What would happen if you walked into your office in Acworth, Cartersville, or Canton tomorrow and all your business data was… gone?

Not accidentally deleted. Not misplaced.

Locked. Encrypted. Held hostage by cybercriminals demanding a steep ransom just to give it back.

Welcome to the harsh reality of modern ransomware attacks—a threat that's rapidly rising across Georgia and beyond.

In fact, ransomware attacks surged 84% in Q1 of 2025 compared to the same period last year. Today, it’s not a matter of if your business might be targeted—it’s a matter of when.

Two-thirds of businesses have already been hit within the past two years.

So, is your business ready?

Here’s the good news: There is a proven solution.

It’s called immutable backup storage, and it could be your business’s best defense against data loss, downtime, and ransom payments.

But first, let’s break down the problem.

Ransomware is a form of cyberattack where hackers gain access to your network, encrypt your critical files, and demand payment (often in cryptocurrency) to unlock them. And today’s attackers aren’t just targeting your active files—they’re going after your backups too.

96% of ransomware attacks in the last 24 months also hit backup systems.
Yes—your last line of defense is now the first thing they target.

That’s why immutable storage matters.

Immutable means unchangeable. Once your data is backed up into immutable storage, it cannot be edited, deleted, or altered, not even by someone with administrative access.

Even if hackers break through your firewalls and security software, your backups remain locked tight and untouched—ready to restore when you need them.

It’s like storing your most important data in a digital vault with no back door.

What about cloud backups?

Traditionally, businesses used “air-gapped” backups—devices disconnected from the internet—to protect their files. Today, secure cloud solutions provide the same level of protection, without the complexity or hardware headaches.

Cloud-based immutable backups are:

  • More scalable than physical drives
  • Faster to restore in an emergency
  • Easier to manage and automate

Yet, despite the proven benefits, only 59% of businesses are using immutable backups, even though 81% of IT professionals recommend it as the most effective ransomware protection available.

So, why wait?

Metro Atlanta businesses can’t afford to ignore this. Whether you're running a medical office in Cartersville, a law firm in Canton, or a manufacturing shop in Acworth, your data is a target.

Firewalls and antivirus software are essential, but when cybercriminals break through—and they often do—your backup strategy becomes your business’s lifeline.

At Custom Technologies Inc., we help small and mid-sized businesses across Metro Atlanta adopt a “breach mentality.” That means planning not just for prevention, but for fast, safe recovery when disaster strikes.

Let us manage your network so you can manage your business.

Need help reviewing your current backup systems or ready to implement immutable storage? Get in touch with our team today.