8 Effective Strategies For Protecting Your Backups

Keeping backups is an essential part of cybersecurity, especially considering how ransomware attacks are on the rise. Still, it’s not as simple as copying files — a practical approach is more in-depth. How should individuals approach data security?

Most Effective Backup Techniques

Threat actors are constantly trying to find ways to bypass new security measures. In the United States, instances of ransomware cost organizations over $34 million in 2022. What backup techniques are the most effective to prevent them from being successful?

1. Automate the Process

Regularly backing up information can quickly become time-consuming, which deters many people from keeping a consistent schedule. As a result, they may have less protection during hacking or ransomware incidents. Luckily, automation techniques can speed the process up significantly.

While the easiest way to do this is to get software or utilize artificial intelligence, it’s possible to go without either option. For example, someone could use a hard disk drive to conduct rolling backups, automatically updating everything after a set time passes. Since it removes the potential for human error, it ensures the resulting copy is accurate and comprehensive.

Most cloud service providers support automation processes, so utilizing their storage systems is another effective technique. Additionally, people using this method benefit from keeping their information current. They also don’t have to remember to copy files, ensuring they always have a recent version available if something goes wrong.

2. Create Multiple Backups

It’s not enough to have a single backup. In an extreme and unfortunate mishap, Kyoto University lost 77 terabytes of data after accidentally overwriting its only copy of its research. It attempted a restoration after a corruption error, which is when it realized its catastrophic mistake. In total, the incident affected 14 separate research departments and their respective projects.

Having multiple backups is essential to ensure situations like this don’t happen. Plus, on top of protecting files in cases of hardware failure, it makes data inconsistencies instantly recognizable. Basically, managing everything becomes much more straightforward.

3. Increase Backup Frequency

While occasional backups are better than nothing, backing things up more frequently is ideal. Following a routine can protect the information’s integrity because it minimizes the chance of data loss. It keeps everything up to date, which is essential when dealing with sensitive files.

Although there is no standard backup frequency, most experts recommend sticking to a schedule, whether hourly, weekly, or monthly. Regular updates help keep everything intact, which is crucial — there’s no point in having a copy if it’s incomplete or broken.

How to Protect Your Backups

Protecting backups should be a top priority for anyone. After all, they’re essentially the last security resort in a cyber attack. With cybercrime on the rise, it’s more important than ever to increase security.

1. Backup Offline

According to the World Economic Forum, the globe experienced a 125% increase in cyber attacks in 2021. In the digital age, keeping things offline is the only way to stay completely safe from hackers. People who work with sensitive information are often justifiably concerned about its security — there’s no guarantee a data breach won’t affect a cloud service provider or company storage systems.

Surprisingly, a USB stick may be the solution to their concerns. While it isn’t the most modern solution to data storage issues, it’s still one of the best options for most people. It enables them to perform offline backups — effectively securing their information from cybercriminals. Still, even professionals forget to back things up manually.

Automation solves this issue because it maintains a proper schedule to ensure information protection. However, such software typically has to run on a system with an internet connection, defeating the point of offline backups. In response, versions of this technology automate the storage device’s ports, essentially shielding it from hacking attempts.

2. Keep Things Offsite

According to a cybersecurity report, around 93% of intrusions target backups to prevent the target from recovering. Keeping files offsite can ensure they stay safe in such situations. Even if cyber criminals break past defenses and hold data hostage, they still won’t be able to attack external storage systems.

Hackers can’t alter, remove or maliciously encrypt anything if they can’t even access it in the first place. For example, say they breach a company’s security and demand a ransom to return files safely. Their threat would be meaningless if there were copies safe in the cloud. Storing information in a secure external location is a practical and effective practice.

3. Have Malware Detection

Some backup software comes with malware detection capabilities to keep cyber attacks from being successful. For example, a ransomware protection feature can recognize and stop malicious encryption attempts. It monitors for unusual activity and deploys security measures in response, essentially acting as a safety net.

Early detection can be beneficial, considering it's possible to accidentally reinfect data when installing executables from a backup. In that scenario, the chances of recovery would be slim. Built-in antivirus software is a simple solution to a significant issue.

Since ransomware can become executable if someone unbundles a backup during the recovery process, preventing the initial infection is crucial. Technology that can recognize an impending cyber attack can significantly enhance security. With the rise of cybersecurity incidents, preventative action is essential.

4. Diversify Backups

Backup diversification is one of the most essential techniques people should follow. It ensures that data stays secure in the case of a successful cyber attack, which is an ideal outcome. Plus, it’s relatively easy to put into practice.

The 3-2-1 backup rule is a simple and practical approach to information security. It follows the logic of data diversification, minimizing the effect of loss or system failure. It involves creating three initial copies — one primary and two secondary. Additionally, it requires utilizing two kinds of storage devices. One should stay offsite to keep it safe during a hack.

While consistently updating everything and ensuring its integrity may be tedious, it’s generally worth it. Usually, most people appreciate the level of security this method grants when it saves them from significant data loss.

5. Have Immutable Storage

Immutable storage might not be foolproof, but it’s an effective solution to information security issues. It holds data in a “Write Once Read Many” state, where no one can make alterations or remove files from the backup. It’s one of the most common approaches.

It's one of the best methods since threat actors generally can’t overwrite or maliciously inject anything. In addition to preventing ransomware attacks, it also protects against human error — no individual can accidentally alter or delete data.

Secure Your Backups

How can people make sure their backups are secure? While it may take effort, the process is simple. Basically, they only need to update multiple copies to keep their information safe frequently. Effectively backing up files is essential in the digital age, especially with ransomware attacks on the rise. These practical techniques can ensure people protect themselves.