The need to back up data has been around since floppy disks. Data loss happens due to viruses, hard drive crashes, and other mishaps. Most people using any type of technology have experienced data loss at least once.<\/p>
There are about 140,000 hard drive<\/a> crashes in the US weekly. Every five years, 20% of SMBs suffer data loss due to a major disaster. This has helped to drive a robust cloud backup market that continues to grow.<\/p> But one thing that\u2019s changed with data backup in the last few years is security. Simply backing up data so you don\u2019t lose it, isn\u2019t enough anymore. Backing up has morphed into data protection.<\/p> What does this mean?<\/em><\/p> It means that backups need more cybersecurity protection. They face threats such as sleeper ransomware and supply chain attacks. Cloud-based backup has the benefit of being convenient, accessible, and effective. But there is also a need for certain security considerations with an online service.<\/p> Companies need to consider data protection when planning a backup and recovery strategy. The tools used need to protect against the growing number of threats.<\/p> Some of the modern threats to data backups include:<\/p> Just backing up data isn\u2019t enough. You need to make sure the application you use provides adequate data protection. Here are some of the things to look for when reviewing a backup solution.<\/p> Ransomware can spread throughout a network to infect any data that exists. This includes data on computers, servers, and mobile devices. It also includes data in cloud platforms syncing with those devices.<\/p> 95% of <\/a><\/strong><\/em>ransomware attacks also try to infect data backup systems.<\/em><\/strong><\/p> It\u2019s important that any data backup solution you use have protection from ransomware. This type of feature restricts automated file changes that can happen to documents.<\/p> Continuous data protection is a feature that will back up files as users make changes. This differs from systems that back up on a schedule, such as once per day.<\/p> Continuous data protection ensures that the system captures the latest file changes. This mitigates data loss that can occur if a system crashes before the next backup. With the speed of data generation these days, losing a day\u2019s worth of data can be very costly.<\/p> Data protection incorporates proactive measures to protect files. Look for threat identification functions in a backup service. Threat identification is a type of malware and virus prevention tool.<\/p> It looks for malware in new and existing backups. This helps stop sleeper ransomware and similar malware from infecting all backups.<\/p> Cybersecurity professionals around the world promote zero-trust security measures. This includes measures such as multi-factor authentication and application safelisting.<\/p> A zero-trust approach holds that all users and applications need ongoing authentication. So, just because a user is logged into the system today, doesn\u2019t mean they are completely trusted.<\/p> Some of the zero-trust features to look for include:<\/p> If you back up to a USB drive or CD, you have one copy of those files. If something happens to that copy, you could experience data loss.<\/p> Cloud backup providers should have backup redundancy in place. This means that the server holding your data mirrors that data to another server. This prevents data loss in the case of a server crash, natural disaster, or cyberattack.<\/p> Air gapping is a system that keeps a copy of your data offline or separated in another way. This would entail making a second backup copy of your data. Then, putting it on another server. A server disconnected from external sources.<\/p> This is a feature that you may want to seek out if you deal with highly sensitive data. It helps to ensure that you have at least one other copy of your backup. A copy walled off from common internet-based attacks.<\/p> Have you updated your backup process for today\u2019s threats? Give us a call today to schedule a chat about data backup and protection.<\/p> <\/p>What to Look for in a Data Protection Backup System<\/h2>
Ransomware Prevention<\/h3>
Continuous Data Protection<\/h3>
Threat Identification<\/h3>
Zero-Trust Tactics<\/h3>
Backup Redundancy<\/h3>
Air Gapping for More Sensitive Data<\/h3>
Need Help With Secure Backup & Data Protection Solutions?<\/h2>