Backup Standards
Backup Standards: Data Loss Prevention, ISO Standards, and Cloud Solutions
Data backup is essential for organizations to recover critical information in case of any disruption. Unexpected failures, disasters, or cyberattacks can lead to data loss; therefore, methods such as the 3-2-1 rule should be applied. According to this rule, at least three copies of the data are kept, stored on two different types of media, and at least one copy is maintained offsite. For example, while the primary data resides on a local server, the second copy is stored on an external drive, and the third copy is backed up to the cloud. This ensures that even if one storage medium fails, the others prevent data loss.
ISO standards also provide guidance on backup and business continuity. For instance, ISO 22301 helps organizations analyze threats to their critical business functions, create a business continuity plan, and develop effective backup systems. This standard ensures organized measures are taken to prevent data loss in cases such as natural disasters, sabotage, or infrastructure failures. Similarly, ISO/IEC 27001, which focuses on information security, promotes the establishment of structured backup policies. Together, these frameworks support rapid operational recovery in the event of an interruption.
Cloud backup solutions have become a popular and effective approach today. Cloud storage providers such as AWS, Google Cloud, and Azure offer secure and scalable options for storing large volumes of data. For example, popular cloud platforms provide integrated Backup as a Service (BaaS) solutions that automatically copy server or computer data to external data centers. Cloud backup enhances data security by complying with the offsite backup principle, and within Disaster Recovery (DR) strategies, Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) models ensure that systems can be quickly restored after a catastrophic event.
In conclusion, to ensure long-term data security and business continuity, organizations should combine fundamental principles such as the 3-2-1 rule, ISO-compliant backup policies, and cloud-based backup solutions. This combination provides comprehensive protection against disasters and attacks, enabling institutions to continue operations even in the face of major disruptions.
