NetApp Introduces Quantum-Safe Encryption and Ransomware Protection Features

NetApp has introduced new data security features designed to boost cyber resilience at the storage level. The enhancements, available immediately, aim to offer customers a proactive approach to data security, aligning with its mission to provide the world’s safest storage solutions and maintaining a service availability guarantee of 99.9999%. These developments underscore NetApp's commitment to secure-by-design data infrastructures, which have become increasingly crucial as cyber threats evolve alongside technological advancements. The rapid pace of technological innovation has spurred both new cyber threats and defenses. The advent of quantum computing, expected to be operational soon, poses a significant risk as hackers could store sensitive information today to easily decrypt it with quantum computers in the future. To counter this, NetApp has integrated post-quantum cryptography into its storage portfolio for file and block workloads. This technology uses encryption algorithms standardized by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), ensuring robust, tested security that will protect data against quantum threats. One of the key updates is for NetApp BlueXP Ransomware Protection, a service that now offers enhanced capabilities for a seamless, orchestrated ransomware protection strategy for NetApp ONTAP® workloads. New functions include specific role-based access controls (RBAC) for ransomware, granting security teams granular permissions tailored to effectively combat ransomware threats, and support for protecting native cloud workloads. These improvements provide businesses with greater control and protection, safeguarding critical data and maintaining operational readiness in an increasingly complex threat landscape. Another update involves NetApp BlueXP Backup and Recovery, which now features a streamlined user interface for easier integration and definition of a 3-2-1 data backup strategy. This includes enhanced support for applications like Microsoft SQL Server, VMware, and Kubernetes, making the process more efficient and accessible for users. In addition to these updates, NetApp is expanding its range of professional security services. These services help customers assess and optimize their security status, leveraging NetApp's integrated security features to ensure comprehensive data protection. The company's security experts will assist in identifying vulnerabilities and implementing best practices, further fortifying the defenses of its clients. These new features complement NetApp's existing suite of security functions, including integrated security, ransomware protection, backup, disaster recovery, and data classification, all managed through the BlueXP Ransomware Protection platform. The platform, which operates as a SaaS solution, also integrates with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, enhancing the connection between storage infrastructure and overall security posture. NetApp's ONTAP Autonomous Ransomware Protection with AI (ARP/AI) helps prevent data loss and downtime by proactively detecting ransomware attacks at the storage level across hybrid cloud environments, including native cloud protection. By the end of this year, NetApp plans to extend the ARP/AI protection to block storage workloads. The importance of integrating cyber resilience into storage infrastructure cannot be overstated, especially given recent trends. According to Krista Case, Research Director at The Futurum Group, about 80% of respondents to a cybersecurity decision-maker survey experienced a significant security incident in the past 12 months, with 40% citing data loss and compromise as the most severe consequences. NetApp’s focus on incorporating advanced security features, such as granular RBAC and quantum-secure data encryption, addresses these critical concerns and strengthens the overall security posture of enterprises. Industry insiders have praised NetApp’s latest updates for their comprehensive approach to data security. By addressing current and emerging threats, NetApp continues to reinforce its position as a leader in intelligent data infrastructures. The company's professional services and integrated security solutions make it easier for organizations to implement robust, multilayered security strategies, essential in a world where cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated. NetApp remains dedicated to combining unified data storage, integrated data, operational, and workload services to help customers navigate a disruptive world. As the only enterprise-grade storage service natively embedded in the world’s leading clouds, NetApp offers seamless flexibility and superior data management through observability and artificial intelligence. These efforts not only enhance security but also improve operational efficiency and enable business opportunities. For more details, visit NetApp’s booth 259 at the RSA Conference 2025, running from April 28 to May 1 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.