Clean Recovery And Business Continuity: Expert Insights From Veeam And Coveware
Veeam, Thursday, July 24th, 2025
Recovery isn't just about getting systems back online; it's about proving that IT operations are essential to business continuity. Veeam's Leah Troscianecki sat down with Ray Umerley, Field CISO, Coveware by Veeam, for a tactical conversation about what actually happens when ransomware hits, and how clean recovery can turn the tide from operational fire drills to strategic foresight.
Q1: Can you give us a quick introduction to Coveware and Ray's background?
Leah: Coveware specializes in extortion-focused incident response, helping organizations prepare for and recover from ransomware and other cybersecurity incidents. Ray Umerley is a two-time ransomware survivor, CISSP-certified, and holds a Master's in computer information systems. He brings over 20 years of experience to the table.
Ray: My focus is on helping organizations build resilience, not just through technology, but also by strengthening people and processes. Preparation is critical.
Q2: What's the secret to a successful recovery after a ransomware or cyber incident?
Ray: It comes down to three elements: People, process, and technology. While the technical aspects of backup and restoration are crucial, the organizations that recover best are those that have established clear roles, developed solid processes, and practiced their response through regular exercises. Preparation and muscle memory are everything.
Leah: Practice matters. Disaster recovery (DR) plans need to be tested and refined regularly, not just reviewed once a year.