Modern technologies for maximum data security
Advancing digitalization has led many companies to rely on cloud-based solutions. The ability to store data securely and efficiently in the cloud offers numerous advantages. Especially in the world of SAP applications, where large amounts of sensitive information must be processed and considered from a data protection and information security perspective, the need for robust backup and storage solutions is of paramount importance. The cloud not only enables flexible scaling, but also offers technologies that continuously improve the security and reliability of stored data.
In this article, we look at the most important modern technologies used in cloud backup and –storage play a central role. The use of custom managed keys (CMKs), encryption techniques and immutable backups. We also shed light on how these technologies are evolving and why it is crucial to always stay up to date.
Agenda:
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- Relevance: What is cloud storage and why is it this so important?
- Die Bedeutung eigener Custom Managed Keys (CMKs)
- Encryption: The key to the datasecurity
- Immutable Backups
- Solutions of FIS-ASP
- Conclusion
1. Relevanz: Was ist ein Cloud Storage und warum ist dieser so wichtig?
Cloud storage is now an essential component of modern IT and cloud strategies. It offers companies a flexible and scalable way to store data without having to worry about the physical infrastructure. This form of data storage enables easy access to information, which is particularly advantageous in the increasingly globalized and digitalized world of work. In the SAP environment, where companies deal with large amounts of financial, personnel and production data on a daily basis, the availability and security of this data is crucial.
However, the requirements for data storage in the cloud are high. Companies must ensure that their data is available at all times, protected against unauthorized access and secured against loss. This is where modern technologies such as custom managed keys (CMKs), encryption algorithms and immutable backups come into play.
2. the importance of own Custom Managed Keys (CMKs)
One of the most modern methods of ensuring the security of cloud data is to use your own keys, also known as Customer Managed Keys (CMKs). With CMKs, companies have complete control over their keys instead of leaving key management entirely to the cloud provider.
The advantage of CMKs is the increased level of security. Companies can not only manage their keys, but also decide when and how they are used. This means that even the cloud provider hosting the data has no access to the content without the corresponding keys.
The most important advantages of CMKs:
- Control: Companies determine how and when their data is encrypted and decrypted.
- Security: Even the cloud provider cannot gain access to the data without the keys.
- Compliance: Oftmals ist die Nutzung eigener Schlüssel eine Voraussetzung für die Einhaltung von Datenschutz- bzw. Informationssicherheitsrichtlinien.
3. Encryption: the key to data security
Encryption is a fundamental and necessary technology that ensures that data in the cloud can only be viewed by authorized persons. Thanks to the continuous development of encryption algorithms, it is now possible to protect data both during transmission and storage. This is particularly important as data in the cloud is accessible via the internet and could therefore potentially be more susceptible to attacks.
In the context of SAP systems, encryption plays a dual role: on the one hand, company data is protected from unauthorized access and, on the other, compliance requirements can be met that stipulate that certain data may only be stored or transmitted in encrypted form.
Encryption mechanisms in the cloud:
- Data-at-Rest Encryption: Data stored on cloud servers is protected by modern encryption mechanisms.
- Data-in-Transit Encryption: Data that is transferred or exchanged between servers or between end users and the cloud is also encrypted.
4. Immutable backups - protection against manipulation and data loss
Immutable backups are a relatively new approach in the field of data protection and offer considerable protection against data manipulation and ransomware attacks. An immutable backup is unchangeable once it has been created. This means that no one – neither malicious actors nor internal users – can manipulate or delete the data in the backup. This technology ensures that there is always an unaltered copy of the data to fall back on in the event of an attack.
For companies hosting SAP applications, immutable backups are invaluable. They provide an additional layer of security and ensure that reliable backups can be accessed in an emergency. Previously, the required level of security was only achieved by combining different backup strategies in terms of storage location and authorization restrictions (swapping, media changes, mirroring, etc.).
Advantages of immutable backups:
- Tamper protection: Backups cannot be changed after they have been created.
- Protection against ransomware: Even if malicious actors compromise the primary systems, the backups remain intact.
- Reliability: Immutable backups ensure that companies always have access to a reliable copy of their data, depending on the agreed retention period.
5 FIS-ASP as a partner
FIS-ASP is the ideal IT service provider for backup and storage in the cloud, as we offer comprehensive and customized solutions “on premise” and in the cloud that are specifically tailored to the needs of companies. Our expertise includes the management of in-house CMKs, modern encryption techniques and the implementation of immutable backups. These technologies ensure that our customers’ data is secure and protected from unauthorized access at all times. It is particularly noteworthy that we can offer key management and immutable backups not only in the cloud, but also locally.
With our in-depth experience in IT security and SAP applications, we offer not only technical solutions, but also ongoing support and advice. This ensures that our customers’ backup and storage strategies are always up to date and meet the highest security standards. Companies that rely on us as their FIS ASP can take full advantage of the cloud without having to compromise on security. Delve deeper into the topics of Backup as a Service or Storage as a Service under the following links:
6. Conclusion
By using advanced technologies such as CMKs, encryption and immutable backups, companies can manage their data securely and with an eye to the future. This is not only a question of compliance, but also of business continuity and trust in their own IT infrastructures.
Companies should regularly review and adapt their backup and storage strategies, especially in areas or for critical business processes that depend on data security. Regularly updating systems and carrying out audits as well as training and awareness-raising are essential in order to avoid security gaps and identify new threats at an early stage. By keeping up to date with the latest technology, you can ensure that your data is protected more efficiently against both external attacks and internal risks.