Protecting critical data with Google Cloud’s Air-Gapped backup vaults

In a bid to combat the growing threat of ransomware and data manipulation, Google Cloud has introduced air-gapped backup vaults as part of its enhanced Backup and Disaster Recovery service.
Enhanced Data Protection
The centerpiece of this update is the backup vault storage feature, which provides immutable and indelible backups. Data stored in these vaults cannot be modified or deleted, even by authorized users, until a predetermined retention period has elapsed.
Air-Gapped Isolation
These backup vaults are logically air-gapped, residing in a Google-managed project separate from the customer’s self-managed Google Cloud project. This isolation significantly reduces the risk of direct attacks on backup resources, as they are not visible or accessible to users within the organization.
Flexible Recovery Options
The new backup system offers enhanced flexibility in recovery scenarios. Vaulted backups are self-contained and can be used for recovery even if the original resource is no longer available. Additionally, backup vaults can be created in a different project from the source, ensuring accessibility even if the source project is compromised or deleted.
Simplified Management
Google has introduced a centralized backup management experience to streamline data protection. This fully managed solution allows for easy setup of backup plans and protection of Compute Engine VMs, VMware Engine VMs, Oracle databases, and SQL Server databases.
Conclusion
Google Cloud’s air-gapped backup vaults provide robust protection against ransomware and other cyber threats. By providing immutable, indelible, and isolated backups, organizations can safeguard critical data and ensure its availability in the event of a disaster or security incident. This innovative solution is a valuable addition to any comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.