Key Components of a Robust Data Protection Strategy and Best Practices for Data Backup and Recovery

Data protection strategies are more crucial than ever in the face of escalating ransomware attacks, according to Matt Waxman, SVP and GM for data protection at Veritas Technologies. In a recent interview with Help Net Security, Waxman emphasized the importance of incorporating essential components into every data protection strategy to combat the growing threat of data compromise.

Waxman highlighted the significance of backup and recovery protocols, following the 3-2-1 rule, which involves maintaining at least three up-to-date copies of data on two different types of media, with one copy stored offsite on immutable storage. He also stressed the importance of measures like role-based access control and AI-powered monitoring to enhance data protection efforts.

Cloud backup strategies were also discussed as a way to enhance data protection, offering scalability and accessibility. However, Waxman cautioned that organizations must understand the shared responsibility model between cloud service providers (CSPs) and customers when it comes to data protection. Customers are responsible for protecting their data in the cloud, and optimization practices such as data classification, tagging, and deduplication are essential to control costs and ensure data security.

In addition to backup and recovery, Waxman emphasized the need to unify data protection with data security and governance to improve overall cyber resilience. By integrating these components, organizations can create a gap-free defense against ransomware attacks that target data exfiltration and encryption.

To align data backup practices with overall data protection requirements, organizations should prioritize planning for recovery rather than just backups. Understanding which data needs to be recovered first, which systems need to be restored quickly, and how to make it happen are key steps in this alignment process.

In conclusion, Waxman’s insights underscore the critical importance of a robust data protection strategy in the face of evolving cyber threats. By incorporating essential components, optimizing cloud backup strategies, and aligning data backup practices with overall protection requirements, organizations can enhance their resilience against ransomware attacks and safeguard their valuable data.