Imagine a cyberattack has successfully infiltrated your network. While having a data backup is the standard recovery method, this strategy fails if the attacker prioritizes the deletion of your backup files before deploying ransomware.
Traditional data backups are an essential part of security, but they possess a significant vulnerability: they can be modified or erased by anyone with high-level access. To address this, businesses should implement immutable backups.
What Makes an Immutable Backup Different?
Immutability refers to a state where data is unable to be changed or altered over time. Therefore, an immutable backup is a digital record that cannot be edited, overwritten, or deleted once it has been saved for a specific duration. During this set period, even a system administrator or an unauthorized user with administrative credentials is prevented from erasing the data.
How Immutable Backups Function
This technology utilizes software-based Write Once, Read Many (WORM) protocols. These protocols enforce kernel-level rules that restrict any modifications to the storage environment. Once the data is committed to the storage media, the system architecture prevents any intentional or accidental changes until the retention period has expired.
A Use Case for Data Security
In a typical ransomware attack, the perpetrator follows a specific sequence:
- Identify and delete or encrypt the victim's backup files.
- Lock the operational data to disrupt business functions.
When using immutable backups, the first step is neutralized. Because the backup data is locked at the system level, the command to encrypt or delete those files is rejected. This ensures your data remains accessible, allowing for a full system restoration without paying a ransom.
Maintain Business Continuity
Backups are a fundamental component of disaster recovery, which makes it vital that they are appropriately protected from external interference. Business Solutions & Software Group provides technical expertise to help businesses in South Florida secure their digital assets.
To discuss your data protection strategy, call us at (954) 575-3992.
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