Cold Backup, Backup and Data Protection Services

In corporate information systems, backup does not simply mean copying data. A real backup strategy has to prevent data loss, protect against ransomware attacks, offer fast recovery when required and support business continuity in disaster scenarios.

Many organizations believe they take regular backups, yet because those backups are held on the same network, in the same domain structure or on the same storage environment, they can be damaged in a cyber attack too. In ransomware attacks in particular, one of the attackers' core aims is to disable backup systems and delete or encrypt the backup files.

Online backup alone is therefore not enough in a modern backup approach.

SecureSys Cold Backup and Backup Services provide an end-to-end data protection service for keeping an organization's critical data secure, isolated, accessible and recoverable.

Within the service, processes such as;

• Full Backup,
• Incremental Backup,
• Differential Backup,
• Offsite Backup,
• Immutable Backup,
• Cold Backup,
• Air-Gapped Backup,
• Offline Backup,
• Backup Monitoring,
• Restore Tests,
• RPO/RTO Planning,
• Disaster Recovery integration

can be handled together.

The core aim of the SecureSys backup approach is not simply "taking a backup" but ensuring the data really can be recovered.

What Is Cold Backup?

Cold Backup means storing backup data in an environment separated from production systems or the active network.

The core aim of this structure is to prevent a cyber attack, ransomware, user error or system failure occurring on production systems from reaching the backup data directly.

A Cold Backup environment can be built on;

• separate storage,
• offline disk,
• tape,
• isolated network,
• a different data center,
• a physically separated backup environment

and similar media.

Cold Backup provides an important security layer, particularly for protecting critical data over the long term and improving ransomware resilience.

What Is a Backup Service?

A backup service covers copying, storing, monitoring and, where required, recovering an organization's critical data according to defined policies and schedules.

Within the SecureSys Backup Service, the;

• server backup,
• virtual machine backup,
• database backup,
• file backup,
• cloud backup,
• application backup,
• configuration backup

processes can be managed.

Managed Backup Service

Managed Backup is the service model in which an organization's backup operations are handled by an expert team.

In the SecureSys Managed Backup service, the;

• backup job tracking,
• analysis of failed backups,
• capacity tracking,
• retention management,
• backup policy,
• restore tests,
• reporting

processes can be carried out centrally.

This model offers a significant advantage particularly for organizations that struggle to follow backup operations regularly.

The 3-2-1 Backup Strategy

The 3-2-1 Backup approach is one of the core principles widely used in data protection.

According to this model;

3 copies of data

There should be three separate copies of the data in total.

2 different media

Backups should be held on at least two different storage media.

1 copy offsite

At least one backup should sit in a location different from the organization's main environment.

This approach provides additional protection in cases of hardware failure, local disaster or data loss.

The 3-2-1-1-0 Backup Approach

Modern backup architectures add further security layers to the 3-2-1 principle.

The 3-2-1-1-0 approach targets;

• 3 copies of data,
• 2 different media,
• 1 offsite copy,
• 1 offline or immutable copy,
• 0 restore errors

across the estate.

That last item matters in particular.

Having taken a backup is not enough on its own. The backup data must be verified with restore tests.

What Is Immutable Backup?

An Immutable Backup is a backup copy that cannot be modified or deleted for a defined period.

In ransomware attacks, attackers may reach backup systems and try to delete the backups.

In an Immutable Backup structure, backups cannot be changed for the defined retention period.

This approach can improve ransomware resilience significantly.

Air-Gapped Backup

Air-Gapped Backup is the backup model in which the backup environment is separated physically or logically from the production network.

In this structure, the backup data is not directly reachable from the production system at the moment of an attack.

An air gap architecture can be built using;

• a fully offline backup,
• a separated network,
• a controlled backup connection,
• physical media

and similar methods.

Offline Backup

Offline Backup is keeping backup data on media that is not connected to the network during normal operation.

For example;

• removable disk,
• tape,
• a physical backup device

can be used.

Offline backup provides additional protection particularly against ransomware risk.

Offsite Backup

Offsite Backup is storing backup data in a location different from the main data center or office.

This approach helps protect backups in cases of;

• fire,
• flood,
• power problems,
• physical damage,
• local disaster

and similar events.

SecureSys can design the offsite backup architecture together with the organization's business continuity plan.

The Ransomware-Proof Backup Approach

No backup system on its own should be considered absolutely ransomware-proof.

But with the right architecture, the likelihood of an attack reaching the backups can be reduced significantly.

In its ransomware-resilient backup approach, SecureSys can evaluate controls such as;

• immutable backup,
• Air Gap,
• a separate backup account,
• MFA,
• network isolation,
• a separate backup repository,
• an offline copy,
• restore tests

together.

Backup Network Isolation

Having backup servers on the standard user network can increase security risk.

SecureSys can separate the backup infrastructure from the production network by creating a separate;

• Backup VLAN,
• Backup Network,
• Management Network

structure.

This structure offers a critical advantage particularly during ransomware attacks.

Red Network and Backup Integration

In Red Network structures holding critical systems, the backup architecture must be designed at the same security level.

The Red Network backup system should not sit within the standard Green Network.

SecureSys can build the;

Red Network → Isolated Backup Network → Cold Backup

architecture.

The backups of critical systems can then also be protected within an isolated security zone.

Backup Repository

A Backup Repository is the central area where backup files are stored.

The repository can be built on;

• disk storage,
• object storage,
• NAS,
• tape,
• immutable storage

and similar media.

In repository selection, SecureSys evaluates capacity, performance and security requirements together.

Hardened Backup Repository

Backup repository systems must also be made secure against attack.

In a hardened repository approach, SecureSys can apply controls such as;

• minimum services,
• a separate user,
• MFA,
• restricted management,
• network isolation,
• immutable storage

and similar measures.

Separating Backup Admin Accounts

Managing backup systems with domain admin accounts can create risk.

When an attacker obtains domain admin privileges, they can reach the backup infrastructure too.

Separate administrator accounts can therefore be created for backup systems.

Backup Management with MFA

Using Multi-Factor Authentication on backup management consoles can reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

On supported platforms, SecureSys can support strengthening backup administrator logins with MFA.

Backup Management with PAM

Backup administrator accounts are highly privileged accounts.

Using PAM, the;

• backup admin access,
• password vaulting,
• access approval,
• session recording

can be managed centrally.

Full Backup

Full Backup is taking a complete copy of all the selected data.

Its advantage is that the restore process is simpler.

But in environments with large data volumes it can be more costly in terms of storage and time.

Incremental Backup

Incremental Backup backs up only the data that has changed since the last backup.

This method can offer the advantages of;

• less storage,
• faster backup

compared with a full backup.

Differential Backup

Differential Backup backs up the data that has changed since the last full backup.

It can use more space than incremental backup, but the restore process can be simpler.

Synthetic Full Backup

On some backup platforms, existing full and incremental backups can be combined to create a new full backup.

This approach can help create a full backup without placing additional load on the production system.

Snapshot Backup

A snapshot records the state of a system at a specific moment quickly.

But a snapshot alone should not be used as a long-term backup strategy.

SecureSys plans snapshots and real backups together.

Virtual Machine Backup

Virtual servers can be backed up with the image-level backup method.

SecureSys can build VM backup policies in virtualization environments such as;

• VMware,
• Hyper-V,
• Proxmox

and similar platforms.

Windows Server Backup

Windows Server systems can be backed up with the;

• file level,
• image level,
• system state

methods.

System State Backup can be important for critical roles such as Active Directory.

Linux Server Backup

On Linux servers, the;

• filesystem,
• configuration,
• application data,
• database

backups can be taken.

Database Backup

Database systems must be backed up in an application-consistent way.

SecureSys can build appropriate backup policies for;

• MSSQL,
• PostgreSQL,
• Oracle,
• MySQL,
• MariaDB

systems.

Transaction Log Backup

Particularly on systems such as MSSQL, transaction log backup can be used to achieve lower RPO values.

The database can then be rolled back to specific points in time.

Point-in-Time Recovery

Point-in-Time Recovery allows a database to be rolled back to a specific date and time.

This capability can offer a critical advantage in cases of accidental data deletion or application errors.

File Server Backup

Corporate data on file servers must be backed up regularly.

SecureSys can build backup policies that protect components such as;

• folders,
• files,
• NTFS permissions,
• metadata

and similar attributes.

Active Directory Backup

Active Directory is the foundation of an organization's identity infrastructure.

In AD backup processes, SecureSys can evaluate the protection of;

• System State,
• Domain Controller backup,
• configuration

elements.

Microsoft 365 Backup

Using cloud services does not always mean a long-term backup guarantee.

According to the organization's requirements, storing the;

• Exchange Online,
• OneDrive,
• SharePoint,
• Teams

data on separate backup systems can be evaluated.

Cloud Backup

VMs and applications running in cloud environments must also be backed up.

SecureSys can manage the;

• cloud VM backup,
• snapshot,
• database backup,
• object storage backup

processes.

Hybrid Backup

Hybrid backup architectures backing up on-premise and cloud systems together can be built.

For example;

On-Premise Backup → Cloud Copy → Immutable Storage

this structure can be used.

Backup as a Service

Backup as a Service allows an organization to use backup infrastructure under a service model.

Within SecureSys BaaS, the;

• backup infrastructure,
• storage,
• monitoring,
• retention,
• restore

processes can be offered as a managed service.

Backup Retention Policy

How long backups are kept should be determined by business and regulatory requirements.

An example policy;

• daily for 30 days,
• weekly for 12 weeks,
• monthly for 12 months,
• yearly for 5 years

can be built in this way.

Backup Lifecycle Management

The lifecycle of backup data;

Create → Store → Retain → Archive → Delete

can be managed with these steps.

This approach allows storage capacity to be used more efficiently.

Backup Capacity Planning

Backup storage can grow quickly over time.

SecureSys can carry out capacity planning by analyzing the;

• daily change rate,
• retention period,
• full backup size,
• compression ratio

figures.

Deduplication

Deduplication optimizes storage use by reducing how often the same data is stored more than once.

This capability can offer a significant capacity advantage in large backup environments.

Compression

Storage consumption can be reduced by compressing backup data.

But compression should be evaluated in terms of performance and CPU usage.

Backup Encryption

It should not be forgotten that backup files contain sensitive data.

SecureSys can evaluate encrypting backups;

• at rest,
• during transfer

as required.

Encryption Key Management

When backup encryption is used, storing the keys securely is critically important.

Loss of a key can mean the backup data cannot be recovered.

Key management procedures must therefore be established.

Backup Integrity Check

Having taken a backup file does not mean the data is intact.

SecureSys can support the technical verification of backup files with backup integrity checks.

Restore Test

One of the most critical controls for backup systems is the restore test.

The real success of a backup operation is only confirmed when the data can be recovered.

In restore tests, SecureSys can carry out;

• file restore,
• VM restore,
• database restore,
• application restore

scenarios.

SureBackup and Automated Restore Verification

On supported platforms, the usability of backup data can be checked regularly with automated restore tests.

This approach supports the 0 errors target in the 3-2-1-1-0 model.

What Is RPO?

RPO – Recovery Point Objective refers to the maximum amount of data loss an organization can accept.

For example, if the RPO is 1 hour, the backup infrastructure must be designed to allow at most 1 hour of data loss.

What Is RTO?

RTO – Recovery Time Objective refers to how quickly a system must become operational again after an outage.

The RTO target affects the backup and Disaster Recovery architecture directly.

The Difference Between Backup and Disaster Recovery

Backup and Disaster Recovery are not the same thing.

Backup protects a copy of the data.

Disaster Recovery provides for critical systems to run again in an alternative environment.

SecureSys designs the two processes together to build a data protection and business continuity approach.

Instant Recovery

Some backup technologies allow virtual machines to be started quickly directly from the backup repository.

This approach can help reduce the RTO.

Bare Metal Recovery

Should a physical server fail completely, the operating system and data may need to be restored onto new hardware.

Where required, SecureSys can bring Bare Metal Recovery scenarios into the backup strategy.

Backup Disaster Scenario

Different disaster scenarios must be tested when designing the backup architecture.

For example;

• server failure,
• storage failure,
• ransomware,
• accidental data deletion,
• data center outage

these scenarios should be evaluated separately.

Restore After Ransomware

Starting the restore process directly after a ransomware attack is not always correct.

First, the;

• scope of the attack,
• malware,
• persistence,
• credential compromise

should be examined.

Otherwise, restoring onto a system that is not clean can lead to a repeat attack.

SecureSys can evaluate backup and Incident Response processes together.

Clean Room Recovery

In major ransomware incidents, restoring critical systems directly into the production environment can be risky.

An isolated Clean Room Recovery environment can be built instead.

There;

• the backup is restored,
• a malware check is carried out,
• security verification is performed,
• and it is then moved into the production environment.

Recovery Sandbox

Backup data can be opened and verified in an isolated sandbox environment.

This approach can be used particularly in critical system restore tests.

Backup Monitoring

Backup jobs must be monitored continuously.

Within SecureSys Backup Monitoring, the;

• successful backup,
• failed backup,
• warning,
• storage capacity,
• repository status,
• retention

values can be tracked.

7x24 Backup Monitoring

Critical backup systems can be brought into 7x24 monitoring infrastructure.

Failed critical backup operations can be shared with the relevant teams quickly.

Backup Job Failure Management

Failed backup operations should not be left to the following day.

SecureSys can apply the;

Alarm → Analysis → Correction → Re-run Backup → Verification

process.

Backup SLA

In a backup service, the;

• backup success rate,
• response time,
• restore time,
• critical system priorities

can be defined within the SLA.

Backup Reporting

In periodic backup reports, SecureSys can present information such as;

• backup success rate,
• failed jobs,
• storage usage,
• retention,
• restore tests,
• critical risks

and similar figures.

Executive Backup Report

At management level, the;

• number of protected systems,
• backup success rate,
• restore test results,
• capacity,
• critical risks

can be summarized.

Backup Health Check

Within the SecureSys Backup Health Check service, the existing backup infrastructure is analyzed.

In the work, the;

• backup jobs,
• retention,
• repository,
• offsite copy,
• immutable copy,
• restore tests,
• administrator access,
• network isolation,
• ransomware resilience

can be assessed.

Ransomware Backup Readiness Assessment

A dedicated analysis can be carried out to assess the resilience of the backup infrastructure against a ransomware attack.

In this analysis, the;

• backup repository access,
• domain dependency,
• admin accounts,
• immutable backup,
• Air Gap,
• network isolation,
• offline copy

are reviewed.

Backup and SOC Integration

Critical activity taking place on backup systems can be monitored by SIEM and the SOC.

For example;

• backup deletion,
• retention change,
• administrator login,
• repository change,
• backup job disable

such events matter from a security perspective.

Monitoring Backup Logs with SIEM

Logs from backup systems can be forwarded to SIEM.

Unusual management activity can then be correlated with other security events.

Backup and EDR/XDR

Backup servers must also be protected within endpoint security.

On supported systems, EDR/XDR can be used to monitor;

• ransomware,
• malicious process,
• credential theft

behavior on the backup server.

Backup Server Hardening

The backup server is one of the critical systems.

Within hardening, SecureSys can apply the;

• minimum services,
• secure administrator access,
• patch,
• firewall,
• MFA,
• logging,
• network isolation

controls.

Backup Management Network

Carrying out backup management access over the standard user network is not recommended.

Using a separate Management Network, management interfaces can be opened only to specific administrator systems.

Isolated Backup Administrator Workstation

On critical backup systems, a separate and secure management workstation can be used for administrator access.

The internet access and user privileges of these systems can be restricted.

Backup and Zero Trust

Backup infrastructure should not be granted automatic trust simply because it sits inside a trusted network.

With a Zero Trust approach, the;

• user,
• device,
• access source,
• privilege,
• time

controls can be applied.

Tape Backup

Tape technology can be used for long-term archive and offline backup.

The ability to keep tape backups physically offline is an advantage for ransomware resilience.

Disk-to-Disk-to-Tape

In some organizations, the;

Production → Disk Backup → Tape

architecture can be used.

Disk backup provides fast restore while tape provides long-term offline storage.

Object Storage Backup

Cloud or private object storage systems can be used as a backup repository.

On supported systems, capabilities such as immutability and object lock can be evaluated.

Object Lock

Object Lock can prevent specific backup objects being deleted or modified during the retention period.

This capability can strengthen the immutable backup architecture.

Cloud Immutable Backup

Backup copies created in the cloud can also be protected with immutable capabilities.

In its cloud backup architecture, SecureSys evaluates data security and cost together.

Cross-Region Backup

In cloud environments, keeping backup data in a different region can provide protection against location-based disasters.

This structure should be planned according to RPO, RTO and cost targets.

Cross-Cloud Backup

On highly critical systems, moving backups to an environment different from the primary cloud provider can be evaluated.

This approach can reduce the risk of provider dependency.

Backup Migration

When the existing backup platform has to be changed, the retention periods of older backups must be taken into account.

SecureSys can build a plan covering the;

• existing backup,
• new platform,
• retention,
• capacity,
• transition

elements.

Backup Platform Modernization

Older backup infrastructure may not meet ransomware, cloud and modern workload requirements.

Within modernization, SecureSys can evaluate the;

• immutable backup,
• cloud copy,
• CaaS backup,
• DBaaS backup,
• centralized monitoring

capabilities.

Container and Kubernetes Backup

In container infrastructure, persistent data and Kubernetes configuration can be backed up.

SecureSys can build the;

• Persistent Volume,
• namespace,
• cluster configuration,
• application data

backup processes.

DBaaS Backup

Central backup policies can be applied in Database as a Service environments.

DBaaS backups can be strengthened with;

• immutable,
• offsite,
• Cold Backup

layers.

A Shared Backup Architecture for CaaS and DBaaS

In modern cloud-native structures, the;

CaaS + DBaaS + Object Storage + Immutable Backup + Cold Backup

architecture can be built.

This approach helps protect application, database and configuration data together.

Backup and the Disaster Recovery Center

Cold Backup and Backup as a Service can be used together with the SecureSys Disaster Recovery Center service.

Example structure:

Production Data Center → Backup → Offsite Copy → Disaster Recovery Center

A higher-security model:

Production → Immutable Backup → Cold Backup → DR Center

Business Continuity and Backup

Backup policies must align with the organization's business continuity requirements.

Applying the same backup frequency to all systems is not correct.

For example;

• critical databases,
• ERP,
• Active Directory,
• file systems,
• test systems

can have different RPO/RTO targets.

Critical System Classification

In backup design, SecureSys can classify systems by criticality level.

For example;

Tier 1: Critical systems Tier 2: Important business systems Tier 3: Standard systems

Different backup and restore policies can be set for each class.

Backup Service Catalog

Standard backup packages can be created within the organization.

For example;

Standard Backup: Daily backup + 30 day retention Critical Backup: Hourly backup + immutable copy Enterprise Backup: HA + immutable + offsite + Cold Backup

This approach makes management easier.

The SecureSys Cold Backup and Backup Process

1. Data and System Inventory

The systems to be brought into backup scope are identified.

2. Criticality Analysis

Systems are classified by business importance.

3. Setting RPO/RTO

Acceptable data loss and recovery times are defined.

4. Backup Policy

Full, incremental, offsite and retention policies are created.

5. Isolated Backup Architecture

The Backup Network, immutable repository and Cold Backup structure are designed.

6. Security

MFA, PAM, network isolation and hardening are applied.

7. Monitoring

Backup jobs are monitored centrally.

8. Restore Tests

Backups are restored periodically and verified.

9. SOC Integration

Critical backup security logs can be monitored by the SOC.

10. Reporting and Improvement

Backup success rate, capacity and risks are reported.

Why the SecureSys Cold Backup and Backup Service?

Backup is not merely a software or storage project.

Real data protection requires the;

Backup + Network Isolation + Immutable Storage + Identity Security + Monitoring + SOC + Disaster Recovery

components to be designed together.

SecureSys approaches backup architecture from the system, network and cyber security perspectives together.

The aim is not simply for organizations to take more backups, but for them to be able to use those backups genuinely after a critical cyber attack.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cold Backup?

Cold Backup is storing backup data on a system separated from the production environment or held offline.

What is Immutable Backup?

An Immutable Backup is a backup copy that cannot be modified or deleted for a defined period.

What is Air-Gapped Backup?

Air-Gapped Backup is the backup model in which the backup environment is isolated physically or logically from the production network.

What is 3-2-1 Backup?

It is the backup approach recommending 3 copies of data, 2 different media and 1 offsite copy.

What is 3-2-1-1-0?

It is the modern backup model that adds an offline/immutable copy and a zero-restore-error target to the 3-2-1 approach.

Is taking backups enough against ransomware?

No. Backups must be isolated from the attacker, immutable/offline copies must exist and restore tests must be carried out.

How often should backups be taken?

The frequency should be set according to the organization's RPO targets. More frequent backups may be needed on critical systems.

Why do restore tests matter?

Because whether the backup taken is genuinely usable can only be verified during a restore.

What is the difference between backup and Disaster Recovery?

Backup protects a copy of the data, while Disaster Recovery provides for systems to run again in an alternative environment.

Can Cold Backup be monitored by the SOC?

Yes. Critical management and security events on the backup platform can be forwarded to SIEM/SOC infrastructure.

Protect Your Data Against Ransomware and Disaster Scenarios with SecureSys

Your backup system reporting "successful" every night does not mean you can recover your data during a real attack or disaster.

The deletion of online backups, the compromise of administrator accounts, the encryption of the backup repository or untested backups turning out to be corrupt can all create serious risk for organizations.

With SecureSys you can have your existing backup infrastructure analyzed, apply the 3-2-1-1-0, Immutable Backup, Air-Gapped Backup, Cold Backup and Offsite Backup approaches, and verify your backups with regular restore tests.

Contact SecureSys for detailed information on Cold Backup, Managed Backup, Backup as a Service, Immutable Backup or Ransomware-Resilient Backup Services.

Protect your backups not merely as taken, but as isolated, verified and recoverable when required.