The Importance of Backup and Data Protection
The core purpose of any backup solution is to protect against data loss and enable rapid recovery in the event of accidental deletion, system failure, or cybersecurity incidents. As more organizations adopt cloud platforms like Microsoft® 365 and Salesforce®, having a reliable backup strategy is critical to ensure data protection, business continuity, and regulatory compliance.
In the banking industry, regulatory bodies have placed growing emphasis on data protection measures such as air-gapping and immutability. These are now considered best practices—and in many cases, compliance requirements—to safeguard sensitive financial data and maintain operational resilience.
Key Data Protection Strategies
Air Gapping
Air-gapping involves physically or logically isolating backup data from the production network, making it unreachable by attackers.
- Physical Air-Gap: Complete separation, such as offline storage devices.
- Logical Air-Gap: Strict access controls that prevent unauthorized access to backups, even if systems are compromised.
Immutability
Immutable backups cannot be altered or deleted for a defined period or indefinitely.
This ensures protection against ransomware, insider threats, or accidental deletion, preserving data integrity and reliability.
Benefits of Air-Gapped and Immutable Backups
- Cyber Resilience: Protects critical systems from ransomware and cyberattacks.
- Data Integrity: Prevents tampering of sensitive information like financial records.
- Regulatory Compliance: Meets strict banking requirements for data retention and security.
- Faster Recovery: Enables quick restoration of data after a breach or system failure.
How can DataComm Help?
On-Premises Backup with Datto Cloud Backup
DataComm offers a hybrid backup solution via Datto Cloud Backup, combining on-site and cloud storage:
- Data is first backed up to a local Datto appliance.
- Backups are automatically replicated to the Datto Cloud for off-site disaster recovery.
- Recovery can be performed locally or by spinning up virtual machines in the Datto Cloud, ensuring fast, flexible restoration options.
Cloud-to-Cloud Backup with OpenText
For cloud environments, DataComm provides OpenText Cloud-to-Cloud Backup, ideal for safeguarding applications such as:
- Microsoft 365 (Exchange, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint)
- Azure and other SaaS platforms
While Microsoft provides built-in redundancy for availability, it does not offer granular backup and restore options. OpenText enables:
Contact DataComm Support:
📞 877.544.3655
📧 helpdesk@datacomm.com
Regulatory Compliance for Community Banks
Consequences of Not Performing Regular Vulnerability Scans:
- Negative findings during regulatory exams
- Non-compliance with FFIEC and other cybersecurity guidelines
- Greater risk of cyberattacks
- Potential issues with obtaining or maintaining cybersecurity insurance
Vulnerability Scanning vs. Vulnerability Management
Vulnerability Scanning:
An automated process that identifies security weaknesses such as missing patches, outdated software, or misconfigurations. It provides a point-in-time snapshot of your system’s vulnerabilities to support timely remediation.
Vulnerability Management:
A comprehensive, ongoing process that involves identifying, assessing, prioritizing, and addressing vulnerabilities. It focuses on continuous improvement, risk reduction, and minimizing an organization’s attack surface over time.
How can DataComm Help?
DataComm offers SecurProtect – Tenable Vulnerability Management, a cloud-based solution designed to simplify vulnerability management for community banks. Key features include:
Optional Support:
DataComm can assist with remediation activities, subject to a SecurNOC Network Monitoring Agreement, which governs remote network access.
Contact DataComm Support:
📞 877.544.3655
📧 helpdesk@datacomm.com
