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RivaNET delivers ransomware-proof Microsoft 365 protection to 150 schools with Redstor

Redstor posted in Education | 17 Dec 2024

Snapshot

  • Industry: Education IT services
  • Environment: Microsoft 365, on-premise servers
  • Location: UK

Key details

  • RivaNET used Redstor to deliver ransomware-proof Microsoft 365 protection for 150 schools.
  • Redstor’s ease of deployment allowed clients to be protected within minutes without hardware requirements.
  • InstantData™ recovery and remote management reduced IT overheads and accelerated client onboarding​.

The challenge

RivaNET, an IT services provider specialising in the education sector, supports over 150 schools with data protection and IT solutions. Schools faced a growing need to protect their data—particularly Microsoft 365—against ransomware threats, accidental deletions, and compliance risks.

Key challenges:

  • Ransomware attacks: Schools were increasingly targeted by ransomware, with critical student and staff data at risk.
  • Microsoft 365 limitations: Schools assumed Microsoft 365 protected their data, but without robust backups, deleted or compromised files couldn’t always be recovered.
  • Time-consuming deployments: Traditional solutions required on-site hardware and lengthy setup times, stretching IT resources.

Steve Thompson, Director at RivaNET, explained the concerns:

“We have seen a massive increase in schools attacked by ransomware. Schools have come to us with everything encrypted, including their backups, and they have no off-site repository that is safe and secure.”

RivaNET needed a solution that could deliver robust protection for Microsoft 365 data while being fast to deploy and easy to manage across multiple schools.

The solution: Simplified Microsoft 365 protection with Redstor

Redstor’s cloud-first platform provided the ideal solution for RivaNET’s education clients. With its ability to back up and recover Microsoft 365 data—including Exchange, OneDrive, SharePoint, and Teams—Redstor offered full protection against data loss, ransomware, and accidental deletion.

Rapid deployment and simple management

Redstor’s solution can be deployed in just 15 minutes—with no need for expensive hardware or complex setup. IT teams can manage backups and recoveries remotely from a single, web-based control centre.

“Redstor stood out because it’s fast, easy to deploy, and doesn’t require on-site hardware. That’s crucial when you’re protecting multiple schools with limited IT resources.”

Ransomware-proof recovery

With Redstor, backups are stored securely in the cloud and are completely isolated from the live environment, ensuring ransomware cannot compromise the backup data. Redstor’s InstantData™ technology enables schools to recover data on demand, even during a ransomware attack.

Steve Thompson highlighted the impact:

“Recovery with InstantData™ is a great selling point as well. To use the analogy of Netflix, you don’t have to download everything to start watching it. That resonates with clients.”

Full protection for Microsoft 365

Redstor protects all key Microsoft 365 workloads, including:

  • Exchange (emails, contacts, and calendars)
  • OneDrive (documents and files)
  • SharePoint (collaboration sites and data)
  • Teams (conversations and shared files)

The benefits: Robust protection and time savings for schools

Rapid deployment with no hardware costs

Redstor’s cloud-first design eliminates the need for hardware, enabling schools to be protected within minutes. This not only saves time but also reduces costs and IT overheads.

“We can deploy Redstor in minutes, without waiting for hardware or on-site visits. That’s a game-changer when supporting 150 schools.”

Ransomware recovery gives schools peace of mind

By storing backups securely in the cloud, Redstor ensures data remains untouched, even during an attack. Schools can recover their files quickly and continue operating with minimal disruption.

“Redstor’s isolated, offsite backups mean schools can recover from ransomware attacks with confidence.”

Centralised, simple management

Redstor’s single-pane-of-glass interface allows RivaNET to manage backups, monitor recovery status, and resolve issues across multiple schools—all remotely. This has dramatically reduced IT management time and simplified support.

“Redstor’s platform is so easy to manage. We can see all our schools’ backups in one place and resolve issues quickly.”

Scalable and flexible for growing data

Redstor’s predictable, pay-as-you-grow pricing means schools only pay for what they need. As data grows or shrinks, the solution scales effortlessly without additional costs or complexity.

The bottom line

RivaNET partnered with Redstor to deliver reliable, ransomware-proof Microsoft 365 protection to 150 schools. By eliminating hardware requirements and simplifying backup management, Redstor empowered RivaNET to protect critical data quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively.

Key results:

  • 150 schools protected with Microsoft 365 backup and recovery.
  • Rapid deployment: Setup completed in as little as 15 minutes.
  • Ransomware-proof recovery with secure, isolated backups.
  • Simplified management: Centralised control for all schools from a single interface.

Steve Thompson summed up the partnership:

“Redstor’s solution has transformed how we protect schools’ data. It delivers fast, reliable Microsoft 365 protection and ensures schools can recover data when it matters most.”


Trusted by over 50% of UK schools, Redstor delivers resilient Microsoft 365 backup and ransomware protection tailored for education.
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