The relentless rise of ransomware has made one thing clear: backups are no longer just a recovery tool but a critical line of defense. For managed service providers (MSPs), protecting client data goes beyond simply having backups—it requires ensuring those backups remain untouchable, even in the face of advanced cyberattacks where threat actors seek to compromise backups in conjunction with ransomware attacks.
Two approaches, air-gap backups, and immutable backups, stand out for their ability to safeguard data against unauthorized changes. While both aim to make backups ransomware-proof, their methods differ significantly. This article examines these approaches, providing MSPs with a clear understanding of their strengths and weaknesses to guide their choice of data protection strategy.
Air-Gap Backups: Isolated but Imperfect
Air-gap backups rely on isolating backup data, either physically or logically, to ensure it remains out of reach for attackers.
How They Work
Air-gap backups operate by creating a separation between backup data and the primary network or storage environment. This isolation can be achieved through two main methods:
- Physical air gaps involve disconnecting backup media, such as tapes or external drives, from any network or system. These backups are often stored offsite to ensure they remain inaccessible to attackers.
- Logical air gaps, on the other hand, create a virtual separation by storing data in restricted environments that require specific credentials or permissions to access. While logical air gaps provide a modern twist on this method, they still rely on access controls to maintain isolation.
Strengths
One of the primary strengths of air-gap backups is their true isolation—particularly in the case of physical air gaps. Completely disconnecting data from the network ensures that even the most sophisticated cyber threats cannot directly reach the backups. Additionally, physical air gaps provide a layer of independence from network-based security measures, making them less vulnerable to widespread network compromises or attacks.
Challenges
Despite their strengths, air-gap backups come with significant challenges:
- Operational complexity is a key issue, as physical air-gapping often involves manual processes such as transporting and storing backup media. This introduces the potential for human error and requires substantial time and effort.
- Scalability is another limitation, as managing and maintaining physical storage becomes increasingly cumbersome with growing data volumes.
- Recovery times are also notably slower, as physically retrieving and restoring data can delay business continuity efforts.
- Finally, logical air gaps are not immune to insider threats, as compromised credentials or misconfigurations can provide unauthorized access.
Further reading Recovery Time Objective (RTO) in Disaster Recovery
Immutable Backups: Set in Stone
Immutable backups take a different approach. Instead of isolating data, they make it unchangeable. Once written, the data cannot be modified, overwritten, or deleted during a specified retention period.
How They Work
Immutable backups ensure that once data is written, it cannot be altered, overwritten, or deleted during a designated retention period. This is achieved through storage-level technologies, such as object lock, which are available on many S3-compatible cloud storage platforms. These solutions automatically enforce immutability policies, protecting data from any changes, whether accidental or malicious. Unlike air-gap backups, immutability does not rely on physical isolation but instead leverages advanced storage configurations to secure data.
Further reading Beyond Technology: How Immutable Backup Builds Trust for MSPs
Strengths of Immutable Backups
- Ransomware-proof design is the key strength of immutable backups, giving them ultimate ransomware protection Even if attackers gain administrative access to the environment, they cannot alter or delete immutable data.
- Scalability and flexibility are additional advantages, as immutable backups seamlessly integrate across both cloud and on-premises environments, accommodating the needs of modern hybrid architectures.
- Furthermore, operational simplicity sets them apart—automation of retention policies eliminates manual processes, reducing the risk of human error.
- Another notable strength is streamlined recovery, as immutable backups stored in active environments allow for faster data restoration, minimizing downtime and disruption.
Challenges of Immutable Backups
While highly effective, immutable backups do have some challenges:
- They rely on the correct configuration of immutability settings to ensure their efficacy, meaning that improper setup can leave data vulnerable.
- Additionally, retention planning is critical, as immutability locks data for specified periods. This requires careful management to avoid unnecessary storage costs or prolonged retention of obsolete data.
Despite these considerations, the benefits of immutability often outweigh its challenges, particularly in environments requiring robust ransomware protection and rapid recovery capabilities.
Air-Gap vs. Immutable Backups: A Side-by-Side Look
| Feature | Air-Gap Backups | Immutable Backups |
|---|---|---|
| Isolation | Physical or logical separation from networks. | Data cannot be altered or deleted, even by admin accounts. |
| Ease of Use | Requires manual handling or strict access control. | Policy-driven automation eliminates manual processes. |
| Scalability | Limited by storage capacity and complexity. | Highly scalable across cloud and on-prem environments. |
| Insider Threat Protection | Moderate; logical gaps rely on secure access. | High; immutable data is protected regardless of access credentials. |
| Recovery Speed | Slower recovery due to physical retrieval processes. | Faster recovery from active storage environments. |
| Cost Efficiency | High storage and management costs for physical air gaps. | Cost-effective, particularly with cloud-based solutions. |
The Case for Immutable Backups
For MSPs managing diverse client environments, immutable backups offer clear advantages over air-gapped alternatives:
- Automated Security: Unlike air-gap backups, immutability is enforced automatically, reducing operational overhead and the risk of human error.
- Hybrid Flexibility: Immutable backups can be deployed across cloud and on-premises environments, offering a versatile solution for modern data storage needs.
- Proactive Ransomware Defense: By locking data at the storage level, immutability ensures backups remain untouchable, even if attackers gain unauthorized access.
- Streamlined Compliance: Built-in retention policies simplify adherence to regulatory requirements.
- Faster Recovery: Immutable backups stored in active, accessible environments allow MSPs to restore critical data quickly, minimizing downtime and ensuring business continuity.
While air-gap backups provide a traditional layer of protection, their reliance on manual processes, slower recovery speeds, and scalability limitations make them less practical for the dynamic needs of modern IT environments.
Why Immutable Backups Are the Future
The choice between air-gap backups and immutable backups often comes down to operational priorities. For MSPs seeking a solution that scales with data growth, integrates seamlessly into existing infrastructure, and ensures both fast recovery and robust ransomware protection, immutable backups emerge as the clear winner.
By adopting immutable backup strategies, MSPs can not only meet today’s challenges but also future-proof their data protection practices. These backups provide a modern, automated approach to safeguarding client data, ensuring both security and peace of mind in an era of ever-evolving threats.
