implementing-ransomware-backup-strategy

name	implementing-ransomware-backup-strategy
description	Designs a ransomware-resilient backup strategy using the 3-2-1-1-0 methodology (3 copies, 2 media types, 1 offsite, 1 immutable/air-gapped, 0 restore errors), configuring RPO/RTO-aligned schedules, isolating backup credentials, and automating restore testing. Use when planning ransomware backup resilience or air-gapped/immutable backup architecture.
domain	cybersecurity
subdomain	ransomware-defense
tags	["ransomware","backup","incident-response","defense","recovery","immutable-storage"]
version	1.0.0
author	mahipal
license	Apache-2.0
nist_ai_rmf	["MEASURE-2.7","MAP-5.1","MANAGE-2.4","MANAGE-3.1","MEASURE-3.1"]
atlas_techniques	["AML.T0070","AML.T0066","AML.T0082"]
nist_csf	["PR.DS-11","RS.MA-01","RC.RP-01","PR.IR-01"]
mitre_attack	["T1078","T1190","T1059","T1003","T1110"]
mitre_f3	{"version":"1.1","tactics":["positioning","monetization"],"techniques":[{"id":"T1531","name":"Account Access Removal","tactic":"positioning","source":"attack"},{"id":"F1018","name":"Convert to Cryptocurrency","tactic":"monetization","source":"f3"},{"id":"F1047","name":"Transfer of funds","tactic":"monetization","source":"f3"},{"id":"F1017.001","name":"Conversion to Physical Monetary Instruments: Cash","tactic":"monetization","source":"f3"}]}

Implementing Ransomware Backup Strategy

When to Use

• Designing backup architecture that withstands ransomware encryption and deletion attempts
• Migrating from traditional backup to ransomware-resilient backup with immutable storage
• Establishing RPO/RTO targets for critical systems and validating them through restore testing
• Isolating backup credentials and infrastructure from the production Active Directory domain
• Meeting cyber insurance requirements for backup resilience and tested recovery capabilities

Do not use as a substitute for endpoint protection, network segmentation, or incident response planning. Backups are a last line of defense, not a primary prevention control.

Prerequisites

• Inventory of critical systems, applications, and data classified by business impact (Tier 1/2/3)
• Defined RPO (Recovery Point Objective) and RTO (Recovery Time Objective) per tier
• Backup software supporting immutable repositories (Veeam 12+, Commvault, Rubrik, Cohesity)
• Isolated backup network segment or air-gapped storage infrastructure
• Separate backup admin credentials not joined to the production AD domain

Workflow

Step 1: Classify Assets and Define Recovery Objectives

Map all systems into recovery tiers based on business impact:

Tier	Examples	RPO	RTO	Backup Frequency
Tier 1 (Critical)	Domain controllers, ERP, databases	1 hour	4 hours	Hourly incremental, daily full
Tier 2 (Important)	File servers, email, web apps	4 hours	12 hours	Every 4 hours incremental, daily full
Tier 3 (Standard)	Dev environments, archives	24 hours	48 hours	Daily incremental, weekly full

Document dependencies between systems. Domain controllers and DNS must recover before application servers. Database servers before application tiers.

Step 2: Implement 3-2-1-1-0 Architecture

Configure backup storage following the extended 3-2-1-1-0 rule:

Copy 1 - Primary backup on local storage:

# Veeam backup job targeting local repository
# Fast restore for operational recovery
Backup Repository: Local NAS (CIFS/NFS) or SAN
Retention: 14 days of restore points
Encryption: AES-256 with password not stored in AD