Guest editorial by Eric Bassier, Senior Director of Product Marketing, Quantum

Cybercriminals are constantly finding new and innovative ways to trick employees into clicking links that enable ransomware to infiltrate an organization’s infrastructure. In fact, according to a recent study by ESG Research of more than 300 IT and line of business executives, two out of five respondents reported that their organizations had experienced successful ransomware attacks.

Even more startling? The fact that more than 80% had paid ransoms to retrieve their data.

As businesses continue the move towards digital transformation, the growth in data being generated—particularly unstructured data from video, imagery, IoT sensor data, and AI/ML applications—has grown exponentially. However, as this “new” and valuable data is collected, it has unique storage requirements, which layers on new challenges for cybersecurity and protection.

There is a need for organizations to reprioritize and refocus their data security investments – placing an emphasis on building a cyber-resilient infrastructure that can ensure their data is protected from the inevitable.

Understanding The Threat

Cyber threats and ransomware attacks are more than a security issue, they’re a business issue. Increasingly sophisticated malware is wreaking havoc across all industries, causing an unimaginable amount of data loss and credential theft.

Even more, this trend results in revenue loss from the downtime a ransomware attack cause to an organization’s applications and infrastructure, and potentially irreparable damage to its reputation.

(Learn More about Ransomware Attacks, courtesy of Quantum and YouTube.)

As mentioned, the requirements for protecting data continue to get more complex as organizations are managing massive data growth. To strengthen cybersecurity and reduce business risk, organizations must employ a multi-layered data protection approach to ensure resiliency and recoverability at any point of the data lifecycle.

A Multi-Layered Approach to Data Protection

In the wake of the Colonial Pipeline breach and Solar Winds cyberattack, the U.S. government issued an executive order to bolster national cybersecurity defenses to withstand similar attacks.

With the heightened awareness around cybersecurity and the ever-evolving threat landscape, there is a clear sense of urgency that a multi-layered strategy must be implemented to ensure an organization is well-protected:

1. Not one, not two, but three copies.

   • Organizations looking to protect themselves against bad actors should aim to keep three copies of all data at any given time.

   • The first would be the primary copy, and the remaining two would be considered backup copies.

   • Both backup copies should be stored on two different types of media – for example, disk and tape.

2. Immutable snapshots are your friend.

   • Primary backup storage, such as high-speed disk-based or flash-based backup systems, should employ immutable snapshots.

   • These snapshots serve two purposes: the first, to stamp permanence, and the second, to protect the “primary” backup data sets.

3. Don’t underestimate offline storage.

   • Cloud storage has become a streamlined, accessible way to store data of all kinds.

   • However, if it’s easily accessible to you, it’s likely easily accessible to bad actors.

   • Tape libraries, for example, provide an option for secure, offline or “air-gapped” storage to keep a copy of data as a “last line of”

4. Object locking is a must.

   • If considering object storage for either your primary backup storage or for long-term retention of backup data, use versioning and object locking.

   • This tactic helps to secure data in flight and at rest with encryption and to further protect data against ransomware.

   • Once set, object lock helps to provide retention and immutability in order to mitigate the risk of ransomware.

What’s Next?

Across all industries – healthcare, manufacturing, government, and more – ransomware has surged over the past few years. It will continue to do so as bad actors develop new methods for infiltrating an organization’s systems and infrastructure.

While networks and production data must be protected, so does your backup infrastructure. A recent analysis of criminal tactics indicates that attackers are targeting critical systems but with a focus on backup first.

Why? If they can disable your ability to recover, they’ve won the battle.

With the ability to recover gone, what can you do? Institutions end up paying the ransom, but this doesn’t solve the problem.

By incorporating a multi-layered approach to backup and ransomware recovery, including offline copies of data that are not physically accessible, organizations can better secure and isolate data in different tiers, all kept in either a non-network addressable location or in an immutable state that simply is unreachable by an intruder.

About the Author

Eric Bassier leads product and technical marketing at Quantum.

Eric and his team drive Quantum’s product and go-to-market strategy globally, and with over 18 years of experience in designing, managing, and marketing enterprise storage products, his writing has appeared in Wired, Business Solutions, Data Center Post, Data Center Knowledge, and more.

Quantum delivers end-to-end software solutions to store, manage, enrich, and archive unstructured data across the entire lifecycle.  The company sells scale-out storage, archive, and data protection solutions for capturing, sharing, and preserving digital assets in physical and virtual environments. Quantum also provides storage file systems, nearline storage systems, backup, and de-duplication appliances, tape libraries, and cloud services.

Following the acquisitions of hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) software companies Pivot3 and EnCloudEn in 2021, Quantum has rapidly strengthened and continued to innovate on its end-to-end portfolio to store, manage, and enrich video surveillance data across its entire lifecycle, resulting in recognition from several industry awards.

“The amount of data being generated by video surveillance cameras and other physical security applications is growing exponentially, which is why we’re committed to providing customers with comprehensive, end-to-end solutions that help them to manage and find value in video data throughout its entire lifecycle,” explains Choon-Seng Tan, general manager, strategic markets for Quantum.

“Today’s solutions for storing video data—like standard NVRs—cannot keep up with the rapid growth of data and increasing requirements to retain data for longer periods of time.”

“Our USP software, which was a result of the innovation our team developed to enhance the technologies we acquired from Pivot3 and EnCloudEn, enables customers to scale as needed and offers the highest level of resilience to ensure data is not lost or degraded.”

“These industry awards are proof points to our leading solutions that support today’s modern video surveillance needs.”

“With more data to manage, store and retain and the wide range of physical security applications they have to support, customers need a flexible infrastructure that will grow with them and deliver the best TCO,” added Tom Larson, president of Velasea, full-service OEM system builder, and distributor for the physical security market.

“We only partner with companies that offer the best solutions to help security integrators and their customers reduce costs and allow them to evolve their security infrastructure to keep pace with ever-changing technology, compliance regulations, and requirements over time, which is why we chose to work with Quantum and the innovative solutions they provide.”

For more information about Quantum’s end-to-end solutions for video surveillance please visit https://www.quantum.com/en/solutions.

Quantum Wins Two ‘ASTORS’  Awards Showing Continued Technology Leadership

American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now in its Seventh Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.

Quantum Corporation (First of Two)

Best Video Data Storage Solution

• Quantum Unified Surveillance Platform

• Maintaining physical and digital security has become an increasingly complicated and demanding task. Quantum, a leading provider of solutions to capture, store, protect and retain video surveillance data, developed its new Unified Surveillance Platform (USP) to alleviate the most pressing pain points in surveillance storage and security.

• The new solution offers organizations the ability to unify server, storage, and networking to provide the resilience, flexibility, and security required for capturing and storing mission-critical video and hosting other physical security applications in mid-size to large-scale environments.

• Quantum USP delivers flexibility by allowing system integrators and organizations to use their industry-standard server platform of choice, whether it be a new server or re-purposing an existing one and using a software-based subscription model to procure the software and support. This significantly reduces costs and disruptions to existing infrastructure strategies while at the same time helping SIs and physical security leaders establish a more modern infrastructure to support all their key security applications to lower risk and help them achieve their safety and security directives.  

• The Quantum USP combines various cutting-edge features designed to create a more resilient, user-friendly, and scalable infrastructure. Improved infrastructure can deliver better video surveillance uptime, higher resource utilization, and lower overall cost of ownership.

(Organizations are looking for ways to simplify their physical security environment while lowering costs, reducing security risks, and ensuring flexibility for future growth. The Quantum Unified Surveillance Platform (USP) provides a resilient, flexible, and secure platform for capturing, storing, and managing mission-critical video and hosting other physical security applications, such as access control, visitor management, or security dashboards. Courtesy of Quantum Corp and YouTube.)

• By delivering a software-defined infrastructure based on the SIs or organizations’ choice of hardware, the Quantum Unified Surveillance platform enables the physical security world to implement a modern surveillance infrastructure to support the ever-advancing physical security applications in use today and tomorrow.

Quantum Corporation (Second of Two)

Best Video Management Solution

• Quantum Smart NVR VS-NVR Series

• The Quantum Smart NVR is a revolutionary new video recording server designed to lower the costs and complexity in physical security deployments by supporting multiple applications on a single NVR and providing data center-grade cyber security and remote proactive health and resource monitoring capabilities.

• The Smart NVR moves the physical security industry beyond conventional NVRs and creates a next-generation, integrated appliance that does more and delivers more value for small-to-mid size deployments including remote/branch offices and edge sites.

• By supporting any vendor’s Video Management System (VMS), physical security application, and other applications found in remote/branch offices or edge sites, the Smart NVRs reduce the amount of physical servers required and simplify the deployment and on-going management and maintenance of the infrastructure.

• The Quantum Smart NVR is available in various form factors, including 2U rack mount, and an ultra-dense 4U 60-bay rack mount server for recording and retaining footage from hundreds of cameras for months or years.

• *Quantum is a returning Multi-‘ASTORS’ Awards Champion, having secured Multiple Wins in the 2021, 2017, and 2016 Homeland Security Awards Programs.

Homeland Security remains at the forefront of our national conversation as we experience an immigration crisis along our southern border and crime rates that are dramatically higher than before the Pandemic across the United States.

These challenges have become a national priority with an influx of investments in innovative new technologies and systems.

Enter American Security Today, the #1 publication and media platform in the Government Security and Homeland Security fields, with a circulation of over 75,000 readers and many tens of thousands more who visit our AST website at www.americansecuritytoday.com each month.

The pinnacle of the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Ceremony Luncheon Banquet, an exclusive, full-course plated meal event, in the heart of New York City.

This year’s exclusive sold-out ‘ASTORS’ luncheon featured representatives of law enforcement, public safety, and industry leaders who came together to honor the selfless service of those who stand on the front lines, and those who stand beside them – providing the capabilities and technologies to create a safer world for generations to come.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which came out in force, to discuss comprehensive collaborations between private and public sectors that have led to the development of intelligence and technologies which serve to protect our nation.

The continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program emphasized the trail of Accomplished Women in Leadership in 2022, as well as the Significance and Positive Impact of Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in our Next Generation of Government and Industry Leaders.

The keynote address was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane Sabatino, who described the changes to CBP through the tragedy of 9/11 and the relentless commitment to its mission and ongoing investment in the latest technologies and innovations to protect our borders and Homeland.

The resounding theme of the DEAC’s remarks was her pride in the women and men of the CBP and their families who support them.

AST was also joined by Legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton, who spoke, as always, about his love for the City of New York, the Profession of law enforcement to which he has dedicated his life, and for which he continues to drive thought leadership and innovation.

New York City Police Department (NYPD) Chief of Department Kenneth Corey, came out to address Luncheon attendees and shared some of his experiences and the changes in policing he’s witnessed over his more than three decades of service.

FDNY Chief Joseph Jardin honored the men and women of the FDNY, not only those who currently serve but all of those who have selflessly served, with a special recognition of those lost on 9/11.

Chief Jardin spoke about the continuing health battle of many following 9/11 with cancer and respiratory disease, yet now knowing the full consequences, would not have made a different decision to respond.

As Chief Jardin noted, mission-driven service is in the lifeblood of every firefighter, volunteer and sworn and has been so throughout the history of the Fire Service.

Former head of the FBI’s active shooter program, Katherine Schweit joined AST to sign complimentary copies of her book, ‘STOP THE KILLING: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis,’ thanks to the generosity of our 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Sponsors. 

The 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program was Proudly Sponsored by NEC National Security Systems (NSS), ATI Systems, Automatic Systems of America, guardDog AI, Fortior Solutions, IPVideo Corporation, Rajant Corporation, RX Global, and SIMS Software!

We were pleased to welcome the esteemed New York City Fire Department (FDNY); the New York City Police Department (NYPD); and the NYC Hospital Police,  as well as Executive Management from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and many other DHS agencies, Federal law enforcement agencies, and private/public partnerships such as the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), the 30×30 Initiative, a coalition of professionals advancing the representation of women in policing; and Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) (rail safety advocates).

The prestigious Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program highlights the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.

In 2022 over 240 distinguished guests representing Federal, State, and Local Governments, and Industry Leading Corporate Firms gathered from across North America, Europe, and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields.

Each year, to keep our communities safe and secure, security dealers, installers, integrators, and consultants, along with corporate, government, and law enforcement/first responder practitioners, convene in New York City to network, learn and evaluate the latest technologies and solutions from premier exhibiting brands at ISC East, the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management Expo (NDEM EXPO), and the ASIS NYC Expo.

ISC East is the Northeast’s leading security & public safety event, hosted in collaboration with sponsor Security Industry Association (SIA) and in partnership with ASIS NYC.

Corporate firms, the majority of which return year to year to build upon their Legacy of Wins, include:

Advanced Detection Technologies, AMAROK, ATI Systems, Axis Communications, Automatic Systems, BriefCam, Canon U.S.A., Cellbusters, CornellCookson, CyberArk  Fortior Solutions, guardDog.ai, Hanwha Techwin of America, High Rise Escape Systems, IPVideo Corporation, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, NEC National Security Systems, NICE Public Safety, OnSolve, PureTech Systems, Quantum Corporation, Rave Mobile Safety, Regroup Mass Notification, Robotic Assistance Devices, Rajant Corporation, SafeLogic, Select Engineering Services LLC, Singlewire Software, SolarWinds Worldwide, Teledyne FLIR, Valor Systems, and West Virginia American Access Control Systems, just to name a few!

Why American Security Today?

The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old-school basics to what is Today – a fast-changing security landscape.

American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State, and local levels of government as well as firms allied to the government.

American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers’ eyes throughout the story with cutting-edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.

Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications

AST Digital Publications are distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals, in federal, state, local, and private security sectors.

‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’

AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.

Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture, and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.

These experts are from Government at the federal, state, and local levels as well as from private firms allied to the government.

AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website, and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.

AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.

Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.

To learn more about ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, Be On the LookOut for the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2022 ‘A Year in Review’.

The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.

It will serve as your Go-To Source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2022 Products and Services’ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and/or organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.

From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection, and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware, and Networking Security – to name a few), the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION will have what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.

It will also include featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.

A complete list of 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners will be announced shortly.

For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:

• Provides named sources
• Reported by more than one notable outlet
• Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos

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