Backup is No Longer a Safety Net, It’s a Critical Cybersecurity Pillar: Russell Chen, Country Manager SAARC Region, Synology

In an exclusive conversation with Express Computer, Russell Chen, Country Manager SAARC Region, Synology discusses the launch of the ActiveProtect Appliance series and its unique approach to enterprise data protection. The discussion covers the evolving role of backup and recovery amid rising cyber threats, how the latest ransomware trends are shaping data security strategies, and the importance of zero-trust security. He also shares insights on AI-driven backup automation and key emerging technologies enterprises should invest in to enhance cyber resilience over the coming years.

With the launch of the ActiveProtect Appliance series, how does Synology plan to differentiate itself from competitors in the enterprise data protection space?

Synology sets itself apart by offering a fully integrated software and hardware ecosystem, empowering IT teams with centralised backup management. Our innovative features—such as immutable storage, air-gapped security, and seamless hybrid cloud integration—provide comprehensive data protection tailored to the evolving needs of modern enterprises.

How has the role of backup and recovery solutions changed in the wake of increasing ransomware and cyberattacks?

With the rise of ransomware and cyberattacks, backup and recovery have evolved from a mere safety net to a critical pillar of cybersecurity strategy. The traditional 3-2-1 backup rule, while foundational, is no longer sufficient against modern threats. Today, businesses must adopt the 3-2-1-1-0 strategy, integrating immutable backups that cannot be edited, deleted, or encrypted, even if admin credentials are compromised, and isolated backups to prevent unauthorised access. Furthermore, ensuring zero-error verification of backup data is essential, guaranteeing reliable recovery when disaster strikes.

Ransomware attacks in the SAARC region are expected to grow by over 50% in 2025. How does ActiveProtect provide an added layer of resilience against these threats?

ActiveProtect strengthens cyber resilience through:

• Immutable backups to prevent data tampering.
• Air-gapped protection using whitelisted IPs, networks, and power isolation.
• Centrally managed clustered backup systems for streamlined data security across multiple locations.

In the context of Zero Trust security, how should enterprises approach data access control and authentication for backups?

Enterprises should adopt a Zero Trust approach by implementing Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). These measures ensure only authorised personnel can access or modify backup data, reducing the risk of insider threats and external breaches.

How do you see AI and automation influencing the future of cybersecurity and backup solutions?

AI and automation are set to revolutionise backup solutions, particularly in detecting and responding to virus behaviours. Synology has established a dedicated generative AI team focused on AI-driven innovations, continuously exploring how AI can enhance backup security, automate threat detection, and improve recovery times.

What key emerging technologies should enterprises invest in to strengthen their cyber resilience in the next five years?

As cyberattacks grow in frequency and sophistication, enterprises must prioritise cyber recovery strategies. ActiveProtect offers an all-in-one solution integrating hardware and software, enabling centralised backup workload management. With immutable backups and air-gapped protection, businesses can secure their data reliably and effortlessly, all from a single, intuitive platform.