What Are Immutable Backups?
Immutable backups are exact copies of data and they cannot be changed or deleted. In this blog, we will explore some of the benefits of backup immutability.
Data Integrity
Data integrity refers to the accuracy and consistency of data over its lifecycle. Immutable backups play an instrumental role in data integrity because the data cannot be changed or deleted until the predetermined retention period expires. This keeps data reliable and consistent.
Immutable backups protect data from inadvertent changes or deletions, which is a common concern with traditional backups. Human error is a common cause of data loss. E.g. Employees may accidentally delete important files or overwrite critical data. This results in expensive downtime and time consuming recovery processes.
Accidental Deletion: If users mistakenly delete data, immutable backups keep an unaltered version of the information that can be easily restored.
Overwritten Data: Sometimes, files may be incorrectly overwritten due to user error. With immutable backups, previous versions are saved, providing a reliable backup option.
Data Recoverability: Immutable backups guarantee that there is always a pristine copy of your data available for recovery, regardless of human errors.
Data Security & Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware that encrypts data and demands a ransom for its release. This can cause significant damage to organisations, including:
Downtime: Unable to access critical systems and data.
Data loss: Important files may be permanently encrypted or deleted.
Financial impact: Paying the ransom and dealing with the aftermath can be costly.
The Role of Immutable Backups
Here's how immutable backups help in a ransomware attack:
A ransomware attack occurs, encrypting your primary data.
Systems and data can be restored from the most recent backup before the attack.
Your organisation avoids paying any ransom and minimises downtime.
"Immutable backups act as a safety net, ensuring you always have a secure, unaltered copy of your data."
Managed Cyber Security Solutions offered by MCATS IT, provide comprehensive protection against cyber threats, including ransomware attacks. Incorporating immutable backups into your data protection strategy strengthens your organisation's ability to withstand a cyber attack.
Supports Testing Environments
Immutable backups provide IT teams with a solid foundation to build accurate testing environments. These environments are essential for validating software updates, patches, or new configurations. The unalterable nature of immutable backups means data used in testing reflects true production data, without risk of corruption or loss.
1. Risk Mitigation
When testing new changes, there's always a risk of corrupting the existing backup data. Immutable backups eradicate this concern - because the integrity of data remains intact regardless of what happens in the testing environment.
2. Confidence in Testing
Developers and IT managers can feel confident performing rigorous testing on new software releases using copies of data. They can focus on quality and performance instead of data reliability, thanks to unaltered and secure data sets.
3. Streamlined Development Processes
With immutable backups, it's possible to streamline development and deployment cycles. Teams can swiftly spin-up test environments with confidence that the data set is reliable and consistent. This increases efficiency and reduces the time-to-market for new software features or updates.
Why Immutable Backups Are Important
There are several reasons why it is important that backups are immutable:
Preserve Data Integrity: maintains the original state of data, ensuring accuracy and reliability over time.
Prevent Unauthorised Access: serves as a strong defence against unauthorised changes.
Reduce Data Loss Risks: decreases the chances of losing or corrupting valuable data.
Enhance Ransomware Recovery: a reliable recovery option.
Facilitates a safe testing environment: reduced risk, streamlined development process, and confidence in the testing environment.
Mcats IT supply robust, immutable backup solutions including cloud storage and SaaS backup. Contact us for a no obligation chat.
Yorumlar