An immutable backup is a backup copy of your data that cannot be modified, deleted, or overwritten—even by system administrators or applications that created the backup. As such, all data in an immutable backup is stored in a read-only format, prohibiting any write privileges and ensuring that data can’t be altered in any way.
However, immutable backups can be replicated across various storage media for auditing and version control purposes. They can also utilize advanced security mechanisms for better data protection, including encryption and multi-factor authentication.
Why are immutable backups important?
Immutable backups play an essential role in recovering after a ransomware attack, specifically in:
Data protection
The most compelling use case for immutable backups is its role in protecting your organization against ransomware attacks.
Ransomware threat actors can overwrite and modify backup data until they are paid a ransom. However, if you can recover data unaffected by the encryption attack, you don’t need to pay the ransom. This is where you can use your immutable backups.
Immutable backups also play a role in data losses from various types of cyber attacks, including human error. Aside from the possible financial costs, cybersecurity incidents can also modify backed-up data.
Compliance
Ransomware attacks continue to be a pervasive threat, with cybercriminals continuously refining their methods and exploiting security vulnerabilities. Today, it is no longer enough to merely react to an attack—you must be able to proactively defend your MSP or MSSP.
Regulations such as the GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI require organizations to maintain an immutable backup of their data to protect high-critical assets from being lost in the event of a cyber incident. This is especially important for industries that regularly work with personally identifiable information (PII), such as the government, financial, and healthcare.
How does immutable backup work?
When you create an immutable backup, you are essentially placing an “object lock” on your data. This lock prevents anyone (even the user who made the backup) from accidentally or purposely modifying the data for a specific amount of time.
Immutable backups generally come in two forms: governance and compliance. In governance mode, IT experts can disable immutability for a set time. Conversely, compliance mode ensures that files remain readable and unalterable for a pre-determined time. Compliance mode is also considered WORM-protected, where WORM stands for “write once, read many.” As the phrase suggests, once the data has been saved, it can be accessed multiple times but cannot be written over.
Immutable backups are also seeing growing applications in blockchain technology. Immutable data can be stored in a “block” to improve data integrity.
Why use immutable backups?
Immutable backups are the highest level of backup protection. They are becoming more popular today because of the ever-increasing frequency of ransomware attacks. Let’s look at the most recent ones:
- 2.7 billion records from the National Public Data were recently leaked in a dark web forum (CNBC).
- CDK Global allegedly paid a $25 million ransom after a ransomware group compromised around 15,000 auto dealerships across North America (SpiceWorks).
- Change Healthcare was the victim of a ransomware attack that resulted in the theft of PII of up to 1 in 3 Americans (HIPAA Journal).
- Microchip Technology suffered a massive cyberattack that caused it to suspend some of its operations (TechRadar).
- A new form of ransomware attack, called Qilin Ransomware, can steal credentials stored in Google Chrome browsers on compromised endpoints (The Hacker News).
- Ransomware attacks against K12 school districts continue to increase (CBS News).
If you do lose your data from an attack or if it gets corrupted or lost in any way, having an immutable backup can reduce downtime and keep your systems running smoothly.
That said, we must emphasize that no defense—not even immutability—is 100% effective. The best way to protect your data is to remain proactive and work with a vendor that offers a fully integrated endpoint management solution like NinjaOne.
How do immutable backups fit into the 3-2-1 backup rule?
IT experts are taught the 3-2-1 backup rule, which dictates that they should have 3 copies of their data stored on 2 different mediums, with at least 1 copy stored off-site, such as in the cloud.
However, there is a growing argument today for changing this rule to 3-2-1-1, where the last one refers to having an immutable backup. This offers another fail-safe in the event of a cybersecurity incident.
Benefits and disadvantages of immutable backups
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How do you keep immutable backups secure?
It’s best to follow a comprehensive security strategy for your backup and data recovery. This includes:
- Implementing a zero-trust security model.
- Implementing access controls, such as multi-factor authentication or two-factor authentication.
- Encrypting backup data.
- Regularly auditing current backup solutions.
- Choosing the right hardware and software.
- Implementing an off-site backup solution.
- Conducting regular cybersecurity training.
NinjaOne keeps your data secure with its backup solution
NinjaOne backup protects your data and helps you remain compliant and recover faster with its robust, all-in-one solution. With its flexible and customizable backup plans, NinjaOne helps you proactively manage your data and keep it safe, even after a cyber event.
If you’re ready, request a free quote, sign up for a 14-day free trial, or watch a demo.
