Backup for your multi-cloud strategy
IT teams must establish a system to manage and maintain cross-organizational data stored across the multi-cloud or hybrid cloud environment in order to comprehensively safeguard data and ensure business continuity. To do this effectively, organizations should move towards the following:
Plan
Before an organization deploys a backup strategy for their multi-cloud or hybrid environment, it’s imperative to plan, plan, plan. IT teams should go through the organization’s data and assets with a fine-tooth comb to evaluate the security priorities of each. Next, it’s crucial IT teams understand - especially in the case of multi-cloud environments - the data regulations involved. This will help everyone involved gain a better understanding as to what the consequences would be in the event of a breach or disaster. Knowing these elements prior to implementing your strategy will prove to be one of the most important aspects of your hybrid or multi-cloud strategy.
Centralized
For effective multi-cloud or hybrid backup, organizations not only need one central location in which to store data, they must also have one centralized process by which this data is backed up and organized. Establishing this process will require in-depth knowledge and experience of how each cloud service operates and how data is configured within that environment. An effective strategy will provide the single pane of glass visibility into cloud instances as well as data stored on-premises – without piece-meal or niche solutions.
Secure
Organizations must ensure their backup is stored securely and is isolated from the broader network. This will guarantee that data backups are stored in air-gapped locations, ensuring data loss events and cyber-attacks on the network cannot also compromise the backup reserved for recovery. Part of this security is safeguarding encryption in transit and at rest, and that only authorized entities can access the backup and the data stored therein, especially in terms of compliance regulations.
Keep business continuity and disaster recovery in mind
As multi-cloud and hybrid environments become the new normal, unfortunately cyber-attacks will only continue to rise. When constructing your backup strategy, you must keep business continuity and disaster recovery in mind. Of course, your data will sync, but you can’t rely on that alone. Talk through the possible failures that could occur and what you may need to have in place in the event of a breach or loss. By having a failover plan in place, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ve tried your best to ensure minimal downtime and lower the chance of data loss.