From the classic backup solution to modern and crisis-proof business continuity & disaster recovery
From the classic backup solution to modern and crisis-proof business continuity & disaster recovery

Our last two blog posts focused on the technical and human components of corporate security.
But even if both aspects in the company are in optimal condition, data loss or an expensive business interruption can still occur – what backup solutions are there, where does a classic backup solution end and where does BCDR begin? Find out this and more in this blog post.
Why are backups essential for companies?
According to the e-book “Backup vs. business continuity – targeted security planning for your company”, 2.5 quintillion pieces of data are created every day. 90% of the data that currently exists was created in the last few years, and a significant proportion of this was created by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Considering all the servers, desktops and laptops that a typical SME operates, this results in a huge amount of data that needs to be protected.
Such emergencies can occur not only technically (e.g. through intentional/unintentional deletion or cyber attacks), but also physically (e.g. through fires, extinguishing measures or destruction of the server). This is precisely why many entrepreneurs ask themselves the question:
Which backup do I need for my company and what for?
Even if you have a highly secure company structure and your employees are well trained, data loss can still occur – for a variety of reasons. Not only are people not infallible despite training, but technical safeguards can also be circumvented by constantly evolving malware. In the following, we explain which protection you need in order to be optimally protected.
Restore deleted files – with the local backup
The local, “simple” backup primarily deals with the deletion of files, documents, folders, etc. caused by users. Whether accidentally by careless employees or intentionally by dismissed, disgruntled employees – with the local backup, the data can usually be restored quickly. It is also possible to restore individual servers, for example in the event of update errors. Protection against hardware defects is also guaranteed.
Against hacker attacks and physical threats – offsite backups
In addition to the classic local backup, an offsite backup is indispensable for a secure company structure. The offsite backup can restore data that has been lost due to a hacker attack, fire or water damage. It is located at an independent location that is inaccessible from the company structure. Even files that have not been fully backed up can be recovered. Offsite backups are divided into online backups, offline backups and data center vaults, which are explained individually below.
For fast and error-free recovery – online backup
With online backup, many versions can be saved at high speed. It offers protection, e.g. against accidental deletion of data by a user or restoration of previous versions. As with local backups, it is also possible to restore individual servers, for example in the event of update errors, and protection against hardware defects is guaranteed. However, longer archiving times are required for this. In addition, there are often problems organizing the media change. This then works unreliably and no longer provides protection.
To prevent remote access by attackers – offline backup
In contrast to online backup, offline backup separates the data storage from the network. This involves a physical storage medium – this can be an LTO tape, an RDX cartridge or similar. This separation from the company structure makes it impossible for the attacker to access the media remotely. This means that recovery is possible in the event of cyber attacks. Offline backup also offers protection against natural hazards and total loss due to damage to the building (fire, water damage) or hardware defects.
For continuous, automated backup – Data center vault
The data center vault is generally a “one-way ticket”. It is not possible to access the data in the data center from the local environment. It is connected to the local backup software, temporarily stored and – still locally encrypted – uploaded to a data center. The big advantage for companies is that there is no need to change media – i.e. backing up the current storage status cannot be forgotten. In addition, server systems can be easily started up and made available in the data center in the event of a total loss. The entire process is usually monitored by the IT service provider and is part of the IT service “Managed Services (Maintenance & Operation)”.
The use of a vault has both advantages and disadvantages, as it incurs running costs, for example. On the one hand, these are costs that a company has to cover on an ongoing basis, even if no acute incidents occur. On the other hand, no large investments need to be made for emergencies, but are included in this billing model. But what is a disadvantage can also be an advantage: The company can plan and scale perfectly with the monthly running costs to be covered. In addition, only low to no additional maintenance costs are required and sufficient storage is available. Nobody has to worry about where to store their hard disks or tapes, all they need is a stable internet connection.
More than just a backup solution: BCDR (Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery)
Business continuity is an important term for every company when it comes to corporate security and backups. This means that you remain operational even in an emergency because your data is backed up.
Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery (BCDR) is an essential component of any effective cybersecurity concept in today’s corporate IT. BCDR essentially means that companies can quickly restore their data in the event of an emergency and continue working without significant interruption (and thus impact on business operations, customer and supplier relationships, etc.). In this case, it is important to have a functioning overall strategy in order to remain capable of acting in an emergency. One rule that should be followed when backing up data is the 3-2-1 backup rule.
Two important keywords in connection with backups that a BCDR setup can fulfill are resilience and geo-redundancy. Resilience describes the ability of an IT system to react robustly to problems or disruptions and continue to provide the company with the necessary services. This requires geo-redundancy. This means that the backup must be at a second location (at least 200 km away according to the German Federal Office for Information Security) and independent of the infrastructure. This means that even in the event of power failures, fires or local forces of nature such as storms, floods or earthquakes, companies are generally protected.
Jörg Liepelt – Channel Sales Executive at Datto – sees BCDR as more than just a conventional backup solution: “BCDR is now a familiar term, because anyone who has even the slightest understanding of data security has a backup solution of some kind. Many people associate BCDR with the term backup, but it is much more than that. It’s not just about restoring data after a disaster, but about maintaining business continuity on an ongoing basis.” Where you would lose too much time with a ‘normal’ backup, companies with a good BCDR solution can continue their work within a few minutes. “Fast recovery is a point that should not be underestimated. There are enough examples on the market where companies are sometimes unable to do business for days or even weeks. This can lead to huge losses in turnover and even bankruptcy – and that is no exaggeration,” warns Liepelt. While the company can continue to operate, the infrastructure can be set up again within a few hours. In the backup chain, the most recently backed up and uninfected backup is selected and the data restored. The fact that the data can be retrieved protects against ransom demands in the event of ransomware attacks.
Another advantage of BCDR is that it can meet all the data protection and security requirements of the GDPR, which poses difficulties for many entrepreneurs. This means that they no longer have to deal with this extensive topic and can concentrate on their core business.
Nowadays, it is fatal for a company not to have a good backup concept, as this exposes it to all risks. Liepelt describes the major advantage of Datto’s BCDR solution as follows: “You don’t have to put together every component for the backup. Whether hardware, software or the cloud, i.e. storage – everything from a single source.” He also has a recommendation for end customers: “With a well-planned and professional BCDR concept, you are extremely well protected. I would recommend that end customers who are not so well versed in this field look for a reliable partner who can take care of backup and security for them.”
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