One in Five Organisations Unable to Recover Data After Cyberattacks

A new report from NetApp has found that more than 20 per cent of organisations that experienced cyberattacks in the past 18 months were unable to recover their data. The report, titled Cloud, Complexity, AI: The Triple Threat Demanding New Cyber Resilience Strategies, provides insights into the challenges faced by cybersecurity leaders and offers recommendations for improving cyber resilience.

Conducted by The Futurum Group and sponsored by NetApp, the study surveyed over 1,300 cybersecurity professionals across industries globally. It identified key trends, including the increasing risks posed by hybrid multi-cloud environments, operational complexity, and the growing role of Ai in cybersecurity strategies.

Escalating Threats in the Digital Landscape

According to the report, over 54 per cent of respondents reported experiencing a cyberattack in the past 12 to 18 months, with a significant portion struggling to recover data.

“The findings clearly highlight the urgency for organisations to rethink their cybersecurity strategies in an era of escalating threats,” said Gagan Gulati, General Manager for Data Services at NetApp. “Businesses need to adopt secure-by-design infrastructures that prioritise data resilience, ensuring critical information is protected and recoverable.”

The report underscores the growing need for intelligent data infrastructures that integrate Ai, data classification, and robust security measures to address the complexities of modern cyber threats.

Key Findings from the Report

The study highlights several critical challenges and emerging trends:

• Cloud Security Risks: Misconfigurations in hybrid multi-cloud environments now represent a leading threat, surpassing traditional attacks such as ransomware. Organisations relying on hybrid cloud infrastructures must address these vulnerabilities to maintain data security and operational continuity.
  
  
• Tool Sprawl: Seventy per cent of respondents reported using more than 40 cybersecurity tools, while 84 per cent cited operational complexity as a significant barrier to resilience. The proliferation of tools creates gaps in protection and inefficiencies, underscoring the need for integrated solutions.
  
  
• Role of Ai: Forty per cent of organisations are using Ai for threat detection, with plans to expand its use for automated response and recovery. While Ai offers powerful tools for mitigating threats, its success requires careful oversight to manage false positives and ensure accuracy.
  
  
• Data Classification: Strong data classification frameworks were linked to more effective recovery from attacks. The report emphasises the importance of embedding data classification capabilities within intelligent infrastructure to enable real-time anomaly detection and resilient recovery.
  
  
• Increased Budgets: Over 90 per cent of respondents plan to boost cybersecurity spending in the next 12 to 18 months, with a focus on proactive and integrated solutions.

Data Classification as a Cornerstone of Resilience

Daniel Newman, CEO at The Futurum Group, highlighted the importance of visibility and data-centric strategies.

“This survey sheds light on the critical role of visibility and data classification in navigating the cybersecurity landscape,” Newman said. “By adopting intelligent data infrastructure solutions, organisations can better protect assets, ensure recovery, and thrive amidst disruption.”

Gulati echoed this sentiment, stating, “Data is an organisation’s most valuable asset. Resilient storage solutions, such as those offered by NetApp, serve as the last line of defence, safeguarding information and enabling business continuity.”

The Role of Ai and Integrated Solutions

The report highlights how Ai is reshaping cybersecurity approaches. With its ability to analyse threats at scale and automate responses, Ai is becoming an essential tool for mitigating risks. However, the report cautions that robust human oversight is crucial to ensure Ai solutions remain effective.

Integrated toolchains also play a pivotal role in reducing complexity and enhancing visibility. By consolidating cybersecurity tools, organisations can streamline operations and close protection gaps.

Building Resilience for the Future

The research underscores the urgency of adopting proactive cybersecurity measures. Organisations with resilient data infrastructures have demonstrated faster recovery times and stronger defences against evolving threats.

NetApp’s Intelligent Data Infrastructure framework enables organisations to address these challenges by leveraging advanced data classification, Ai-driven threat detection, and integrated security measures. These tools allow businesses to detect threats in real-time, implement stringent governance practices, and maintain compliance with evolving standards.

A Call to Action for Organisations

As cyber threats grow in complexity, the report calls on businesses to prioritise resilience through data-centric strategies and increased investment. By adopting intelligent infrastructure and embracing Ai, organisations can enhance their ability to respond to threats and ensure continuity in the face of disruptions.

For the full findings of the Cybersecurity Visibility Study 2024 and insights from industry leaders, visit NetApp’s website.

Methodology

The research, conducted in late 2024, included a survey of over 1,300 cybersecurity leaders worldwide. Respondents ranged from C-level executives to directors in IT and security across various industries. The study also incorporated 15 in-depth interviews with decision-makers, providing a detailed look at the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of cybersecurity.

Last Updated on December 9, 2024 by Nick Ross