Unfortunately, ransomware attacks are now part of everyday life in the IT world – and affect companies of all sizes. At such times, it becomes clear how crucial a robust backup strategy is. After all, only those who have reliable and, above all, unassailable backups can quickly regain their ability to act in an emergency. This is exactly where the concept of immutable backups comes into play. They strengthen the IT infrastructure by not being able to be deleted and thus protect data securely. This gives companies the opportunity to take precautionary measures, which can create trust with customers and employees.
The following article takes a closer look at what is behind immutable backups, what tools can be used for this and what needs to be taken into account.
What are Immutable Backups?
Immutable backups may sound technical, but they’re easy to understand: once created, they remain unalterable. Neither administrators nor malware like ransomware can delete or manipulate them. This is precisely what makes them so valuable for modern data security.
This method is both simple and effective: special storage areas hold backups, enforcing fixed retention periods. No access for modification or deletion is possible within these periods – even if an attacker had full system rights.
The key difference from traditional backups is that they remain unchangeable. In contrast, conventional backups can be altered or deleted retrospectively, risking complete data loss in a cyberattack. Immutable backups provide a kind of “digital write protection” that forms a reliable shield against manipulation.
In times of increasing threats from cyberattacks and targeted ransomware attacks, immutable backups are more than just a technical feature – they are an essential component of any modern backup strategy. Anyone who seriously wants to protect their data can hardly avoid this method.
Advantages of Immutable Backups
Immutable backups are more than just another IT buzzword – they offer tangible benefits that can make all the difference in day-to-day business:
- First and foremost: protection against ransomware. Once created, backups stay unchanged and undeletable, preventing hackers and encryption Trojans from taking this data hostage. Even if attackers compromise the productive system, a secure and unassailable copy of the data remains intact.
- Another plus point: ensuring data integrity. Accidental deletions or human error can happen quickly, especially in complex IT environments. With immutable backups, companies are protected against such scenarios – the data remains intact, no matter what happens.
- Immutable backups also score highly in terms of compliance and legal requirements such as the GDPR or industry-specific regulations. They enable audit-proof, transparent data storage – without any additional bureaucratic effort.
- Last but not least: reliable recovery in an emergency. When it comes down to it, an undamaged, up-to-date backup copy is worth its weight in gold – and is often decisive for how quickly a company can get back to work.
Immutable backups create trust here – in the technology, but also in your own resilience. A real security anchor in the digital world.
Implementation with Veeam Backup & Replication
The good news is that immutable backups can be integrated comparatively easily and securely into existing infrastructures with Veeam Backup & Replication. The focus here is on two central options – the hardened repository and the use of object storage with immutability.
- The hardened repository is based on a Linux server with the XFS file system. Here, the immutability function is activated directly at file system level. The highlight: Even a compromised Veeam system cannot delete or manipulate the backups stored there – a real security gain, especially in the context of ransomware.
- “Alternatively—or in addition—users can leverage S3-compatible object storages such as AWS, Wasabi, or immutability-capable on-premise solutions. The ‘Object Lock’ function guarantees absolute immutability for a defined period. Users can set the immutability duration individually, making it ideal for accurately mapping retention periods and ensuring compliance.”
Best practices? Yes, absolutely: Immutable backups should always be part of a multi-layered backup strategy – for example, in combination with regularly tested recovery plans and offsite copies. This creates a robust protection concept that not only secures the technology, but also strengthens confidence in your own crisis management.
Challenges for companies
Immutable backups are a real security gain – no question about it. But as is so often the case, new technology also brings challenges:
- One of the most common stumbling blocks is the additional storage requirements. After all, backups have to be stored unalterably for a defined period of time – and that can cost storage space. The solution: Efficient storage strategies such as deduplication, compression or the targeted use of tiered storage help to keep costs and capacities under control.
- Another point is the complexity of setup and configuration – especially for companies that have not yet implemented immutable strategies. Veeam tools score points here with clear step-by-step instructions, intuitive configuration interfaces and good documentation. Veeam Support or an experienced partner can also provide valuable assistance here.
Integration into existing infrastructures usually works smoothly if you follow a few basic rules: Separate networks cleanly, regulate authorizations clearly and expand existing backup jobs in a structured manner – and the Immutable concept will fit seamlessly into the overall picture. With a little planning, the costs and benefits can be optimally balanced – for more security without unnecessary complexity.
Conclusion: This is what makes immutable backups so important
Immutable backups are an effective shield against data loss – especially in the age of ransomware and the like. With Veeam, these immutable backups are comparatively easy to implement, whether via hardened repositories or S3-compatible object storage. The big advantage: Once companies create the data, neither accidental actions nor external attackers can delete or change it for the defined period. To strengthen IT security, businesses should integrate this form of backup into their existing processes, ensuring they can restore data when needed. For companies that are just starting out or would like support with the technical implementation, it is worth looking to experienced IT partners. They not only help with the setup, but also with the strategic integration into the overall IT security picture. After all, good preparation is the best defense.