Air Gapping: What is an Air Gap Backup?

Ever heard of an air gap backup? It’s one of the many techniques used for avoiding data loss. While there are multiple methods to keeping your important information safe, air gapping is probably one of the most unique. Surprisingly, it’s been around for quite some time now but what is it and do you need it?

What is Air Gapping?

 

The air gap technique is a backup and recovery strategy. It means that at any given time, a copy of your sensitive data is offline, disconnected, and inaccessible from the internet. What is an air gap? It’s the physical distance (otherwise known as an air wall) that makes it virtually impossible for hackers to remotely access your information. Simply put, if a computer, network, or device is isolated from the public internet or a LAN, you can not hack it.

All types of systems, both complicated and simple, use air gap security, from engine control units and electronic sprinklers to government computer networks and nuclear power plants. However, the moment these systems are accessible by the internet, they are no longer air gapped.

How does an air gap work? It involves routinely taking a copy of your data and storing it offsite, making sure the backup is physically separate from the internet and removed from public access. It’s an incredibly cost efficient and effective way of protecting your data from ransomware. For example, most ransomware attacks are designed to infiltrate your network-connected backups, ensuring your copies are encrypted, so you can’t use them.

However, an air gap backup prevents this problem, since it hinders people from getting into your backups in the first place. This strong protection strategy can mitigate the loss of not only data, but assets, productivity, shutdown, business disruption, reputational harm, and employee wellbeing.

Other Ways to Protect Your Data

 

An air gapped system isn’t the only way to protect your data. We help with coverage by providing both an offsite copy and digital copy in the cloud.

If you have a lot of physical data, like magnetic tapes, optical media, cartridges, or other physical backups, you’ll want to look into Corodata’s offsite media storage. Since the security of physical data is completely different compared to online storage, our safety standards are extremely high-quality, with each facility meeting HIPPA and SSAE-18 policies. To top it off, our employees, servers, vehicles, software, and vaults go through rigorous security measures.

When it comes to cloud backups, they can work for both large and small businesses as a scalable solution. Whether it’s on your own servers or in the cloud, you decide where you want to install the software, depending on your needs and preferences.

If you’re going for the ultimate data protection strategy, it’s important to mention the 3-2-1 rule: 3 backups of critical data, 2 different storage media types, and at least 1 offsite backup. So even in the worst case scenarios, you can prevent data disaster.

Is Air Gapping the Right Strategy for Your Business?

 

Should your business use an air gap backup strategy? It’s a very strong defense against data loss, but of course, there are pros and cons. For instance, there is more of a possibility with human error when it comes to air gapping, like your device accidentally left plugged into a computer for some time before being rotated or if ransomware wasn’t detected when copying your information. Timing is important!

There’s also a reason why government and military agencies air-gap their data. When done correctly, it’s almost impossible to hack unless you’re standing mere feet away. An offline backup strategy should absolutely be a part of your backup and recovery procedures as a business, but it’s certainly not the only choice– and shouldn’t be your one and only source of protection. Always come back to the 3-2-1 rule mentioned above.

How Can I Best Protect My Data?

 

An air gap strategy is a great resource for businesses looking to amp up their backup and recovery options. Here at Corodata, our expert data protection services have been successfully operating and helping businesses for over 36 years, and we take your data seriously.

Our 6-layer security ensures your business is in full compliance with the regulations of sensitive information. With 24/7 monitoring, specialized fleet cars, authorized employees, fire safety, unique racking systems, and a complete chain of custody, we’re here to give you complete peace of mind, knowing your information is in good hands.

Talk with one of our data experts today to keep your most valuable information safe; with no commitment to a long-term contract at the industry’s most competitive rates.