Data Through Time – How Modern NAS Solutions and Offsite Backups Secure Our Future

Our data volumes are constantly growing and many of us rely on modern NAS (Network Attached Storage) systems. Whether in households or small and medium-sized businesses, personal memories and/or business-critical information are stored centrally, managed, and easily accessible every day. However, even though such systems are technically impressive and advanced, we must never forget: no storage medium lasts forever.

Remembering My Very First IT Internship Experience

I vividly remember my first IT internship, where I witnessed the recovery of data from external storage media. A memorable case was that of a customer who brought several CDs containing family photos stored 10 to 15 years ago. These CDs, which were a common method of data backup at the time, could no longer be reliably read. Although we managed to save most of the data after lengthy attempts, it dramatically showed how unexpectedly loss can strike. The emotional cost cannot be quantified, and the time investment was enormous until all available data recovery methods were exhausted. The financial costs can become substantial.

Modern Threats and Classic Risks That Accompany NAS Storage Solutions

NAS storage solutions continue to be popular targets for attacks. The increasing large amounts of data and continued widespread use make them increasingly tempting to attack. The growing number of devices such as IoT devices increases the attack surface, as potential vulnerabilities can be more easily found and exploited to attack central storage solutions. Storing data in different segments (different storage systems or media) makes loss and attacks on all areas extremely challenging and prevents their success.

Here's an overview of today's cyber threats and classic failure risks:

Modern Cyber Threats

Modern Cyber Threats

Ransomware & Targeted Attacks

• Malware encrypts data on the NAS to demand ransom; professional hackers target lucrative targets specifically.

Phishing & Social Engineering

• Deception through fake emails or websites, often enhanced by artificial intelligence, to steal login credentials or inject malware.

Zero-Day Exploits

• Exploiting previously unknown security vulnerabilities before a patch is available – both NAS operating systems and apps can be affected.

Automated (AI-based) Attacks

• Large-scale attacks where bots systematically scan networks for vulnerabilities and exploit them fully automatically.

IoT and Network Vulnerabilities

• Insecure IoT devices on the same network can provide attackers with a backdoor to the NAS if their firmware is not current or default passwords are used.

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Classic Failure Risks

Hardware Aging & Wear

• Hard drives and other components are subject to natural wear; increased probability of failure with age.

Physical Loss or Damage

• The NAS can become unusable and data irretrievably lost due to theft, fire, flooding, or falls.

Operating Errors & Software Issues

• Incorrect configuration, accidental deletion of data, or faulty updates can lead to massive data loss.

RAID - No Substitute for Backup

• RAID protects against single drive failures but not against errors like accidental deletion or ransomware. An external backup remains essential.

Power Outages & Surge

• Unsecured NAS systems risk data corruption during abrupt power outages. Surge (e.g., from lightning strikes) can irreparably damage hardware.

Overheating & Cooling Problems

• Insufficient ventilation or defective fans lead to hardware damage and shorten the lifespan of hard drives and other components. Following a proven rule like 3-2-1 significantly reduces this probability and protects against total loss.

The Proven Foundation of the 3-2-1 Backup Strategy

• 3 Copies of Data: One primary copy and two backups to mathematically minimize the probability of complete data loss.
• 2 Different Storage Media: This prevents a single media type from becoming a weak point.
• 1 Copy at an External Location: An offsite backup protects against local disasters, whether through hardware aging or targeted cyber attacks.

One answer to modern attack strategies is the use of immutable storage. This can be achieved either through a WORM principle (Write Once, Read Many) on a NAS or through Object Lock with an offsite backup like Backup ONE S3 Storage. Both methods protect your data from unwanted changes or deletions and provide an additional security layer – even if attackers gain access to the system.

S3 Backup from Backup ONE: Your Comprehensive Shield

The S3 backup solution from Backup ONE addresses exactly this. With this intelligent and modern method, you can secure your data additionally:

• Offsite Security: Your data is stored at a geo-redundant location. Even during local outages – whether due to technical defects or external influences – your data remains secure.
• Automation and Encryption: Many NAS systems, for example from Synology, seamlessly integrate S3 backups. Your data is automatically encrypted and transferred to the cloud.
• Unlimited Scalability: While your local NAS eventually hits physical limits, cloud storage grows almost infinitely.
• Quick Recovery: In an emergency, you can access your backed-up data in the shortest possible time – whether individual files or entire databases.

Whether you choose geo-redundant storage or a single-site cloud solution – with Backup ONE S3, you can fully utilize the advantages of the 3-2-1 strategy. This clear separation of systems protects your data from unwanted changes, deletions, and the various attacks of today.

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