Immutable Backup
An Immutable Backup is a backup copy that cannot be modified, deleted, or tampered with for a specified period, providing protection against ransomware, accidental changes, and malicious attacks. This type of backup ensures that clean copies of data are always available for recovery.
Key Characteristics
- Write-Once: Data can be written once but cannot be altered
- Time-Locked: Protection period during which changes are prohibited
- Tamper-Proof: Prevents modification by users, applications, or malware
- Compliance-Oriented: Often required for regulatory compliance
Advantages
- Ransomware Protection: Prevents backup encryption by ransomware
- Accidental Change Prevention: Protects against accidental deletion or modification
- Compliance: Helps meet regulatory requirements for data retention
- Reliable Recovery: Ensures clean backup copies are always available
- Audit Trail: Provides proof of data integrity over time
Disadvantages
- Limited Flexibility: Cannot modify or delete backups during protection period
- Storage Costs: May require additional storage for extended retention
- Recovery Complexity: May require special procedures for accessing immutable backups
- Policy Management: Requires careful planning of retention periods
Best Practices
- Define appropriate retention periods based on business needs
- Combine with other backup types for operational flexibility
- Regularly test recovery from immutable backups
- Monitor backup creation and immutability enforcement
- Plan for emergency access procedures if needed
Use Cases
- Protection against ransomware attacks
- Compliance with data retention regulations
- Critical system backup protection
- Legal hold requirements