When companies look at storing backup and archive data, there are multiple options to consider spanning both local storage and cloud storage offerings. In this BlogBytes, we will discuss cost-control and data protection issues associated with these options and explore how LTO technology can help provide protection against a digital downpour.
Cloud storage can offer backup and archive storage options as well as synchronized backup between devices. This is a viable option if users are in multiple locations and need collaborative access to shared files. However, a SearchStorage Techtarget cloud survey of companies stated that, “security was still cited more frequently (50%) as a concern related to cloud storage than any other factor. The cost of cloud storage loomed large, too, with capacity fees a concern of 32% of respondents, followed by transaction costs at 28%.”
Rain is in the forecast
Cyber-threats and attacks have loomed large for many years and are ever-present dangers.. A Spectra Logic white paper, comparing tape and cloud storage [1], reviewed cloud security incidents noting, “In late 2010, Microsoft experienced what was called the first-ever cloud data and security breach. This breach wasn’t the work of malicious intent; it was due to an unspecified ‘configuration issue’ that allowed private data to be downloaded by non-authorized users. Fast forward to August 2013, and three billion users on Yahoo! were left vulnerable after hackers gained access to first and last names, email addresses, dates of birth, and questions and answers to security questions.”
As described on databreaches.net, “Some 617 million online account details stolen from 16 hacked websites are on sale today on the dark web, according to the data trove’s seller.” The Identity Theft Resource Center 2018 report [2] states that, “Hacking was the most common form of data breach in 2018, totaling 482 data breaches and exposing 16 million consumer records. Impacting the Medical, Government, Education and Business Sectors.” No wonder many businesses are concerned about the security of data held at their local and cloud data stores.
Use smart umbrellas
A recent CompareTheCloud.net article discusses the challenges faced by cloud providers stating, “cloud service providers face the same challenges as enterprises do: cost of storage, malware attacks, data loss, etc.” It concludes that, “Protecting data against ransomware and other malware attacks requires offline data protection. And tape is the most effective—and lowest cost—method of providing it.” Let’s look at how LTO tape technology can help provide cost-control and data security like a smart umbrella that provides protection against the storm:
Cost-Control – With the implementation of hybrid storage technologies, tape storage can significantly help control costs. In a data storage cost study comparing tape, disk and cloud, ESG found that the LTO-8 tape solution provided an expected TCO that was 86% lower than that of the all-disk solution and 66% less than the all-cloud TCO over a ten-year modeled period.
Data Security – Storage managers at local and cloud locations are addressing cyber-security concerns by implementing tape storage to defend against inevitable hacker and malware attacks. LTO technology offers a package of security features including, WORM, encryption and offline storage to help prevent access to data. A tape cartridge that is offline – removed from the connected system – is inaccessible to a cyber-attacker.
When considering where to store data, a combination of disk, cloud and tape can provide a comprehensive solution for timely access, cost-control and secured information for local and cloud applications. Learn more about LTO tape technology’s air-gap protection against cyber-threats here.
