Backup as a Part of IT and Cybersecurity

by Patrick Müller

27.12.2024

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Welcome to the accompanying webpage of the book Data Backup as Part of IT and Cybersecurity: Identifying Technical, Human, and Fraudulent Risks and Minimizing Them with Comprehensive Backup and IT Security Strategies.

In the current Information Age, data is far more than just neutral carriers of information for companies. They form the heart of strategic decision-making processes, represent a crucial competitive advantage, and often form the core of an entire business model. It is an irony of our time that despite their central importance, data loss—whether due to technical mishaps, human error, or malicious attacks—remains a real and often underestimated threat. The consequences can be devastating, ranging from loss of reputation to significant financial damage.

With this book, you will gain a profound and comprehensive introduction to the multifaceted field of data backup. It not only sheds light on the diverse categories of risks to which data is exposed daily but also underscores the fundamental importance of data backup in the overall context of IT security. It demonstrates that protective measures must go far beyond reactive backup solutions. This includes protection against technical failures, safeguarding against unauthorized access, and implementing robust security protocols.

Effective data backup extends far beyond mere precautionary measures. The book conveys that a strategic approach is necessary, combining preventive, detective, and reactive safeguards. These strategies must be tailored to the specific risks and requirements of a company. The importance of correct implementations and regular verification of backup systems is particularly emphasized, as many issues originate precisely in these areas.

This well-founded work is rounded out by a collection of practical tools, including helpful resources and templates, which are also available online. Thus, this book is not merely a reference work but a comprehensive guide—indispensable for any company that not only recognizes the value of its data in a digital world but also knows how to protect it.

Overview of the Contents

In this book, we guide you through the essential areas of data backup, from threats to practical protection strategies. With concrete practical examples, tips, and guidelines, we support you in effectively protecting your data. Whether you are a beginner or already an expert, this book serves as your guide in the world of data backup. We also provide insight into IT security as a complement to data backup.
Let’s get started!

Data Diversity, Loss Costs, and Retention Obligations:
In Chapter 2, we focus on data diversity, loss costs, and potential retention requirements. In the digital era, data forms the backbone of companies. They can be categorized in various ways and must be recognized and protected. Data loss can lead to financial setbacks and damage a company’s reputation. In addition, depending on location, industry, and type of data, there are legal retention requirements. Therefore, solid data handling and backup are indispensable for every company.

Causes of Data Loss:
In Chapter 3, we delve into the causes of data loss. These can arise from various risk categories, including technical, spatial, and operational hazards. Mobile devices, in particular, are vulnerable to physical damage and theft. A lack of technological knowledge can lead to misunderstandings about data storage. Internet crime, a growing threat, exploits both technical vulnerabilities and operational shortcomings for its attacks. In this chapter, we examine these threats in detail and illustrate them with practical examples.

IT Security as a Complement to Data Backup:
To avoid creating a false impression, we would like to emphasize at this point that although data backup is essential, other measures are required to prevent data loss. In Chapter 4, we focus on IT security as a complementary element to data backup. In this section, we examine the organizational and technological points of vulnerability in IT security and present the various categories of protective measures. IT security aims to safeguard digital data, encompassing all measures designed to protect IT systems from failures and unauthorized access. Consequently, it also plays a pivotal role in protecting backup data. Given the importance of unaltered data, especially in forensic investigations, the significance of information security within a comprehensive security approach is also discussed. The chapter concludes with practical case studies.

Developing a Data Backup Strategy:
In today’s digital era, data backup is essential for ensuring data integrity and avoiding data loss. To create a data backup strategy, Chapter 5 starts by contrasting reactive and preventive backup procedures. A well-thought-out strategy requires categorizing data, selecting suitable backup methods, and choosing the right storage location. The 3-2-1 principle, in which three versions of data are stored on two different media and one copy is kept off-site, takes center stage. Both contemporary solutions such as cloud backups and traditional procedures are explored. A well-developed contingency plan completes this approach. The chapter concludes by highlighting the importance of regular reviews and adjustments of the backup strategy and introduces a comprehensive guide to strategy development.

Implementing a Data Backup Strategy:
Chapter 3 discusses the threats to data, including cybercrime, while Chapter 5 demonstrates how to counter these threats with a carefully developed data backup plan. In Chapter 6, we link theoretical considerations with hands-on solutions for implementing the developed data backup strategy and establishing a solid backup concept. We highlight that difficulties often arise from incomplete strategies or inadequate implementations. Therefore, special emphasis is placed on the technical design of the backup infrastructure and the organizational framework of the backup concept.

Implementing the Backup Concept:
In Chapter 7, the implementation of the backup concept takes center stage. The chapter begins by discussing configuration, focusing on the correct setup of backups. The “control” section emphasizes the importance of regularly checking backups. After a data loss, restoring data or systems is possible by rolling back to backups. The reliability of backups is confirmed through repeated recovery tests. In cases of larger-scale failures, a complete system restart may be considered. The closing section of this chapter delves into the built-in tools of various operating systems and cloud services.

Work Aids and Templates:
In Chapter 8, we provide you with work aids and templates. These exemplary checklists and guidelines can also be downloaded as a PDF. Because we reference online sources with longer hyperlinks in this book, we want to give you the opportunity to click on these links from a link collection rather than having to manually type them in. This link collection can also be downloaded.

Chapter and Topic Overview:

About the Authors

	Vanessa Chamera completed her Master’s degree in Economic Policy Consulting (M.Sc.) at Ruhr University Bochum and subsequently gained professional experience in the field of IT security. In addition to her work in Digital Forensics, she specialized in analyzing information security measures for risk prevention.
	Martin Bodenstein is a graduate computer scientist (univ.), MBA with a military background, and an expert in high-security requirements. Building on many years of forensic expertise, he focuses on the continuous further development and professional hardening of security profiles to achieve “Forensic Readiness.”
	Patrick Müller, a graduate in Business Information Systems, is an expert in forensic data analysis and has significantly contributed to optimizing analysis methods in leading consulting and industrial companies. As a lecturer, he specializes in Forensic Data Analysis, Audit Data Science, and Visual Analytics. Guided by forensic precision, his aim is to provide companies with transformative insights while preventing potential damage. His credo in this context: “No Data, No Party.”

Interested?

Our book offers a comprehensive introduction to the world of data backup, covering the essential areas—from threats to practical protection strategies. In the digital era, data form the backbone and competitive advantage of companies, and data losses can cause significant damage. There are various risk categories for data loss, including technical and operational hazards. Our book addresses measures that protect IT systems from failures and unauthorized access and demonstrates the importance of data backup. It takes into account preventive, detective, and reactive safeguards and presents an individualized, risk-based strategy. The book provides practical guidance, including checklists and templates available online. It serves as a guide for businesses to effectively and efficiently protect their data, enhance IT and cybersecurity, and acknowledge the value of their data from a risk-based perspective.

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