What is an air-gapped backup? You’ve probably heard the term, but what does it mean? Air-gapped backups are a type of offsite backup that involves copying data to a device that is not connected to the internet. This can help protect your data from being compromised in the event of a cyberattack. While air-gapped backups offer increased security, they can also be more complicated and time consuming to set up and maintain. In this blog post, we’ll explore some common mistakes people make with air-gapped backups, as well as their solutions. Stay safe!
What Is Air Gapped Backups?
Air-Gapped Backups are a type of offsite backup that involves copying data to a device that is not connected to the internet and usually kept in a physically secure location. The main purpose of using an air-gapped backup is to protect data from being compromised by cyber-attacks, such as ransomware and malware.
How Does Air Gapped Backups Work?
Air-gapped backups usually work by copying data from a computer or server to an external storage device, such as a USB drive or an external hard drive. The data is then physically transported to the offsite location and stored there. This process can be manual or automated, depending on the needs of the organization.
Common Mistakes While Using Air Gapped Backups?
There are several common mistakes that people make while using air-gapped backups. Some of these mistakes include:
Not Disconnecting the Device from the Network: One of the most common mistakes people make is not disconnecting the device from the network before beginning the backup process. If the device is still connected to the internet, it is possible for data to be compromised during the backup.
Forgetting to Reconnect the Device to the Network: Once the backup is complete, it is important to reconnect the device to the network so that it can be used in the event of a disaster. If the device is not reconnected, it will not be able to be used for its intended purpose.
Not Testing the Backup: Another common mistake is not testing the backup to ensure that it is working properly. It is important to test the backup before a disaster strikes so that you know it will be able to restore your data.
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Solutions to Common Mistakes
There are several solutions to the common mistakes that people make while using air-gapped backups. Some of these solutions include:
Disconnecting the Device from the Network: The best way to avoid this mistake is to disconnect the device from the network before beginning the backup process. This can be done by unplugging the device from the internet or by disconnecting it from the Wi-Fi.
Reconnecting the Device to the Network: Once the backup is complete, it is important to reconnect the device to the network so that it can be used in the event of a disaster. This can be done by plugging the device back into the internet or by connecting it to the Wi-Fi.
Testing the Backup: Another way to avoid this mistake is to test the backup before a disaster strikes. This can be done by restoring the backup to a test environment and verifying that the data can be accessed.
Tips for Creating a Secure Air Gapped Backup
There are several tips that can help you create a secure air-gapped backup. Some of these tips include:
- Use a dedicated backup device: Using a dedicated backup device can help to ensure that your data is not compromised. This is because the device will not be connected to the internet, so there is no way for it to be infected with malware.
- encrypt the data: Another way to secure your air-gapped backup is to encrypt the data. This will help to protect the data from being accessed by unauthorized individuals.
- Store the backup in a secure location: It is also important to store the backup in a secure location. This can help to prevent the data from being lost or stolen.
- Use a reliable backup software: Using a reliable backup software can also help to ensure that your data is protected. This software should be able to create a backup that is both encrypted and stored in a secure location.
- Test the backup regularly: Finally, it is important to test the backup regularly. This will help to ensure that the backup is working properly and that the data can be restored in the event of a disaster.
These are just a few of the many tips that can help you create a secure air-gapped backup. By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your data is protected from being compromised.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you to better understand air-gapped backups and the common mistakes that people make while using them. By following the tips in this article, you can help to ensure that your data is protected from being lost or stolen. We recommend Stonefly.com for your backup needs. Stonefly provides military grade encryption for data at rest and in transit for air-gapped backups. With Stonefly you can also replicate your backups to the cloud for added protection.
FAQs
Q: What is an air-gapped backup?
A: An air-gapped backup is a type of backup that is not connected to the internet. This means that the data is not vulnerable to being hacked or infected with malware.
Q: Why are air-gapped backups important?
A: Air-gapped backups are important because they can help to ensure that your data is not lost or stolen. This type of backup can also help to protect the data from being infected with malware.
Q: What are some common mistakes people make while using air-gapped backups?
A: Some common mistakes people make while using air-gapped backups include forgetting to disconnect the device from the network, not encrypting the data, and not storing the backup in a secure location.
Q: How can I create a secure air-gapped backup?
A: There are several tips that can help you create a secure air-gapped backup. Some of these tips include using a dedicated backup device, encrypting the data, and storing the backup in a secure location. Additionally, it is important to test the backup regularly to ensure that it is working properly.
Q: What are some of the benefits of using an air-gapped backup?
A: Some of the benefits of using an air-gapped backup include the increased security and protection from being lost or stolen. Additionally, this type of backup can help to protect the data from being infected with malware.
