The loss of a database is a critical moment for any company and, although to varying degrees, negatively affects its operations. Hard drives work unpredictably, and cyber attacks are on the rise. In such a context, measures guaranteeing the complete prevention of any situation are practically non-existent. Prevention is the surest method to minimize losses through one key IT practice – archiving or, to put it in an even more foreign language, Backup.

Data backup and recovery are separate processes that are invariably associated with information security in a dynamic environment such as cyberspace. It is a combination of solutions that work together to ensure the continuity of a company's IT operations. In practice, the Geletron team implements different configurations for backup and recovery with proven potential and scope. Contact us, to offer you a customized solution. But above all, make informed choices. We have created the following lines for such a purpose.

The evolution of archiving

Data backup software starts with tapes that are copied to a machine and stored in physical storage, usually outside the company itself. At the next stage of the evolution of the service, the backup copy is moved to media, or more progressively – to storage on a hosted platform. This approach gives the green light for even greater virtualization of the service and its transition to the cloud. Thus, the control over the transfer of archive data is comprehensive and becomes a standard to which companies, especially with remote offices and branches, adhere strictly.

Types of backup

Today's solutions include secure monitoring, continuous backup and rapid data recovery through a cloud-based architecture. There are a variety of backup methods available on the market to meet any business need. Here are their descriptions by type:

•         Full backup – all selected files are backed up in their entirety. It is usually used as a first backup and then tracked and upgraded. When the next backup is scheduled, the entire list of files and folders is copied again (whether changes have been made or not). This simplifies the recovery process as the full data set is available from each backup step. However, at the same time, it takes the most storage space and time.
•         Differential backup – a process that starts with one full backup and then backs up any changes made subsequently. This allows for much faster backups and more efficient use of storage capacity, but slower recovery.
•         Incremental backup – resembles differential with one important difference – after the initial full backup, subsequent backups store changes made by the previous backup cycle, whether it was full or not.
•         Mirror backup – represents a real-time duplication of the archived source. With it, when a file in the source is deleted, it is also deleted in the mirror backup. Therefore, mirror backups should be used with caution. An accidentally or intentionally deleted file, as well as a virus, can cause it to be deleted in the mirror as well. Many online backup services offer mirrored backups with 30-day deletion – even if removed, the file is kept on the server for at least 30 days before it is deleted. This helps strike a balance of offering a level of safety while preventing backups from continuing to grow. Many backup utilities provide support for mirrored backups.
•         Local backup – this is any backup where the media is stored in place. Typically, the storage is connected directly to the backup computer or connected via a local network to the backup source. This is the primary form of backup and data loss prevention, but it does involve disaster risks as there is no remote backup or cloud component.
•         Cloud Backup (Remote) – a type of offsite backup that allows users to access restore or administer backups whether they are at the source location or offsite. Data is backed up to the cloud (either directly or through a local appliance). This is one of the most reliable types of backup.
•         Hybrid backup – integrates cloud transfer and local backup capabilities to ensure fast system recovery. Typically, the local backup is a USB drive or network share. The ideal hybrid backup solution integrates these forms into an automatic, easy-to-use utility running in the background. While local backups are usually sufficient to protect data and other information on a computer system, cloud backups add another level of security.

Why is backup important?

We live in times where both businesses and individuals are highly dependent on data. A number of studies indicate that 40% from companies, which do not have a backup policy, have suffered as a result of crises of various origins. Backup strategies are comprehensive combinations of intelligently selected backup solutions and tools whose scope, schedule and infrastructure are prioritized according to specific business needs.

What to backup?

Backup can include files and databases, operating systems, applications, configurations, hosts and management console, backup of virtual machines, in some cases and mobile devices with sensitive information. This again depends on your business and the goals you have set for yourself. When choosing a backup solution, it is most important that it has the scope and capabilities to protect all possible types of data and devices that require a copy. The most reliable option is subject to the principle "archive everything and often".

Data Backup – RPO and RTO

Once the scope of the backup is specified, the next important decision is how often the backup itself should occur. The introduced concept helps in determining the schedule "recovery objective" (RPO) – the maximum period you are willing to lose data. A shorter RPO means less data loss, but requires more backups, more storage capacity, and more computing and network resources to run backups. A longer RPO is more affordable, but it can mean more data loss.

Many small and medium-sized companies, including Geletron's practice, set an RPO of 24 hours, which means that backups are daily. It could be just a few minutes away. A combined approach with tiered RPOs – shorter for critical systems and longer for secondary systems – is also possible.

Another important variable in backup is "recovery time objective" (RTO) – how quickly data can be recovered from the moment of crisis to the normalization of activity. As with RPO, a shorter RTO requires faster storage, networks and technology and is therefore more expensive. For many companies, an RTO of several hours is a standard period.

Data backup solutions

There are many types of backup solutions and tools available in the market that deliver different RPOs, RTOs and handle data and systems with different scopes. Here are the most popular.

Hardware solutions – they connect to the company network and physical space is required for their storage. In most cases, they do not require a separate server, operating system or software installation. Access to the archive is via a graphical interface provided with the unit.

If the hardware appliance fails, the entire data backup solution is lost. Even if a backup is made to an additional location before the recovery process begins, the backup solution must be procured again.

Software solutions – are installed on company systems, many enabling existing, others requiring dedicated backup-only servers, as well as configuration of the operating system and backup software. In many cases, software can be installed on a virtual machine (VM). Compared to hardware appliances, software solutions offer greater flexibility, especially if the infrastructure changes frequently. Also, software solutions can be cheaper than hardware solutions.

Cloud services – Many providers offer Backup as a Service (BaaS) – a cloud-based offering that provides the ability to back up data over a period of time. Online backup is literally available from anywhere. Only an internet connection is required and the information is saved automatically.

Geletron offers complete solutions for backup, recovery and protection (Cyber Protect) on a subscription basis (Backup as a Service), which combines multiple technologies into one. Through it, we perform all the necessary actions to ensure the reliability and security of your systems - monitoring, management, storage, protection, testing of archives and many other important processes.

We have experience and we will be happy to advise you in choosing the appropriate solution, to implement and maintain it.