Today’s cyber attacks are not only hitting operational data, but also increasingly targeting backup systems. In an era of ransomware and advanced threats, traditional backups are no longer a sufficient form of security. To achieve true resilience against cyber attacks, organizations must implement a modern, multi-layered strategy, as proposed by OPSWAT – a leader in comprehensive data security.
Key findings
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Classic backups do not detect hidden threats – they may contain malicious files and exploits.
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The 3-2-1-1-0 model is the current standard for cyber-resistance in backup.
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Multi-layer scanning, sandboxing and CDR eliminate malicious code from backups.
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Regular verification and rapid analysis of changes in backups minimize the risk of failure.
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The integrated approach offered by OPSWAT guarantees a secure data recovery process.
Table of contents
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Why classic backup protection is no longer enough
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New safety standard: the 3-2-1-1-0 model
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Multi-layer scanning and threat analysis
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Advanced backup security technologies
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OPSWAT and resilience to modern cyber attacks
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Summary
Why classic backup protection is no longer enough
Traditional backup strategies focus on data availability and integrity, overlooking aspects of threats hidden in files. Malware hidden in archives, modified metadata, zero-day exploits – all of these can reside in a backup and go unnoticed until the data is restored. Restoring such copies results in reinfection and extended downtime. Without additional layers of security, backup protection is illusory.
New safety standard: the 3-2-1-1-0 model
In response to growing threats, an improved backup principle has been developed – the 3-2-1-1-0 model:
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3 copies of the data (original + 2 copies)
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2 different types of media (e.g., cloud and local disk)
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1 off-site copy
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1 offline, air-gapped or immutable copy
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0 errors during restore tests
This model provides not only redundancy, but also cyber resilience. By implementing it together with tools such as MetaDefender Storage Security from OPSWAT, the organization gains confidence that backups are available and free from threats.
Multi-layer scanning and threat analysis
Backup protection must include constant verification of data. Regular, cyclic scanning can detect malicious changes that may have already occurred after the copy was made. Multiscanning using multiple antivirus engines increases the effectiveness of malware detection, and differential scanning allows only modified files to be analyzed, saving time and resources.
Advanced backup security technologies
Effective backup protection requires technologies that go beyond standard approaches. OPSWAT recommends:
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YARA – advanced rules that identify hidden threats based on signatures and logical conditions
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Sandboxing – analyzing files in an isolated environment to detect zero-day exploits
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CDR (Content Disarm and Reconstruction) – removal of potentially dangerous macros and scripts from files
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DLP (Data Loss Prevention) – protecting sensitive data and preventing it from flowing out of backup
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Rapid Change Detection – detecting sudden changes in data structure allows you to quickly identify safe restore points
OPSWAT and resilience to modern cyber attacks
Solutions such as MetaDefender Storage Security™ from the OPSWAT combine all the practices described in one platform. Within a single environment, they offer scanning, analysis, isolation, detection and full backup control. This gives organizations not only security, but a real ability to recover from an attack – without the risk of reinfection or regulatory compliance violations (RODO, DORA, ISO 27001).
Summary
Backup without advanced protection is no longer enough. Today’s cyber threats require a comprehensive approach – including threat analysis, integrity checks, data separation and restore testing. By implementing the 8 key practices suggested by OPSWAT, companies are not only protecting data, but realistically improving the operational resilience and cyber security of their infrastructure.
Want to know more about how to increase backup security? Check out the details of OPSWAT’s offerings: https://ramsdata.com.pl/opswat/
