As we reach the end of our series on the Essential 8 strategies, it’s important to highlight an aspect of cyber security that’s a fundamental defence against a number of threats – the practice of regular backups! Backups are a lifeline, ensuring businesses can quickly recover from cyber incidents and start operating again sooner. In this final installment, we’ll discuss the significance of regular backups and the technical considerations that underpin the strategy, particularly within the context of Microsoft 365 environments.
Why are Backups Important?
Understanding the role of backups in cybersecurity cannot be overstated. A well-implemented backup strategy empowers businesses to recover critical data and maintain operational continuity in the face of a security incident. The scope of backups is crucial; it must encompass all vital information including important data, software, and configuration settings that are essential for your organisation to bounce back quickly.
The Importance of Being Regular!
The Australian Government’s Cyber Security Centre highly recommends performing regular backups of important data, software and settings in a “coordinated and resilient manner”. This means that backups should be done according to a schedule and they are stored reliably in multiple secure locations to protect against loss or corruption. The ultimate goal is to ensure that backups are reliable, accessible and capable of restoring critical data and systems in the event of a disruption.
Testing
Testing plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability of backups. Businesses must regularly verify that their backups can effectively restore crucial data. This proactive approach instils confidence, knowing that recovery from a cyber incident is possible. Additionally, limiting backup access to only privileged accounts is a security measure that lowers the risk of backup compromise by malicious actors.
Microsoft 365
For Microsoft 365 users, following Microsoft’s ransomware defence guidance is a good start. However, these tips offer basic security, not a complete solution. Microsoft’s recommendations include using features like versioning, recycle bins and file recovery in SharePoint and OneDrive for Business, as well as email recovery policies. However, these protections may be insufficient in extreme cases, such as the compromise of an administrator account, leading to irreversible data loss and disabled retention policies. Organisations are encouraged to fortify their backup strategies with additional protections to mitigate these risks.
Microsoft recommends using third-party software for performing backups, highlighting the necessity of a multi-faceted approach to secure backup practices…
Expert Advice
This is where Cloud Connect steps in, as we offer tailored cloud solutions that encompass advanced backup and cyber security services. By partnering with us, businesses gain access to comprehensive, secure backup solutions that are aligned with best practices and the Essential 8 maturity model. Our approach is grounded in professional expertise and a thorough understanding of your business needs, ensuring your IT strategy is strong, thorough and customised to your business needs.
As we wrap up our series on the Essential 8, it’s crucial for businesses to recognise the importance of incorporating regular backups into their cybersecurity strategy. In cyber defence strategy, backups are not just a safety net; they are a fundamental component that ensures businesses can face threats head-on with confidence.
We invite you to reach out to our IT experts to discuss how Cloud Connect can improve your organisation’s backup strategy and overall cyber resilience!
