Andrew Eva, the Global CIO of Assured Data Protection, has shared insightful predictions regarding the evolution of backup, cybersecurity, and data protection as we approach 2025.
Integration of Technologies
A key area of focus will be the seamless integration of backup systems with ransomware detection and antivirus technologies. Eva anticipates that these advancements will also encompass intrusion detection systems, which are designed to identify known exploits and vulnerabilities. He remarked, “In 2025, we’re likely to see continued integration between backup, ransomware detection, and antivirus systems. This will extend into intrusion detection systems, which can identify known exploits and vulnerabilities.”
One notable example of this innovation is the collaboration between Rubrik and Google, which aims to provide Rubrik’s enterprise customers with access to a comprehensive database of known exploits. Eva elaborated, “This will give Rubrik enterprise customers insights that weren’t previously possible, allowing them to quickly identify exploits that can lurk undetected in systems for months.” The goal is to improve early detection of malicious codes, addressing potential threats before traditional antivirus software can respond.
Disaster Recovery’s Evolving Role
Eva also highlighted the changing landscape of disaster recovery systems in the context of cyber threat management. He stated, “This marks a very interesting development in the fight against cyber threats, with backup and disaster recovery systems taking on a more frontline role.” The integration of machine learning tools will enable these systems to assess daily data changes, thereby identifying potential viruses that might evade detection by conventional antivirus programs.
Ongoing Ransomware Concerns
As ransomware continues to pose a significant threat, organizations are prioritizing disaster recovery and backup solutions more than ever. Eva noted, “Ransomware will remain the number one cyber threat in 2025. This is likely to see the continuation of a trend that has become well established this year, with organizations increasingly focusing on disaster recovery and backup and becoming more concerned with DR capabilities and understanding the importance of third-party recovery sites, or ‘clean rooms.’
AI and Data Security
In addition to ransomware, the rise of artificial intelligence has sparked concerns regarding data security. Organizations are becoming increasingly cautious about sharing data with third parties and the use of AI by their partners. Eva emphasized the need for assurances to protect data from potential misuse in AI models, stating, “MSPs providing backup and disaster recovery services will need to be able to provide watertight assurances concerning customer data and their own AI usage.”
Cyber Insurance and Managed Service Providers
The criteria for cyber insurance are tightening, and managed service providers (MSPs) are expected to play a pivotal role in assisting businesses to meet these evolving requirements. As ransomware threats grow, cyber insurance has become essential for many companies. Eva remarked, “Insurance companies are trying to mitigate their risk, and businesses need to know they have a reliable resource in place that will throw a protective layer over their data and be able to recover their digital assets in the event of a breach or incident as an insurance guarantor.”
Surge in Demand for Backup-as-a-Service
Amidst challenges such as resource constraints and the need to operationalize costs, a surge in demand for Backup-as-a-Service (BaaS) is anticipated, particularly in sectors like healthcare. This trend is further supported by a shift in the MSP sector from capital expenditures (Capex) to operational expenditures (Opex), fostering trust and encouraging customers to adopt consumption-based pricing models. Eva explained, “Ongoing pressure related to staff, resources, and time, combined with directives to operationalize costs will see a surge in demand for Backup-as-a-Service in 2025.”
