OpenText Data Protector is a highly scalable backup and recovery management solution designed for diverse, distributed enterprises. It offers centralized control and advanced automation capabilities, making it a vital component of a comprehensive data protection strategy. However, like all backup solutions, it requires an additional layer of security to protect the data it handles. 

How to Integrate OpenText Data Protector with WebRoot 

Integrating these two systems involves several steps, primarily focused on ensuring that WebRoot scans all files before they are backed up by Data Protector. Here’s a basic outline: 

• First step is having WebRoot deployed to clients, no matter if it was used before or it has to be a new fresh install.  
• Once WebRoot is working it starts scanning and protecting the severs. Clients report scan results to WebRoot cloud instance. 
• DP integrates directly with WebRoot cloud, so it’s aware of the situation of every client before running the backup.  

• Any possible situation is reported to DP and logged into the session statistics. 

• The situation of each backup can easily been monitored from the DP console 

Conclusion 

Integrating OpenText Data Protector with Webroot is not just about adding a layer of security; it's about ensuring the viability and integrity of backup data. In the fight against cyber threats like ransomware, proactive prevention through such integrations is key to maintaining business continuity and data security. By leveraging the strengths of both OpenText Data Protector and Webroot, businesses can protect themselves against potential disruptions and data loss, ensuring that they remain resilient in the face of evolving cyber threats.  

Learn more about WebRoot. 

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