“We Have Backups - So We’re Covered… Right?”
That’s what a CEO told me this week during a conversation about cybersecurity at his growing Austin-based company.
I asked him one simple question:
“When was the last time your team tested a full restore from a backup… on a locked-down system?”
He looked at his IT guy.
Silence.
It’s a moment I’ve seen play out far too often.
Many CEOs and business owners believe backups alone are enough to recover from a ransomware attack. The truth is, in 2025, that mindset is not just outdated - it’s dangerous.
Ransomware: Then vs. Now
In the past, ransomware was simple: click a bad link, get locked out, pay a ransom.
Today, attacks are strategic. Cybercriminals spend weeks inside your network, learning your systems, disabling backups, and striking when it hurts the most.
By the time it hits, it’s not just your files that are encrypted - it’s your business operations.
What Modern CEOs Are Doing Instead
Here’s what the most prepared Austin CEOs are doing to stay ahead:
• Immutable, offsite backups – Can’t be encrypted, deleted, or tampered with.
• Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) – Stops threats in real-time with AI-driven analysis.
• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Across all systems, not just email.
• Quarterly Phishing Simulations – Because your team is your first line of defense.
• Disaster Recovery Plans – That are tested, timed, and trained for under pressure.
These solutions aren’t about fear; they’re about control, continuity, and cost savings. The faster your team can recover, the less your business loses.
What You Should Do Next
If you’re a CEO or business owner in Austin, TX and you haven’t reviewed your ransomware response plan in the last 6 months, you’re at risk.
Cybersecurity companies in Austin, like CTTS, are helping businesses audit their vulnerabilities, modernize their protection, and build real response strategies - before the breach.
Because at the end of the day, luck isn’t a strategy.
FAQs
1. If I have backups, why do I still need EDR or MFA?
Backups don’t stop attacks - they help recover. EDR and MFA actively prevent ransomware from succeeding in the first place.
2. How often should my company test our disaster recovery plan?
At least once per year, and anytime major systems or vendors change. Quarterly is ideal for growing businesses.
3. Are small businesses in Austin really targeted by ransomware?
Yes. In fact, 43% of cyberattacks target small to mid-sized businesses—because they’re seen as easy targets with weaker defenses.
Contact CTTS today for IT support and managed services in Austin, TX. Let us handle your IT so you can focus on growing your business. Visit CTTSonline.com or call us at (512) 388-5559 to get started!