Today most businesses leverage cloud services to store and manage their data. Whether you’re using public cloud via a major hyperscaler such as Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, or Amazon Web Services, or operating within a private cloud setup, the convenience of cloud storage is undeniable. However, it’s essential to recognise that entrusting your data to someone else’s data centre doesn’t automatically guarantee its protection.
In this blog, we’ll explore why out-of-cloud backups are crucial for data security, examine the limitations of cloud providers, and discuss various strategies to ensure your data is well-protected.
The Cloud Myth: Uptime and Security
While cloud providers invest heavily in infrastructure and security, they cannot offer an ironclad guarantee of uptime or protection from all potential threats. The reality is, no cloud provider can ensure uninterrupted access to your data 24/7. Additionally, they cannot entirely shield your data from malicious actors or other risks. Essentially, the threats to your data are the same whether it resides in a public cloud or a private data centre.
The FCA Mandate: A Lesson in Data Backup
In the financial sector, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) mandates that regulated companies maintain a backup of their data outside of their primary cloud environment. This regulation highlights an important principle: even if you’re operating in a highly secure cloud environment, you still need to have an off-site backup to safeguard against potential issues.
For businesses outside of regulated industries, it’s wise to take a cue from the FCA’s approach. The financial industry’s stringent requirements often set the standard for data protection, and following these guidelines can help ensure that your organisation is better protected against unforeseen disruptions.
Options for Out-of-Cloud Backups
So, what are your options for securing your data beyond the cloud? When it comes to safeguarding your data with out-of-cloud backups, there are several strategies to consider:
Cross-Provider Backups:
- Using Cloud Provider Tools: Many cloud providers offer backup tools that allow you to replicate your data to another of their data centres. This approach can be convenient and often comes with features designed to streamline the backup process. However, it’s important to recognise that this method does not entirely mitigate risks such as provider-wide outages or data breaches
- Multi-Cloud Strategy: Another option is to use services from a different cloud provider. For example, if your primary cloud is AWS, you might use Google Cloud or Azure for backups. This strategy helps ensure that your data is not all contained within the same ecosystem, thereby reducing the risk associated with a single provider’s failure
Physical Off-Site Backups:
- On-Premises Backup Solutions: This involves storing copies of your data on physical storage devices located at a different site from your primary cloud infrastructure. This can be a viable option for organisations that need a high level of control over their backup data and want to avoid potential egress charges associated with cloud-based backups
- Managed Backup Services: Third-party providers offer managed backup services that handle the complexity of backup and recovery for you. These services often include secure off-site storage and can be tailored to meet specific compliance requirements
Hybrid Backup Solutions:
- Combination of Cloud and Physical Storage: A hybrid approach involves using both cloud and physical storage solutions. This could mean backing up data to a secondary cloud provider while also maintaining physical copies at a secure off-site location. This strategy offers flexibility and added layers of protection
- Automated Backup Solutions: Implementing automated backup solutions that integrate with both your primary cloud environment and physical storage can streamline the process of data protection. These solutions often include features such as regular backups, automated replication, and easy recovery options
Specialised Backup Services:
- Custom Backup Solutions: Some providers offer bespoke backup solutions designed to address specific business needs and compliance requirements. These services can include advanced features such as encryption, versioning, and detailed recovery options
Conclusion
The cloud offers incredible benefits, but it’s crucial to recognise its limitations when it comes to protecting your data. By adopting an out-of-cloud backup strategy, you ensure that your data remains secure and accessible, even if your primary cloud provider experiences issues. Emulating the FCA’s approach to data protection can enhance your resilience and safeguard your business against potential threats, whatever industry you’re in.
Need some help?
For those seeking a reliable out-of-cloud backup solution, we offer a comprehensive service that ensures your data is backed up and recoverable, even if your primary cloud environment encounters issues. Our services are designed to meet FCA requirements and include features such as testing and validation procedures for audit and compliance purposes.
By implementing an out-of-cloud backup strategy with us, you gain peace of mind knowing that your data is protected against a wide range of risks. This approach not only aligns with best practices but also strengthens your overall risk management strategy.