Storage
landscape of this ubiquitous technology. Terefore, it’s vital that resellers are aware of the drivers impacting the industry. A major trend is the escalating demand for ransomware recovery
capabilities, with organisations seeking solutions that offer immutable backups and rapid data restoration. AI integration is increasingly playing a major role, where
cloud storage is likely to integrate AI capabilities to enhance data management, analytics, and decision-making processes. Data protection is expected to lean more on AI and machine learning to create self-protecting systems capable of proactive monitoring and instant threat responses. AI will strengthen predictive data protection measures, identifying anomalies in real-time and automating responses to cyber threats. Conversely, cybercriminals will also increasingly leverage AI to develop more advanced attacks and phishing schemes and evade traditional security measures. Many organisations will continue the trend of hybrid cloud adoption,
combining on-premises data centres with cloud storage to balance data control and scalability. Cloud providers, and therefore resellers, will continue to invest in advanced security measures and privacy features to address concerns and meet compliance requirements. Data sovereignty is another growing customer demand, and as cloud
services can reside in a variety of locations globally, stored data must comply with local regulations, such as GDPR. Te other factors to be aware of are green cloud initiatives, where a
stronger focus on environmentally friendly cloud solutions is expected to reduce the carbon footprint associated with data centres.
The reseller role in data resilience for cloud backups As the intermediary between cloud providers and customers, resellers are in a prime position to deliver cloud solutions with a much more personalised approach. As resilient data protection in the cloud is crucial, the reseller role goes well beyond sales and aiding with product selection to encompass implementation and configuration of prescribed security solutions, as well as ongoing support. To ensure success, it is vital that VARs emphasise core features that focus on both security and reliability, while demonstrating how these tools can help mitigate the many risks associated with data loss and breaches. Resellers can emphasise to customers the importance of proper
backup procedures, and anti-ransomware measures like immutability, air-gapping, anomaly detection, and malware scanning tools, as well as a zero-trust approach across endpoints - all of which remain essential defences. Additionally, automation will be increasingly integrated into data protection workflows to enhance efficiency and reduce human error. Services can include advising on cloud migration, creating customised solutions, and providing continuous support, enabling businesses to maximise the advantages of cloud backup efficiently.
Key considerations in cloud backup and incident response Whether in a public or private cloud environment, to ensure cloud storage is secure, a comprehensive approach is required that integrates policies, technical controls and best practices: • Choose a reputable cloud provider: Organisations should choose a reputable, well-established cloud service provider with a strong track record and compliance standards. Both SMBs and enterprises should assess the provider’s security measures, such as data encryption,
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access controls, and incident response protocols. Understanding the provider’s shared responsibility model is crucial to clarifying the division of security responsibilities.
• Data classification: To apply the appropriate security measures, classifying data should be based on sensitivity levels. Not all data needs the same level of protection.
• Access control and authentication: Implementing strong authentication mechanisms such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) will prevent unauthorised access, while also setting up role- based access controls (RBAC) to ensure that users have the minimum necessary permissions. Combining robust password practices with MFA helps organisations minimise risks of unauthorised access, data breaches, and security threats to cloud storage systems.
• Regular security and compliance audits: Security and compliance audits should be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the organisation’s security measures and ensure compliance with industry standards.
• Regular monitoring: Monitoring can be conducted by setting up robust logging and monitoring systems to detect and respond to any suspicious activities within a private cloud. Tis enhances the security of cloud data storage by providing continuous visibility into the environment, detecting anomalies and enabling swiſt response to potential threats.
• Data backup and recovery: Carrying out regular data backups and testing data recovery processes will help enable business continuity in case of data loss. Deploying robust backup and disaster recovery solutions to ensure data availability and resilience in case of incidents is a vital measure.
Implementing backups for data stored in the cloud will significantly improve the overall security for cloud storage by providing an additional layer of protection against data loss, breaches and unforeseen events. Backups enable the creation of duplicate copies of data, and storing them in separate locations further ensures data resilience and mitigates risks. Backup benefits can be optimised with regular, automated backups, off-site storage, encryption, testing and retaining multiple backup versions.
The 3-2-1 backup rule Te 3-2-1 backup rule refers to a tried-and-tested approach to data retention and storage which involves keeping at least three (3) copies of data, storing two (2) backup copies on different storage media and storing one (1) backup copy offsite. Whether the scenario is public and/or private cloud, data protection
is an ongoing process that requires vigilance, the ability to adapt to new threats, and an ongoing commitment to making improvements. Businesses must tailor their strategies to align with their organisation’s particular requirements, data sensitivity, and the specific cloud deployment model in use. Serving as a vital bridge between cloud service providers and end-
users, resellers have a unique opportunity when it comes to cloud backup. Tis position offers specialised knowledge, customised solutions, and dedicated support to assist businesses in adopting and refining their cloud backup strategies. By providing personalised solutions, and services like migration guidance and continuous support, the channel can enable businesses to maximise on the full potential of cloud, knowing their data is secure.
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