The most important points at a glance
A good backup strategy protects data not only from loss but also ensures it can be restored quickly in case of emergency. For this, stgallennetgroup AG recommends a local NAS-based backup in combination with an online backup as a second instance, depending on the objective. Immutability or absolute immutability helps ensure that attackers with access to the backup storage cannot alter or delete data. It is also important to clearly separate backup and archive as well as an appropriate retention period.
Practical experience shows that often the problem is not backing up itself but recoverability. This is exactly where the solutions of stgallennetgroup AG come in, because a backup is of little use if it is kept for too short a time, is damaged, or in an emergency can only be restored very slowly. Therefore, data protection, retention (type and duration), as well as restoration and protection against manipulation should always be considered in a holistic approach.
Why is a well-thought-out backup strategy so important?
In case of data loss, technical failures, cyberattacks or other unforeseen events, a backup is essential. A company is liable for damages from an insufficient backup strategy or too short retention periods. Also for missing restoration options. Therefore it is not enough to just create backup copies; they must also be tested, because in a real emergency a functioning backup must actually exist.
What types of backups exist?
| Feature | Full backup | Incremental backup |
|---|---|---|
| Backup time | Long | Short |
| Storage requirements | High | Low |
| Restore time | Fast | Slow |
| Dependencies | None | Dependent on previous backups |
| Data security | High | Medium, several steps needed |
A full backup backs up all selected data in full and is therefore quickly restorable. It is, however, time- and storage-intensive because each backup stores all data again. An incremental backup stores only changes since the last full backup, saving storage space and time, but for recovery it requires all incremental backups up to the last full backup and additionally the last full backup.
What do Immutable Backups bring?
Immutable backups cannot be changed or deleted after creation, neither intentionally nor accidentally. This significantly increases data security and protects against ransomware encryption, malware, insider threats, as well as data manipulation and deletion. In an environment with attacks and faults, this is a central protective mechanism.
Backup is not the same as archive
A backup is intended for short-term restoration, for example after data loss, system errors, or a ransomware attack. An archive serves for long-term, structured and often audit-proof retention. Mixing both risks either too little protection in an emergency or unnecessary storage costs.
Which backup strategy does stgallennetgroup AG recommend?
| Scenario | Purpose | Recommended backup | Retention | Storage requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Local backup | Very fast restoration, low storage price, no internet needed | 1× per week full backup, daily incremental backup | Monthly backups for 12 months, daily backups at least 90 days | about 20x raw data size |
| Online backup in Switzerland or Europe | Protection against elemental damage, greater access options | 1× per month full backup, daily incremental backup | At least 90 days with available local backup | about 4x raw data size |
Often, a combination of backups makes sense. If no local backup is available, we recommend following the local backup recommendation and using two backup targets for data storage. Additionally, a file backup can be sensible. What matters is that the backup runs regularly, remains available long enough, and can actually be restored in an emergency. Also Microsoft 365 requires a well-thought-out backup.
stgallennetgroup AG
What services does stgallennetgroup AG offer around data backup?
- Control of backup jobs
- Monitoring of current system backups
- Proactive actions in case of system errors
- Function test after initial setup
stgallennetgroup AG supports companies in infrastructure, cloud, communication and IT security with a pragmatic focus on long-term functioning solutions. Exactly in the backup strategy, the value of a well-practiced team with direct contact to the customer becomes apparent: backing up, monitoring and reacting early to errors brings more than simply overwriting data. This keeps IT helpful rather than hindering.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I perform a full backup?
Do I need immutability in addition to the backup?
What is the difference between backup and archive?
What happens if I have no local backup?
A viable backup strategy combines full backup, incremental backup, immutability and clear retention rules. This is how data protection becomes a practical solution that works in everyday life and carries in an emergency.
If you want to set up or review your company’s backup strategy cleanly, it is worth looking at the concrete infrastructure and the necessary retention periods. This ensures that backup, restoration and protection against data loss fit together. The team at stgallennetgroup AG is happy to help.
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stgallennetgroup AG, St. Gallen