Will Immutable Storage solve all Cyber Attacks and be NIS2 compliant?
Immutable storage is a crucial aspect of a backup application for several reasons, particularly when considering scenarios involving external disk storage and the need for additional security measures like Multi-factor Authentication (MFA). Immutable storage refers to data storage that cannot be modified, deleted, or overwritten once it has been written. This immutability feature provides a level of data integrity and protection against accidental or malicious alterations.
Here are key points explaining the importance of immutable storage for a backup application, especially in the context of external disk storage and the necessity for Multi-factor Authentication:
Data Integrity and Protection:
Immutable storage ensures that once a backup is created, its contents remain unchanged and secure over time. This prevents accidental or intentional alterations to the backup data.
Protection Against Malicious Attacks:
In the case of external disk storage, the data may be stored outside the immediate control of the server. Immutable storage helps guard against cyber attacks where unauthorized users attempt to modify or delete backup data from the operating system. If an attacker gains access to the external storage controller, they can alter or erase the existing backup sets.
Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) for External Storage:
When utilizing external disk storage, enabling Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security. MFA requires users to provide multiple forms of identification, such as a password and a temporary code from a secondary device, before gaining access to the storage. This helps prevent unauthorized access and ensures that only authorized personnel can manage the backup data.
Preventing Unintended Deletions:
Immutable storage, especially when coupled with MFA, protects against accidental or unauthorized deletion of backup data. This is crucial for maintaining data availability and recoverability in the event of data loss or corruption.
Limitations in Cyber Attack Mitigation:
While immutable storage provides a strong defence against data modification or deletion, it does not inherently protect against all types of cyber attacks. For instance, an attacker with sufficient privileges might attempt to modify the retention time of a backup, which could lead to the backup being deleted prematurely. To counter this, additional security measures, such as strict access controls and monitoring, should be implemented to prevent unauthorized changes to backup configurations.
Local Storage and Immutable Storage:
When immutable storage is implemented locally, it ensures that even if the server is compromised, the backup data remains intact. However, organizations should still implement best practices for securing the entire backup infrastructure, including access controls and monitoring.
Erasure Coding:
Erasure coding enhances immutable storage security by breaking data into fragments and creating redundant pieces. This minimizes external threats as even if some fragments are compromised, the original data can still be reconstructed. When combined, erasure coding and immutable storage create a robust defence against unauthorized access and tampering, ensuring the integrity and resilience of backup data, thus fortifying the overall security of the backup application.
In summary, the combination of immutable storage and additional security measures like Multi-factor Authentication is essential for safeguarding backup data against both accidental and malicious threats. While immutable storage provides a strong foundation for data integrity, it is crucial to implement a comprehensive security strategy to address potential vulnerabilities and mitigate the risk of cyber attacks on backup configurations.
How will immutable storage help us to be NIS2 compliant?
Immutable storage ensures compliance with the EU NIS2 Regulation for a CIO by guaranteeing the integrity and availability of critical data. By preventing unauthorized modifications or deletions of backup data, immutable storage aligns with NIS2 requirements for safeguarding essential services. It bolsters cybersecurity measures, contributes to incident response readiness, and facilitates data recovery in the event of a breach. Immutable storage acts as a proactive defence, reducing the risk of data manipulation and providing a resilient foundation for compliance. It’s implementation, coupled with access controls and auditing, establishes accountability, addressing NIS2's emphasis on maintaining secure information systems. Overall, immutable storage is a crucial component for CIOs striving to meet NIS2 mandates, ensuring the reliability and security of essential digital services.
