When it comes to protecting critical data, having a reliable backup strategy is crucial. Two popular backup strategies that are often used for this purpose are airgapped backups and immutable backups. In this article, we will discuss the main differences between these two strategies, their pros and cons, and the considerations that organizations should take when choosing between on-premise and cloud solutions for these purposes.
Airgapped Backups
Airgapped backups refer to backups that are stored completely offline and disconnected from any network. This means that the backups cannot be accessed by any unauthorized parties, including hackers and cybercriminals. Airgapped backups are typically stored on removable media such as tapes, USB drives, or external hard drives, and are physically secured in a safe or vault.
One of the main advantages of airgapped backups is their high level of security. Because the backups are completely disconnected from the network, they are protected from any cyber threats that may arise. However, airgapped backups also have some disadvantages. For example, they require regular physical handling and transportation, which can be time-consuming and increase the risk of damage or loss. Additionally, airgapped backups may not be suitable for organizations that require frequent backup and restore operations.
Immutable Backups
Immutable backups, on the other hand, refer to backups that cannot be modified or deleted once they have been created. This means that the backups remain unchanged and protected from any malicious or accidental alterations. Immutable backups are typically achieved by leveraging technologies such as Write Once Read Many (WORM) storage, which prevents any data from being overwritten or deleted.
One of the main advantages of immutable backups is their high level of protection against any malicious or accidental changes. Immutable backups are often used for regulatory compliance, legal hold, and data archiving purposes. However, immutable backups also have some disadvantages. For example, they may require specialized hardware or software, which can be costly and complex to implement. Additionally, immutable backups may not be suitable for organizations that require frequent backup and restore operations.
Considerations for On-Premise vs. Cloud Solutions
When it comes to choosing between on-premise and cloud solutions for airgapped and immutable backups, organizations should consider several factors.
On-premise solutions offer the advantage of complete control over the backup process. Organizations can customize their backup strategy to meet their specific needs and have full ownership and management of the backup infrastructure. However, on-premise solutions may require significant capital investment and ongoing maintenance and upgrades.
Cloud solutions, on the other hand, offer the advantage of scalability and flexibility. Organizations can easily scale their backup infrastructure as their needs change, and can leverage the expertise and resources of cloud providers. Additionally, cloud solutions may offer better protection against natural disasters and other events that could impact on-premise backup infrastructure. However, cloud solutions may also raise concerns about data privacy and security, and may require ongoing subscription fees that can add up over time.
When it comes to protecting critical data, choosing the right backup strategy is essential. Airgapped backups and immutable backups are two popular backup strategies that organizations can use to safeguard their data from cyber threats and accidental changes. However, organizations should carefully consider the pros and cons of each strategy, as well as the considerations for on-premise vs. cloud solutions, before deciding on the best approach for their needs. By taking these factors into account, organizations can ensure that their backup strategy is reliable, secure, and scalable.
