Can it really be five years ago? Sometimes, it feels like only yesterday that we were thrown into an alternate reality of trying on masks and maintaining social distancing. On other occasions, flattening the curve and the quest for herd immunity seem like relics of a far-flung era.
Life has moved on, yet COVID-19’s impact on data backup and cyber resilience is still being felt all around us. The challenges generated by the pandemic triggered unprecedented upheaval that continues to shape the data landscape – both for better and for worse.
But how did these changes come about, and what do they mean for the data protection landscape in 2025? Here’s a timeline of when the big shifts occurred, why they happened, and where we stand today.
2020: Thinking on the fly
The sudden emergence of COVID-19 forced organisations worldwide to accommodate remote work environments. Who among us can forget the rush to kit out our new home offices?
Employers also had to adjust. Traditional on-premises data backup solutions, which relied heavily on centralised infrastructure, became inadequate for a workforce now operating from diverse locations. This abrupt shift exposed significant vulnerabilities in existing data protection strategies, compelling businesses to seek more flexible solutions to ensure data accessibility and security across various devices and networks.
The trend accelerated the adoption of cloud-based backup systems. Cloud solutions offered the scalability and remote accessibility necessary to support a dispersed workforce. However, this rapid transition came at a price. By prioritising operational continuity over robust security, data protection gaps emerged in many organisations. Given the urgency to maintain business functions, this was an understandable short-term compromise. What these arrangements did not provide, however, was a blueprint for long-term data resilience.
2021: All about that BaaS
By the second year of the pandemic, the trend toward cloud-based solutions had solidified. Backup as a Service (BaaS) emerged as the preferred choice for many organisations. The economic uncertainties introduced by COVID-19 led businesses to seek cost-effective, scalable, and easily deployable data protection solutions. BaaS offered a pay-as-you-go model, reducing the need for significant upfront investments in infrastructure and providing the flexibility to scale services according to organisational needs.
This shift not only streamlined backup processes but also enhanced data resilience by leveraging the robust infrastructure of cloud service providers. Improved disaster recovery capabilities reduced the burden on internal IT teams, but increased reliance on third-party providers also necessitated a thorough evaluation of service-level agreements (SLAs) and security protocols to ensure that data remained protected against emerging threats.
2022: The threat pandemic
The end of lockdown did not bring about the end of remote work, which was now the norm. Workers rejoiced at their newfound freedom and flexibility, but so did hackers. Cyberattacks surged in frequency and sophistication.
Recognising the necessity of integrating advanced security measures into their backup strategies, many organisations stepped up their protection. Immutable backups gained prominence as a defence mechanism against ransomware. There was also a heightened focus on comprehensive disaster recovery plans that encompassed both data restoration and business continuity, ensuring minimal disruption in the event of an attack.
2023: Regulators strike back
With cyber threats still on the rise, regulatory bodies intensified their focus on data protection and cyber security. The introduction of frameworks like the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) in the European Union underscored the importance of robust data backup and recovery mechanisms.
Organisations were compelled to align their data protection strategies with these evolving regulations, emphasising the need for regular audits, transparent reporting, and adherence to standardised security protocols. Non-compliance carried severe penalties, prompting many to invest in more robust and compliant data resilience strategies.
2024: The automation integration
Last year witnessed the rise of AI integration into data backup solutions. These tools enhanced threat detection, automated routine backup tasks, and optimised data recovery processes. They also reduced human error, leading to more reliable and responsive data protection strategies.
AI also played a critical role in evolving resilience strategies by enabling predictive analytics. Instead of merely reacting to failures or breaches, organisations began using AI to forecast potential disruptions based on patterns in system behaviour and threat intelligence. Automation also streamlined recovery processes, reducing downtime and improving service-level performance. These advancements marked a shift from traditional, manual backup routines to dynamic, intelligent systems capable of adapting in real time.
2025: Preparing for the future
This year, the focus is on building resilient and adaptable data protection infrastructures. The lessons learned since the pandemic have highlighted the importance of proactive strategies, continuous monitoring, and the ability to respond rapidly to emerging threats.
Investments in advanced technologies, ongoing staff training, and collaboration with trusted partners are central to ensuring data resilience in an increasingly complex digital landscape. The rise of Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) and the adoption of zero-trust security models reflect the industry’s commitment to continuously evolving in response to new challenges.
Build resilience with Redstor
Throughout the upheaval of the last five years, Redstor has led the shift to smarter, faster, and more secure data protection. Our cloud-first platform enables businesses to back up and recover across a wide range of environments without the need for hardware or complex setup. With features like InstantData™, built-in ransomware protection, and automated compliance tools, Redstor helps organisations stay resilient for whatever the future brings.
A reactive backup strategy will always leave you on the back foot against unfolding threats. Take proactive steps to secure your data by getting in touch today.