Back up and recovery

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 Backups help mitigate risks from:
• Ransomware attacks – Restore data instead of paying ransom.
• Hardware failures – Protects against disk crashes and system failures.
• Human errors – Recovers deleted or modified files.
• Natural disasters – Ensures recovery after fires, floods, or earthquakes. 

he frequency of backups depends on business needs, but best practices recommend:
• Critical data – Back up in real-time or every few hours.
• Business data – Daily or weekly backups.
• Archived data – Monthly or quarterly backups. 

The 3-2-1 backup strategy ensures data is protected and recoverable:
• 3 copies of data – One primary and two backup copies.
• 2 different storage types – Local disk, cloud, or external storage.
• 1 copy stored offsite – Protects against disasters like fire or cyber attacks. 

 A robust backup strategy includes:

• Regularly scheduled backups (daily or weekly).
• Storing backups in multiple locations (on-premises and cloud).
• Using immutable backups that cannot be altered or deleted by attackers.
• Testing recovery processes regularly to ensure data can be restored.

 A combination of both is ideal. Cloud backups provide accessibility and scalability, while offline backups (e.g., external hard drives) are less vulnerable to online threats. Regularly updating both backup types is essential. 

Data retention policies depend on compliance regulations and business needs:
• Short-term (30–90 days) – Frequently accessed data.
• Long-term (1–7+ years) – Regulatory compliance (e.g., finance, healthcare). 

Backups should be tested at least quarterly, but more frequent testing (monthly or even weekly) is advisable, especially for critical data. This ensures that recovery processes work smoothly in the event of an attack. 

 • Regular restore tests – Verify backups are recoverable.
• Sandbox environments – Test recovery without disrupting production.
• Automated backup validation – Ensures backup integrity. 

Immutable backups are designed to prevent unauthorized changes or deletions. If ransomware infects the system, these backups remain intact, allowing organizations to restore data without paying the ransom. 

Air-gapped backups are stored on systems that are not connected to the network or the internet. This isolation protects backups from ransomware attacks, as they cannot be accessed or encrypted by attackers. 

An immutable backup cannot be modified, deleted, or encrypted by ransomware or attackers. This ensures data integrity and security against cyber threats. 

• Full Backup – Copies all data every time.
• Incremental Backup – Copies only changes made since the last backup.
• Differential Backup – Copies all changes since the last full backup. 

• Cloud Backup – Scalable, offsite protection, and automatic updates.
• On-Premises Backup – Faster recovery, more control, but requires maintenance.
• Hybrid Backup – A combination of both for flexibility and security. 

✅ Follow the 3-2-1 Backup Rule: Maintain three copies of data, stored on two different media types, with one copy kept offsite.
✅ Encrypt Backups: Protect backup data from unauthorized access.
✅ Test Backups Regularly: Ensure backups are functional and recoverable.
✅ Use Immutable Backups: Prevent backups from being altered or deleted by attackers.
✅ Automate Backup Processes: Reduce human error and ensure consistency.

A well-structured backup and recovery plan is essential for cybersecurity resilience, helping businesses recover from cyber incidents and maintain trust with customers and stakeholders.