Counter the Record-Breaking Ransomware Threat in Europe

The frequency of ransomware attacks across Europe is alarming, with 921 reported incidents by July 2025 alone. This puts the continent on pace for its worst year on record, with damages in Germany from cyberattacks estimated at 178 billion euros. Attackers are increasingly sophisticated, employing double extortion tactics and targeting backup repositories to prevent recovery. A successful attack now costs businesses more than just a ransom; it costs operational downtime of weeks. This new reality makes a simple cloud backup insufficient for true business continuity. The core defense strategy must evolve to guarantee that at least one copy of your data is completely untouchable, leading directly to the need for immutability.

Implement Immutable Backups with S3 Object Lock

An immutable backup, or 'unveränderliches backup', is a copy of data that cannot be modified or deleted for a defined retention period. This is achieved using the Write-Once-Read-Many (WORM) model, which is a core feature of S3 Object Lock technology. When Object Lock is enabled on a storage bucket, every object written is protected from change, even from administrator accounts. This modernizes the classic 3-2-1 backup rule to a 3-2-1-1 strategy, where the final '1' represents an immutable copy. This single feature neutralizes the encryption stage of a ransomware attack, ensuring a 100% clean and reliable data source for recovery. The full S3 API compatibility of modern object storage ensures that leading backup tools can enable this feature out-of-the-box. This technical safeguard is the foundation of a resilient data protection strategy.

Meet EU Compliance Mandates for 2025 and Beyond

Storing data within a sovereign European framework is no longer optional. New regulations demand stricter controls over data and its supply chain. The NIS-2 Directive, with enforcement through 2025, requires rigorous risk management and incident reporting for critical sectors across the EU. Simultaneously, the EU Data Act, applicable from September 2025, mandates data portability and aims to eliminate vendor lock-in by phasing out switching fees by 2027. Using an EU-based cloud with immutable storage helps satisfy both requirements in one step. It provides verifiable data integrity for audits and avoids exposure to extra-territorial laws like the US CLOUD Act. A backup strategy built on geofenced, immutable storage is a direct answer to these evolving legal demands.

Leverage an 'Always-Hot' Architecture for Predictable Recoveries

Many cloud providers use complex storage tiers, which can introduce delays and unexpected costs during a recovery. An 'Always-Hot' storage model ensures every piece of data, including every immutable backup, is immediately accessible without restore delays. This eliminates the operational risk of waiting hours or days for data to be rehydrated from a cold tier. This architectural choice simplifies operations and guarantees predictable recovery time objectives (RTOs) of minutes, not hours. It also aligns with the economic model of zero egress fees, as you are not penalized for accessing your own backups during a disaster recovery event. This approach provides both performance and predictability when it matters most.

Build a Practical and Resilient Backup Framework

Implementing a 'unveränderliches backup' strategy is a straightforward process with the right partner. It protects past investments in tools and training by using the standard S3 API. Follow these key steps to build your defense:

1. Confirm your backup software supports S3 Object Lock-most leading vendors like Veeam and NovaBackup do.
2. Choose a cloud storage provider that is S3-compatible, operates exclusively in EU data centers, and charges zero egress fees.
3. Define retention policies based on your business needs and compliance requirements, such as a 30-day immutable period for critical data.
4. Enable Object Lock on your backup buckets in 'Compliance Mode' for the highest level of protection.
5. Regularly test your restore process from the immutable copy to validate your recovery plan, aiming for at least 2 tests per year.
6. Document your immutable backup setup as part of your NIS-2 and GDPR compliance evidence.

This structured approach transforms your backup repository from a target into a fortress.

Eliminate Hidden Costs and Vendor Lock-In

Unpredictable costs are a major challenge in cloud storage, with data egress fees accounting for an average of 6% of total cloud storage bills. These fees are charged whenever data is moved out of a provider's network, creating a financial barrier to switching vendors or implementing a hybrid strategy. A provider with a zero-egress-fee policy offers complete cost predictability, ensuring your bill only reflects the storage you use. This is especially critical for backups, where a large-scale restore could otherwise trigger thousands of euros in unplanned charges. This transparent model is reinforced by the EU Data Act's goal to make data portability a right, freeing businesses from financial lock-in. Choosing a predictable object storage provider is a strategic move for long-term financial control.

Enable MSPs with Sovereign and Profitable Solutions

For Managed Service Providers (MSPs), offering compliant and resilient backup services is a key growth driver. A predictable cost model without egress or API fees allows MSPs to build BaaS offerings with stable, defensible margins. The ability to offer geofenced, immutable storage helps MSPs meet the strict compliance needs of clients in finance and healthcare. Impossible Cloud supports its partners with a multi-tenant console, automation via API/CLI, and expanding local access through distributors like api in Germany and Northamber plc in the UK. This partner-ready approach simplifies onboarding and management, allowing MSPs to deliver high-value, sovereign-by-design data protection services. This is how MSPs can build a better backup and recovery plan for their clients.

Start Building Your Ransomware Defense Today

With ransomware threats growing by over 80% and new EU regulations taking effect, inaction is no longer an option. Adopting a 'unveränderliches backup' strategy is the most effective step an organization can take to ensure its data is safe, recoverable, and sovereign. By combining S3 Object Lock with an EU-only cloud that has a predictable pricing model, you build a resilient and compliant data infrastructure fit for 2025 and beyond. The technology is available today and integrates with the tools you already use. The next step is to put it into practice. Talk to an expert to design your immutable backup strategy and start a free trial to see how simple and effective it can be.