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Summary: Investing in cloud backups is a major step that all SaaS based businesses can take to keep their critical data secured against all threats. Before you begin with the cloud to cloud backup process, it is important to understand what it actually means, how it is going to help your business data, and what will be the best solution to execute it.
Cloud-to-cloud backup is a technical term used for storing business-critical data in cloud-based environments to prevent any data loss during unfavorable times. It provides a backup service by storing data on cloud platforms such as Amazon, AWS, Google Cloud, Office 365, etc.
However, cloud-to-cloud backup is easier than the traditional backup methods as it does not require any additional hardware; and backups can be accessed from anywhere with an internet connection, saving unnecessary backup expenses.
When Do You Need a Cloud to Cloud Backup Strategy?
Almost all cloud storage services providers follow the Shared Responsibility model, which means data backup is solely the responsibility of the user. The cloud is accountable only for providing a secured infrastructure. Here are some prominent use cases when you might need a cloud-to-cloud backup solution:
Accidental Deletion
When users are accessing data within the cloud, there are risks of accidental deletion of critical data. With the data stored in the backup, you can restore the deleted data without worrying about data retention policies.
Data Protection
Cyberattacks, such as ransomware or malware intrusion, spam or phishing attacks are common online. With the data backed up to another cloud, you can recover the organization’s usual functioning even after such a catastrophe.
Fulfill Compliance Requirements
Some industry standards demand the organizations to store and retain data for a couple of years. You can backup data from one cloud to another to keep copies that are easily recoverable during audits and compliance requirements.
Insider Threats
Departing or disgruntled employees can often delete or modify data deliberately. With the help of data backup, you can retrieve the affected content to its original form.
Use Earlier Versions
Sometimes, older versions of the documents or files are required for access, and not every business keeps all versions on the operational cloud. Use cloud to cloud backup to store all the versions for easy recovery whenever needed.
Security Against Corruption
Data corruption is common these days, which can be due to any reason, such as a power outage or a system crash. Secure your data access using cloud to cloud backup even in the event of corruption.
Read Also: How to Secure Microsoft 365 Data?
On-Premises vs. Local-to-Cloud vs. Cloud-to-Cloud Backup
Here is a clear comparison between traditional and modern cloud backup solutions that explains how cloud to cloud backup is beneficial for the users.
| Factors | On-premises backup | Local to cloud backup | Cloud to cloud backup |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | When backup is saved from local storage to external drives, network attached storage, etc. | Data is backed up from a local server to a cloud storage service. | Data from one cloud service is backed up to another cloud storage. |
| Internet Requirement | Not required to backup | Required for all backup operations | Needed for backup processes |
| Data Sources | Computers, databases, and servers available on site | Computers, servers, and databases available on-premises | Cloud storage services like Office 365, Google Workspace, Salesforce, and other SaaS platforms. |
| Protection from Local/ Physical Threats | Prone to destruction if any tragedy happens | Backup is available even if something bad happens on-site | Strong data protection as data is secured within the cloud |
| Maintenance | Highly required | Required | Managed by cloud storage providers |
What is the Difference Between Cloud Storage and Cloud Backup?
People often get confused with the terms cloud storage and cloud backup as they are similar terms and have almost similar features. Yet there is a huge difference and cannot be confused. We are listing a few common differences. But the similarities and differences between them may vary based on the service provider.
- Cloud storage is a primary storage service that is majorly used to store data. Cloud backup is a backup service where you can store entire data to use in case of disasters.
- With cloud storage, you need to select data manually to store in the cloud, unlike cloud backup, where the data gets backed up automatically along with regular synchronization.
- In the case of cloud backup, you can view the entire backup process to verify whether the files are successfully stored. It also updates on a regular basis and keeps you in the loop with all the changes. When it comes to cloud storage, there is no such status report usually.
What are the Key Components of a Cloud to Cloud Backup Solution?
When looking for an efficient solution to backup cloud to cloud, here are some features that you must consider:
- Centralized solution: The best bet would be to find a solution that supports backing up multiple cloud platforms from a single centralized dashboard.
- Automated backups: You cannot run backups during peak business hours; therefore, you need a cloud to cloud backup solution that allows automated and scheduled backups.
- Granular backup: You wouldn’t always want to backup the entire organization. This is why there’s a requirement for solutions that have features like data filters to support granular data backups.
- Security features: The ideal cloud backup solution must support data security and follow measures like multi-factor authentication, end-to-end encryption, etc.
There are professional tools that allow flexibility and affordability along with hassle-free backup. However, we recommend you use Kernel Cloud Backup Software, which supports backup from multiple cloud services, including IMAP, Amazon S3, and Office 365 backup. There are no size restrictions when you backup data with this tool. Get the trial version of the tool to backup 1 GB of data from the cloud for free.
Conclusion
Cloud to cloud backup is an essential practice that almost every business owner follows. However, a reliable and effective solution is the foundational stone to save the backups with minimized downtime and data loss. Follow our guidance carefully to find what you need to look into a cloud backup software to secure your cloud environment from all threats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans. Yes. When your business data is stored on SaaS platforms, you must perform backups. This is because such platforms are based upon the principle of the Shared Responsibility Model, which means they’ll handle the infrastructure and you’ll take care of data backups.
Ans. Usually, the suggested frequency to backup cloud to cloud is daily. However, it can vary based on how often the data within your cloud environment changes.
Ans. Yes, saving cloud to cloud backup is safe as it protects your data against accidental deletion, malware attacks, insider threats, etc. It generally keeps a copy of your data to an isolated environment.
