Data backups have been necessary since the introduction of floppy discs. Due to viruses, hard drive failures, and other errors, data loss occurs. The majority of technology users have experienced data loss at least once.
However, one aspect of data backup that has changed in recent years is security. Simply storing up data to prevent its loss is no longer sufficient. Data backups have evolved into data protection.
What does this mean?
It implies that backups require additional security measures. They confront dangers such as ransomware that remains dormant and supply chain attacks. The advantages of cloud-based backup are its convenience, accessibility, and efficiency. However, certain security considerations are necessary for an online service.
When developing a backup and recovery strategy, companies must consider data protection. The tools employed must be able to defend against the expanding number of threats.
Among the contemporary hazards to data backups are:
Data Centre Outage: The term “cloud” refers to data stored on a server. This server is accessible via the internet. These servers may malfunction. The data centres that house the servers may also experience outages.
Sleeper Ransomware: This ransomware variety remains silent after infecting a device. The objective is for it to infect all backups. Then, when it is activated, the victim cannot restore a pristine backup.
Supply Chain Attacks: The number of supply chain attacks is rising. They include assaults on companies’ cloud service providers. These vendors are the target of a cyberattack that spreads to their customers.
Misconfiguration: Incorrectly configured security settings can be problematic. It can grant access to cloud storage to adversaries. These adversaries can then obtain and delete files at will.
What to Look for in a Backup System for Data Protection
Simply storing up data is insufficient. You must ensure that the application you employ provides adequate data security. Here are some factors to consider when evaluating a backup solution.
Ransomware Prevention
It is possible for ransomware to propagate throughout a network and infect all data. This comprises information stored on computers, servers, and mobile devices. It also incorporates cloud-based data synced with these devices.
95% of ransomware attacks attempt to compromise data backup systems.
It is essential that any data backup solution you use includes ransomware protection. This type of feature restricts document modifications that are made automatically.
Continuous Data Protection
Continuous data preservation is a function that backs up files whenever they are modified. This differs from systems that back up on a predetermined schedule, such as daily.
Continuous data protection guarantees that the system records the most recent file modifications. This reduces the risk of data loss in the event of a system failure before the next scheduled backup. With the current rate of data production, losing a day’s worth of data can be extremely expensive.
Threat Identification
Data protection includes proactive file protection measures. Search for threat identification capabilities in the backup service. Threat identification is a form of anti-malware and anti-virus software.
It scans new and existing backups for malware. This prevents all archives from becoming infected by sleeper ransomware and similar malware.
Air Gapping for More Sensitive Data
Air gapping is a system that maintains a copy of your data offline or in a different location. This would require creating a second copy of your data backup. The data is then placed on another server. A server that has been cut off from external sources.
You may want to search out this feature if you deal with highly sensitive data. It helps ensure that you have at least one additional backup copy. A copy protected from typical Internet-based attacks.