Data storage is one of the foundations of effective work for both companies and individuals. However, with the constant growth in the volume of information and the increasing likelihood of data loss due to emergencies or cyber-attacks, such as ransomware, it is clear that now, more than ever, it is important to get ahead of the curve by setting up backup cloud storage. Although it involves additional costs and efforts, this is not just about protecting information but about ensuring our peace of mind and having a reliable plan B in these turbulent times.
Backup cloud storage is a remote data storage solution that ensures uninterrupted access to information and protects against data loss. Before selecting backup cloud storage, it is essential to define the objectives and requirements for data storage, as well as to consider the financial resources and the specific needs of the organization’s business processes.
It is important to consider criteria such as reliability, speed of data access, confidentiality of information, geographical location of servers, and scalability. A properly selected backup data storage solution will help ensure the safety and reliability of your data, which is a vital aspect of any business’s successful and stable operation.
Top Reasons to Use Backup Cloud Storage
Having backup cloud storage is like having an extra ace up your sleeve for business operations. Let’s imagine this scenario: in the data center, where data is usually stored, there was a fire, a flood, or a banal short circuit, which led to a temporary, yet impactful, system shutdown.
While the data center deals with problems, the enterprise must continue to operate, processing customer requests and performing data operations. Otherwise, the business will begin to suffer losses.
This storage acts like both a safety net and a co-pilot for the system. If the primary hub for storing and processing information gets compromised, the enterprise can quickly switch to the backup and keep running smoothly without interruptions. The role of backup cloud storage is to swiftly take over data handling until the primary system is back up and running. Moreover, using backup cloud storage affords the flexibility to harness the best features from multiple cloud providers.
For businesses operating under stringent data protection regulations, such as those in finance, healthcare, and government services, backup cloud storage becomes indispensable. It ensures compliance with laws concerning data redundancy and availability, addressing specific sector needs.
Distinctions Between Backup and Primary Cloud Infrastructures
When it comes to structure and algorithms, there is no significant difference because the top-notch data centers all adhere at least to the Tier III standard. This standard ensures that repairs and maintenance can be carried out without any operational downtime. For services with heavy loads, it is wise to opt for backup cloud storage housed in a Tier III data center. Here, every critical system is triple-replicated, including backup Internet providers, power supplies, and more. The strategies for infrastructure resilience are consistent as well.
It is crucial for the backup cloud storage to be situated in a different data center, ideally in another city or even another country. This way, even if a natural disaster, like a flood or hurricane, strikes, it will not impact the secondary storage facility. Additionally, you could opt for a less powerful cloud service for the backup since it will not bear as heavy a load as the primary cloud, which deals with the bulk of the workload on a daily basis.
How to Choose Backup Cloud Storage
The backup data storage should be chosen based on the same principles as the primary one:
- Compliance with laws on personal data protection.
- System availability exceeding 99.95%, with suitable data center service level agreements (SLAs) and Tier III certification.
- Flexible payment options for tariff changes.
- The provider’s experience and reputation.
- A large number of servers to support the development of a hybrid system.
- Availability of Anything-as-a-Service (XaaS) options to optimize costs.
- Multiple technical support channels.
- Solid defense against DDoS attacks.
- Data recovery speed.
- Adequate storage server capacity (noting that it is acceptable to opt for a backup cloud with lower performance)
It is essential for the backup data storage to operate on the same virtualization system as the primary one. This compatibility facilitates seamless data migration from one server to another and ensures the uninterrupted operation of information processing. It enables a virtual machine to “move” between physical servers without data loss or workflow interruptions. While it is possible to transfer data to a server running a different virtualization kernel, doing so can be highly resource-intensive and economically impractical for businesses, considering the high migration costs.
Pay close attention to the implementation and ongoing management of backup cloud storage. Effective management ensures that the backup cloud storage not only exists as a fail-safe but is also readily accessible and fully operational at the moment it is needed most. This requires regular testing of the backup systems to ensure data integrity and the smooth operation of failover mechanisms. Businesses should establish clear protocols for how and when to switch to the backup cloud, including training for staff on these procedures.
Consider the provider’s commitment to sustainability, such as using renewable energy sources for data centers, which reflects positively on your company’s carbon footprint.
Conclusion
The backup cloud serves as a safety net for your primary storage, which might fall prey to something as minor as a short circuit or become compromised by a fire or malware attack. It is important to select it based on the same criteria as the primary storage. Even if a company owns its servers or feels completely confident in its current cloud setup, establishing a backup is crucial. After all, there is no guarantee that the initially chosen server will operate flawlessly for a decade without any interruptions.
Alex Vakulov is a cybersecurity researcher with more than 20 years of experience in malware analysis and strong malware removal skills.
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