Backups contain sensitive information and confidential data. They should be treated with the same security controls as your live data environment.
Backups are essential to protect your data from a disaster. It only takes one small event to destroy data that’s not backed up. Fortunately, there are several ways to safeguard your backups.
Removable Media Backup
Removable media has been a popular backup method for some time, and it can still be useful for those that require a simple, affordable solution. However, it’s important to understand that using removable media as your sole backup is inherently risky, as these devices are easily stolen, can be infected with malware and have short life spans. It’s important to create and enforce a policy related to the use of removable media that includes steps to help prevent data loss.
Removable Media Backup
A removable media backup system is composed of a hard drive or other external storage device that can be used to copy files to another source. These types of devices have been around for many years and are typically recognizable by their circular or oval shape. Examples of removable media include floppy disks, USB flash drives and memory cards. Removable media backup is a simple process and can be done by simply plugging in the device and dragging and dropping files into its window. There are also programs available that can automatically perform backups on a schedule and can be set to do so for multiple files at once.
It’s important to store the originals in a secure location and to encrypt backups containing sensitive University information. IT offers a backup service for unit servers which can help reduce the risk of losing backups due to hardware failure or theft.
It’s also important to get into the habit of safely storing away or locking away any removable media that is not in use. This will minimize the risk that it will fall into the wrong hands and be exploited for malicious purposes, such as installing a keylogger to monitor your work and steal sensitive information. This type of malware is commonly spread by employees unwittingly from one computer to the next through the use of infected USBs. The simplest way to avoid this risk is to have your agency implement a security program that scans all devices for malware before they can be used on the network. It’s also a good idea to get into the habit of not leaving external devices connected to your computer for long periods of time so they don’t become susceptible to a power surge or a virus.
Online Backup
Unlike offline backup methods such as external hard drives, online backup uses a high-speed network connection to send data to the cloud. This allows you to back up files and even entire computers – ideal for business users who like to work remotely or at different locations. You can compare photosticks in here to know what is best for you to back-up your files.
Online backup systems can also be automated and provide a full suite of security features such as file encryption, ransomware protection, and two-factor authentication. In addition, they can be accessed remotely and from any device that can connect to the internet, which makes them useful for mobile workforces.
The downside of online backup is that you must have a reliable and fast internet connection to use it. Additionally, some online backup services are subscription-based and may require a monthly or yearly fee. Fortunately, many of these systems provide excellent customer support and security, which can help you find the right option for your organization.
Some online backup systems also allow you to back up local application data as well. This is especially important for application programs that create and maintain data files such as e-mail messages, browser favorites, calendar entries, and contact information. These are typically stored in a hidden folder within the user folder (in XP, C:Documents and Settingsyour nameLocal SettingsApplication Data; in Vista, C:Usersyour nameAppData). The advantage of backing up local application data is that you can access your data from any computer or device with an internet connection.
Another advantage of online backup is that the system can make multiple copies of your files, which can be particularly helpful in cases where you have a large number of media or video files. The downside of this is that it can take longer to upload these files, and some online backup systems may not be able to accommodate large file sizes, which could cause a delay in creating your backup.
One of the best online backup solutions is Rebit, which offers real-time, around-the-clock file backup and has a minimal impact on your computer’s performance. Rebit will also automatically remove any changes made to the original files, so you don’t need to remember to plug it in every day.
Cloud Backup
Cloud backup is similar to online backup but it typically keeps old versions of files on the server. This can be helpful in a ransomware attack or other cyber security incident because it can restore a previous version of the file before it was encrypted by malware. Some cloud backup services also offer recovery from ransomware, meaning that if the original files are unrecoverable then they can be restored from the backup. You should still keep offline backups (either on hard drives or tape) to supplement your cloud backup.
Using cloud backup services can make your business less vulnerable to local hardware failures and disasters like fire or flood. However, you should evaluate a provider’s service level agreement (SLA) to understand their responsibilities for data backup and protection and their policies regarding platform incompatibilities, proprietary software, security and encryption standards and administrative fees.
In addition, you should physically protect any offline backups. For example, you might want to store the backups at a different location from your primary data center or store them in a secure lockable cabinet in your office. You should also look for cloud backup services that encrypt your data during transfer and storage. Some services will give you the option to hold the encryption key so that only you can decrypt the data on the servers.
If you’re looking for a way to create backups that are less vulnerable to local failures and disasters, consider implementing cloud backup as part of your 3-2-1 rule. This best practice requires that you have at least three copies of your data, two of which are on separate media and one is offsite. By combining online, offline and offsite backups, you’ll have the most comprehensive data protection plan possible. With OpenText Data Protector, you can use a single solution to manage both online and offline backups as well as cloud disaster recovery. Request a demo to learn how we can help you secure your backups and ensure regulatory compliance with your data protection policy.
Offsite Backup
Using offsite backups can make your business more secure, efficient and productive. Backups are essential for data recovery in case of a system crash, natural disaster or cyber attack. However, it’s important to understand the different backup options available to you.
Offsite backup is a method of protecting data by creating copies and storing them in locations separate from the original data. This can be done on a variety of storage devices, including external hard drives, DVDs, magnetic tape and USB. Offsite backups can also be stored in the cloud or at a secure offsite location.
The basic backup principle is to keep three copies of two different types of data on at least two different media, with one copy being kept offsite. This is known as the 3-2-1 rule. This is a great way to ensure your data is safe in the event of a catastrophic disaster or even just a hardware failure, but it’s not enough to protect your business against ransomware and other malicious attacks that can occur over the Internet.
It’s also important to store your offsite backups in a physically secure location. You can purchase a fire-proof and waterproof safe, or use a service that will protect your backups from the elements. It’s a good idea to test your backups regularly to make sure they are working properly.
Having offsite backups can help you save time and money in the long run. You can recover your backed up data in less time than it would take to recreate the information from scratch. This can help you avoid lost productivity, extra expenses and wasted resources in the wake of a disaster or attack.
Backing up your data offsite can also help you safeguard it against theft. It’s easy to access data stored locally, but it can be challenging or impossible if your backup is taken by a malicious actor. This can be mitigated by encrypting your data and replacing readable content with tokens that are only accessible with the proper key.
Offsite backups can be complex to set up, but it’s worth the effort in the long run. A managed offsite backup solution can eliminate the IT learning curve and hardware investment, as well as provide you with a secure and reliable offsite backup to restore from should disaster strike.