Ransomware Defense: ExaGrid CEO on Tiered Backup Storage, Air Gap Solutions & AI-Driven Security

In this exclusive VMblog Expert Interview, David Marshall speaks with Bill Andrews, President and CEO of ExaGrid, about the evolving landscape of backup storage security in the face of increasing ransomware threats and climate challenges.

Andrews explains how traditional backup storage approaches using primary storage systems or basic deduplication appliances are no longer sufficient in today's threat landscape. He introduces ExaGrid's tiered backup storage approach, which implements critical security features including non-network-facing storage tiers, immutable backups, and delayed delete functionality to protect against both external and insider threats.

The interview covers several key topics essential for IT professionals concerned with data protection:
* Why securing the backup application alone isn't enough
* The importance of implementing air-gapped storage solutions
* How to protect against both ransomware and malicious data deletion
* Critical security measures including two-factor authentication and dual-role authorization
* The growing need for tertiary backup copies due to climate-related disasters
* Upcoming AI features that can detect anomalous deletion patterns and alert organizations to potential attacks

With over 4,600 customers across 80+ countries, ExaGrid offers scalable solutions for organizations managing 50 terabytes to petabytes of data. For more information or to schedule a no-commitment test deployment, visit exagrid.com.