10 Essential Features for Modern Data Backup and Protection Systems
The need to back up data dates back to the days of floppy disks, as data loss due to viruses, hard drive crashes, and unforeseen accidents has been a recurring issue for technology users. Almost everyone using digital devices has encountered data loss at least once.
In the United States alone, approximately 140,000 hard drive crashes occur weekly, and over a five-year period, 20% of small to mid-sized businesses (SMBs) suffer significant data loss due to major disasters. This high rate of data loss has driven demand for the cloud backup market, making it a rapidly growing industry.
However, one of the significant changes in data backup is the emphasis on data security. Simply storing copies of data to prevent loss is no longer adequate; today’s backup practices have evolved into comprehensive data protection measures.
Why Backup Solutions Now Need Cybersecurity Protections
Today, backup strategies must go beyond just copying data; they need robust protection against modern cyber threats like sleeper ransomware and supply chain attacks. While cloud-based backup solutions are convenient and accessible, they require enhanced security measures to ensure data safety.
When creating a backup and recovery strategy, companies must incorporate advanced data protection tactics to shield against evolving cyber threats.
Key Threats to Modern Data Backups
Several security risks impact the integrity and accessibility of data backups. Below are some of the critical threats:
- Data Centre Outages: Although cloud data is stored on internet-accessible servers, these servers can experience crashes or outages at their data centres, putting data at risk.
- Sleeper Ransomware: This malicious software quietly infects devices and, once activated, spreads through backup systems, leaving companies without a clean backup for recovery.
- Supply Chain Attacks: Attacks targeting cloud providers have grown, with cybercriminals attacking cloud vendors and, by extension, impacting their client companies.
- Misconfiguration: Security misconfigurations in cloud settings can allow attackers to gain unauthorised access, enabling them to delete or download files.
Essential Data Protection Features in a Backup Solution
Not all backup solutions provide sufficient data security. Below are crucial features to look for in a reliable data protection backup system.
1. Ransomware Prevention
Ransomware can infiltrate an entire network, impacting data stored on computers, servers, mobile devices, and even cloud platforms. According to statistics, 95% of ransomware attacks also target data backup systems. Therefore, any chosen backup solution should include built-in ransomware protections to prevent automated file alterations that often occur with ransomware infections.
2. Continuous Data Protection (CDP)
A backup solution with Continuous Data Protection (CDP) will automatically back up files as changes are made, ensuring data is updated in real-time. Unlike systems that back up once per day, CDP captures recent changes, significantly reducing data loss risks if a crash happens before the next scheduled backup. With today’s high data generation rates, losing even a few hours of data can be costly.
3. Threat Identification
Effective data protection also includes proactive threat identification measures, which work similarly to malware and virus prevention tools. These features scan both new and existing backups for malware, helping prevent sleeper ransomware and other malicious software from contaminating all backups.
4. Zero-Trust Security
A zero-trust security model adds an extra layer of protection by enforcing strict verification processes for all users and applications. In practice, this means that every access request is authenticated, regardless of previous login status. Key zero-trust features to consider include:
- Multi-factor authentication
- Granular file and folder permissions
- Contextual authentication
- Verification of permissions for file modifications
5. Backup Redundancy
Single-location backups, such as those stored on USB drives or CDs, are vulnerable to data loss if that single copy is compromised. To prevent such scenarios, reliable cloud backup providers implement backup redundancy, mirroring data across multiple servers. This ensures data is preserved even if one server fails due to a crash, natural disaster, or cyberattack.
6. Air Gapping for Sensitive Data
Air gapping provides an additional layer of security by isolating a copy of backup data from the internet or other external connections. For organisations managing highly sensitive data, creating a second backup copy on a disconnected server can provide peace of mind, protecting data from internet-based threats.
How to Choose the Right Backup Solution
Selecting an effective backup solution involves evaluating the security measures offered. A few essential qualities to prioritise include:
- Ease of Use: Ensure the backup tool integrates smoothly into existing workflows.
- Encryption Standards: Look for strong encryption options to secure data both in transit and at rest.
- Scalability: Choose a solution that can grow with your organisation’s evolving needs.
- Disaster Recovery Capabilities: Ensure the backup solution supports swift data restoration to minimise downtime.
Need Assistance with Data Backup and Protection?
Is your current backup solution fully equipped to handle today’s security challenges? Consider reaching out to schedule a discussion on how to enhance your data backup and protection strategies for robust data security.