Data backup protection: what you need to know

When you back up your data, you ensure the integrity of your system, but if you do it incorrectly, it can exacerbate existing security problems. Best practices can be followed thanks to a number of guidelines.

It is important to keep backups of your data in order to keep them safe and secure. Many security problems can be caused by these backups, however. The mismanagement of data backups is responsible for a large number of security breaches. According to headlines and security surveys published, there is a lack of adequate data backup controls. When developing an enterprise data backup strategy, it’s not a bad idea to use best practices.

Over the last few years, backup-related mistakes have compromised millions of sensitive business records. There have been only a few public reports of these incidents. Intellectual property and other sensitive data, including confidential information, are not less vulnerable than other types of sensitive information. Whenever something goes wrong, security is the first thing the sharks focus on.

Many storage professionals believe their organization is safe as long as sensitive data is replicated. There is, however, still a long way to go. In a world where data backups are often ignored, a new set of dangers arises. As a result, enterprise information security strategies must include guidelines on secure data backup. For more information, visit continuitysoftware.com.

Ransomware, malicious insiders, and external hackers like to compromise data backups, so here are 10 ways to protect them:

You should have a back-up plan in place

You should ensure that your security policies include backup procedures. Data backups are directly affected by various aspects of security, including system monitoring, access control, and malware protection.

Disaster recovery plans should include backup systems as part of the plan

You should backup your computer files and other important information as part of your disaster recovery and incident response plans. Data backups can be compromised or destroyed by ransomware outbreaks, employee break-ins, and environmental events such as floods and hurricanes. It is possible for your backups to suffer damage if you don’t prepare for what will happen when the time comes.

Restrict access to data backups to protect them

It is important to give access rights only to those who are engaged in the backup process. Data backups and software backups fall under this category as well. In addition to on-premises and cloud backup systems, you should not underestimate the importance of remote access to backup files.

Make sure you have several backup options available

Backups should be stored in a different location, such as a separate building. Natural disasters, fires, or other rare, but impactful events could wipe out your data center and backups in one fell swoop.

Don’t let unauthorized individuals access your data backups

As long as access to NAS drives, external hard drives, or tape drives can be tightly controlled, it is fine to back up to them. It is just as important to back up your computer’s hard drive as it is to have a backup. An SOC audit report, an independent security assessment, or your own investigation may be able to provide confirmation.

All backup media devices should be kept safe

In spite of the widespread use of hard drives and solid-state drives, some backups remain on portable drives, tapes, and other media. When these situations arise, you should use a fireproof safe that is media-rated and fireproof. In addition to fireproof safes, paper-only safes are also a common place to keep backups. Media like tapes, optical disks, and magnetic drives, which are less flammable than paper, cannot be safely stored in a fireproof safe.

Make sure your vendors’ security measures are up to date

Keep backups safe by investigating the security measures your data centers, clouds, and courier providers use. The best contracts aren’t always enough, even though lawyers appreciate them. Although contracts protect sensitive data as a fallback measure, they won’t prevent it from ever being exposed. Initiate vendor management initiatives that include security measures.

Make sure your network is secure

It is recommended that backups be stored on a separate network or file system. Use of unique login credentials that do not belong to enterprise directory services can minimize ransomware-related risks. It is possible to improve the security of your backup system if you use two-factor authentication.

Prioritize encryption of backups

Make sure your backups are encrypted whenever possible. If backup media and files are going to be taken outside of the premises at any time, they must be encrypted with strong passphrases. When implemented and managed properly, encryption provides an excellent final line of defense. Your backups won’t be accessible even if they’re corrupted or destroyed, which is reassuring. In the event of a data breach, this is particularly helpful when meeting compliance requirements.