Air Gapped Backup: An Introduction

Air Gapped Backup is a widely used form of data storage that provides an additional layer of security to protect your important files and documents. It involves storing the data away from any kind of public or private network, thus making it nearly impossible for hackers to access it. Air gapping works by creating a separate physical copy of the data in an offline medium, often referred to as an “air gap”. This means that the data is stored in a secure environment and can only be accessed by authorized personnel with the correct credentials.

What is an Air Gapped Backup?

Air gapped backup is a type of storage system whereby the Data is stored away from any public or private networks. It involves creating an isolated environment, such as a secure local network or hard drive, to store the data. The main purpose of this practice is to increase security by preventing unauthorized access to the data. Air gapped backups are often referred to as “air gaps” because they keep the data away from any public or private networks.

Benefits of Air Gapped Backup

Increased Security:

The main benefit of air gapped backup is increased security because it prevents unauthorized access to sensitive data. It also ensures that if any kind of malicious activity occurs, the data is safe and secure.

Cost:

Air gapped storage can save you money because it eliminates the need to purchase additional hardware or software for backing up your data. It also requires less time and effort to set up and maintain, which translates into cost savings.

Disaster Recovery:

In case of a disaster, air gapped backups can be used to quickly restore your data. This is especially important for businesses that rely on their data to stay operational.

Data Integrity:

Air gapping ensures the integrity of your data by preventing unauthorized access or modification. It also eliminates the risk of corruption due to malware and other malicious activities.

Portability:

Air gapped storage is highly portable and can be easily moved from one location to another. This makes it an ideal solution for companies with multiple offices or those who need to transport large amounts of data between locations.

Scalability:

Air gapped backups are scalable, meaning they can accommodate the growth of your business over time. This makes them a great option for businesses that expect to grow in the future.

Ease of Access:

Air gapped backups are easy to access and manage, making them ideal for businesses that need quick access to their data. This also eliminates the need to pay for additional storage hardware or software.

Data Backup:

Air gapping ensures that your data is backed up in an offline environment, which makes it more secure. It also eliminates the risk of data loss due to power outages or other disasters.

Durability:

Air gapped backups are highly durable and can withstand harsh conditions that may otherwise damage traditional storage media such as hard drives. This makes them ideal for businesses that need their data to remain safe and secure over long periods of time.

How to Create an Air Gap Ste-by-Step guide

Creating an air gap requires a few simple steps:

1. First, determine the type of storage media you will use for your data. Options include hard drives, USB flash drives, CDs and DVDs, or cloud-based solutions.
2. Ensure that the storage media you choose is compatible with your computer’s operating system.
3. Copy the data from its current location onto the storage medium, either manually or using a backup program such as Acronis True Image or Backup Exec.
4. Disconnect the device from any public or private networks and store it in a secure, isolated environment.
5. Make regular backups to ensure your data is up-to-date and securely stored.

Types of Air Gaps

There are four main types of air gaps:

Onsite Air Gap:

This type of air gap requires the storage device to be physically disconnected from any public or private networks and stored in a secure, isolated environment. It is the most secure form of air gapping because it eliminates any risk of data leakage due to cyber attacks.

Offsite Air Gap:

This type of air gap involves storing the data offsite, such as in another building, a different city or country. This provides an additional layer of security by reducing the risk of physical threats, such as theft or natural disaster.

Internal Air Gap:

This type of air gap is typically used within organizations to separate sensitive data from other networks and systems. It can also be used to protect proprietary information, such as intellectual property or customer information.

Hybrid Air Gap:

This type of air gap combines onsite and offsite storage, which provides greater data security. It also allows for quick access to the data in case of an emergency or disaster.

Air Gap Security Considerations

Secure Location:

The storage device should be kept in a secure, isolated environment where it cannot be accessed without the proper credentials. This could include a locked room or cabinet, as well as an encrypted hard drive or cloud-based system.

Authentication:

Access to the data should be restricted to authorized personnel only and must require authentication such as a username and password. It is important to keep these credentials secure at all times.

Data Encryption:

All data stored in the air gap should be encrypted to ensure it remains secure and private. This includes data both at rest and in transit, as well as any backups of the original data.

Regular Updates:

The hardware and software used for the air gap should be regularly updated to ensure the security of the data. This could include updating the operating system, patching any vulnerabilities and applying additional security measures.

Audit Logs:

It is important to keep track of who has access to the air gap and when they accessed it. Maintaining audit logs can help in this regard by providing a secure record of activity on the air gap.

Conclusion

Air gapping is an effective way to ensure the security and integrity of your data. It eliminates the risk of unauthorized access or modification, as well as provides additional layers of protection in case of a disaster. It also offers cost savings, portability, scalability, and ease of access when compared to traditional storage methods. However, it is important to take certain security measures, such as secure location, authentication, data encryption, regular updates and audit logs By following these best practices, businesses can ensure the air gapping process is successful and their data remains safe and secure over time.

FAQs

What is an air gap?

An air gap is a process of isolating a storage device from public or private networks, making it more secure. It eliminates the risk of data leakage due to cyber attacks, as well as physical threats such as theft or natural disaster.

How does an air gap work?

An air gap involves copying the data from its current location onto a storage medium, such as hard drives, USB flash drives, CDs and DVDs, or cloud-based solutions. The device is then disconnected from any public or private networks and stored in a secure, isolated environment.

What are the benefits of an air gap?

The main benefit of an air gap is improved security, as it eliminates the risk of data leakage due to cyber attacks or physical threats. It also offers cost savings, portability, scalability, and ease of access when compared to traditional storage methods.

What are the different types of air gaps?

There are four main types of air gaps: Onsite Air Gap, Offsite Air Gap, Internal Air Gap, and Hybrid Air Gap. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the needs of the business.

What security considerations should be taken when creating an air gap?

When creating an air gap, it is important to consider secure location, authentication, data encryption, regular updates and audit logs. By following these best practices, businesses can ensure the air gapping process is successful and their data remains safe and secure over time.