OfflineBackups

OfflineBackups refers to a data backup strategy where copies of data are stored on media that is physically disconnected from the network or the primary system. This physical separation is the key characteristic that distinguishes offline backups from online or nearline backup methods. The primary purpose of offline backups is to protect data against a wide range of threats, including cyberattacks like ransomware, hardware failures, natural disasters, and physical theft of the primary system.

The process typically involves creating a backup of data and then transferring that backup to a storage medium such as an external hard drive, tape, or optical disc. Once the backup is complete, the storage medium is disconnected and stored in a separate location, often off-site. This disconnection ensures that if the primary system or network is compromised, the offline backup remains inaccessible and therefore uncorrupted.

Common types of media used for offline backups include USB drives, external hard drives, magnetic tapes, and CDs/DVDs. For larger datasets, tape libraries are often employed. The key advantage of offline backups is their resilience against online threats. If a ransomware attack encrypts all connected data, an offline backup would be unaffected. Similarly, if a fire destroys the primary server room, an off-site offline backup could be used to restore operations.

However, offline backups also have drawbacks. They can be more time-consuming to create and restore due to the manual process of connecting and disconnecting media, and retrieving data from a physically separate location. Accessing data from an offline backup is not instantaneous, which can impact recovery time objectives (RTOs). Regular testing of offline backups is crucial to ensure they are valid and can be successfully restored when needed.