The Backup Wrap-Up

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Disaster Recovery Testing: Start Small Before Going Big

2024-11-1837:40

Ready to level up your disaster recovery testing game? This episode covers everything from basic restore testing to full-scale DR scenarios. Curtis and Prasanna share real-world experiences and practical advice for implementing effective disaster recovery testing strategies.Learn why starting small is crucial, how to define clear success criteria, and ways to test without risking your production environment. We discuss different infrastructure types, from physical servers to cloud platforms, and explain how each requires its own testing approach. Plus, get insights on creating effective runbooks and ensuring your team can execute recovery procedures without depending on specific individuals.Whether you're planning your first DR test or looking to improve existing procedures, this episode provides actionable guidance for building confidence in your recovery capabilities.BTW if you want to watch/listen to the Alaska DR story, I'm actually going to repost it next week.

Detecting Ransomware Before It's Too Late

2024-11-1145:48

WCcontinue=====================DESCRIPTION===============Detecting ransomware requires more than just good antivirus software - it demands a comprehensive approach using multiple tools and techniques. In this episode of The Backup Wrap-up, security expert Mike Saylor breaks down the essential components of ransomware detection, from endpoint protection to network monitoring.Learn about the latest detection tools like XDR, EDR, and SOAR, and discover why many organizations might benefit from working with a managed security service provider. We discuss real-world examples of ransomware detection, including unusual signs that might indicate an attack in progress. Whether you're managing IT for a small business or an enterprise organization, this episode provides practical insights into detecting ransomware before it's too late.

RTO vs RPO: The Foundations of Backup Design

2024-11-0440:22

In this essential episode of The Backup Wrap-up, we dive deep into RTO vs RPO – the foundational concepts that drive backup and recovery system design. Curtis and Prasanna break down why these aren't just technical metrics, but crucial business decisions that should come from your stakeholders.Learn why different applications need different RTOs and RPOs, how these metrics influence your backup frequency and system design, and why getting them wrong can cost your company millions. We'll show you how to have productive conversations with stakeholders about recovery objectives, and why the common answer of "zero downtime" isn't always the right one. Whether you're new to backup or a seasoned pro, this episode will reshape how you think about recovery objectives.

Backup from Hell: SMB vs 400TB

2024-10-2844:19

Experience the backup from hell in this eye-opening episode of The Backup Wrap-up. What started as a straightforward 40TB backup spiraled into a months-long battle with 400TB of data, failing tape drives, and directories containing hundreds millions of files.Host W. Curtis Preston shares his first-hand account of tackling this backup from hell, including the challenges of dealing with SMB protocol limitations, tape drive failures, and the infamous "million file problem." Learn why backing up 99 million files in a single directory isn't just challenging - it's nearly impossible over standard protocols.Discover the solutions that finally worked, from switching to disk-based backup to implementing local tar backups. Whether you're a backup admin or IT professional, this episode offers valuable insights into handling extreme backup scenarios.

Election Integrity 101: What Every Voter Should Know

2024-10-2101:03:40

In this important episode, we tackle the crucial topic of election integrity. As a seasoned poll worker and site manager, I take you behind the scenes of our voting process, revealing the numerous safeguards and checks in place to ensure fair and accurate elections. We debunk common myths, explain the importance of paper ballots, and discuss how mail-in voting actually works. You'll learn about the rigorous signature verification process, the role of election observers, and why it's nearly impossible to commit large-scale voter fraud. Whether you're skeptical about our electoral system or simply curious, this episode provides valuable insights into how we maintain election integrity. Don't miss this chance to understand the nuts and bolts of our democratic process and why you can trust in the security of your vote.

The Dark Side of Backup System Consolidation

2024-10-1443:06

In this eye-opening episode of The Backup Wrap-up, we look at the dangers of the consolidating backup market, a trend that's reshaping the industry. We talk about recent major acquisitions like Cohesity's purchase of Veritas and Salesforce's takeover of OwnBackup, examining the implications for customers and the market at large.After covering each acquisition, we talk about the often-overlooked risks of keeping legacy backup systems operational post-consolidation, including security vulnerabilities and ongoing costs. We also address the challenges of data accessibility and the potential legal ramifications of retaining old backups. Whether you're a seasoned IT professional or new to the world of data protection, this episode offers valuable insights into navigating the complex landscape of backup market consolidation.

Rogue Administrator Nightmare: Lessons from a Real-Life Attack

2024-10-0738:05

In this episode of The Backup Wrap-up that proves Curtis right :) we look into the shocking case of a rogue administrator who held an entire company's IT infrastructure hostage. We explore how Daniel Rhyne, a core infrastructure engineer, managed to lock out his colleagues and demand a $750,000 ransom. This real-world example highlights the critical importance of safeguarding against insider threats.We look into practical strategies to prevent such incidents, including implementing least privilege access, enforcing "four eyes" principles for critical changes, and maintaining robust logging and auditing systems. The discussion also covers recovery options and the vital role of off-site immutable backups in mitigating damage from rogue administrators. Whether you're an IT professional or business leader, this episode provides essential insights into protecting your organization from the potentially devastating actions of trusted insiders gone rogue.

Business Impact Analysis: Your Key to Resilient Operations

2024-09-3046:22

In this episode of The Backup Wrap-up, we explore the critical process of a business impact analysis (BIA) and its importance for organizations of all sizes. Our expert guest, Dr. Mike Saylor, shares valuable insights on conducting effective BIAs, including why it's best to have a third party perform them. We discuss how business impact analysis informs disaster recovery plans, aligns IT with business needs, and helps justify crucial investments in resilient systems. You'll learn about the steps involved in a BIA, from stakeholder identification to financial impact assessment, and understand how this process can save your organization time, money, and headaches in the long run. Whether you're an IT professional or a business leader, this episode provides essential knowledge for protecting your organization's critical functions and ensuring business continuity.

Building a Resilient Ransomware Backup Strategy

2024-09-2350:40

In this essential episode of The Backup Wrap-up, we delve into the critical components of a robust ransomware backup strategy. We explore the concept of dwell time and its implications on backup retention periods, emphasizing the need for longer-term storage solutions. Our discussion covers the importance of frequent backups and designing systems with multiple recovery options. We examine the benefits of cutting-edge technologies like snapshots, replication, and cloud-based recovery solutions in crafting an effective ransomware backup strategy. The episode also tackles the nuances of database versus file system recovery and provides insights on evaluating the importance of encrypted data. Whether you're an IT professional or a business owner, this episode offers valuable guidance on fortifying your ransomware backup strategy to protect your critical data assets.

Detecting Ransomware Before It's Too Late

2024-09-1645:25

In this eye-opening episode of The Backup Wrap-up, we delve into the critical topic of detecting ransomware. Joined by cybersecurity expert Dr. Mike Sailor, we explore the subtle signs that could indicate a ransomware attack in progress. From slight performance degradation to unusual network behavior, we cover the early warning signs that every IT professional and digital asset owner should be aware of.Our discussion goes beyond just identifying threats. We examine the role of advanced security tools like SIEM and XDR in early ransomware detection, and why integrating these with endpoint protection is crucial for an effective defense strategy. We also stress the importance of having a solid incident response plan and the benefits of virtualization in recovery efforts. Whether you're looking to bolster your organization's cybersecurity or simply protect your personal data, this episode provides invaluable insights into detecting ransomware before it's too late.

Tabletop Exercises: Your Secret Weapon Against Cyberattacks

2024-09-0947:32

In this eye-opening episode of The Backup Wrap-up, we delve into the world of tabletop exercises and their crucial role in cybersecurity preparedness. Our guest expert, Mike Saylor from Black Swan Security, guides us through the ins and outs of planning and executing effective tabletop exercises. We explore why these simulations are essential for organizations of all sizes, and how they can dramatically improve incident response capabilities.Listeners will gain valuable insights into selecting the right scenarios, involving key stakeholders, and creating a safe environment for learning. We also discuss common pitfalls to avoid and the importance of regular practice. Whether you're new to tabletop exercises or looking to enhance your existing program, this episode provides practical advice for strengthening your organization's cyber resilience. Don't miss this opportunity to level up your incident response game!

Fostering a Culture of Cybersecurity with Training

2024-09-0245:01

In this important episode of The Backup Wrap-Up, we delve into the world of cybersecurity training. We explore why effective training is crucial in today's digital landscape and how to implement a comprehensive program that goes beyond just ticking boxes. From creating robust cybersecurity policies to conducting engaging, frequent training sessions, we cover it all.Learn why rewarding vigilance is more effective than punishing mistakes, and how to foster a security-aware culture in your organization. We discuss the importance of relevant, interactive training methods, including simulated phishing tests, and how to train users to spot suspicious activity beyond just phishing attempts. Whether you're an IT professional or a business owner, this episode provides valuable insights to enhance your cybersecurity training efforts and strengthen your organization's digital defenses.

Incident Response Plan 101: From BIA to Execution

2024-08-2637:00

In this very dense episode of The Backup Wrap-up, we delve into the critical world of incident response plans, from the business impact analysis (BIA) to finalizing its creation. Our expert guest, Dr. Mike Saylor, CEO of Blackswan Security, shares invaluable insights on crafting and implementing effective incident response strategies. We explore the key components of a robust plan, from conducting a business impact analysis to creating scenario-specific playbooks.Learn why having an incident response plan is crucial in today's cyber threat landscape and how to design one that works for your organization. We discuss the importance of regular updates, secure storage, and testing through tabletop exercises. Whether you're an IT professional or a business leader, this episode provides practical advice on preparing for and managing potential security incidents. Don't miss this essential guide to strengthening your organization's cyber resilience through comprehensive incident response planning.

Reducing Your Cyberattack Blast Radius: Expert Tips

2024-08-1937:51

In this eye-opening episode of The Backup Wrap-up, we delve into the critical concept of minimizing the cyberattack blast radius. Joined by cybersecurity expert Dr. Mike Saylor, we explore practical strategies to significantly reduce the impact of a breach on your organization.We start by discussing the principle of least privilege access and its role in containing a cyberattack's blast radius. Next, we examine the importance of network segmentation in limiting the spread of an attack. The conversation then shifts to the often-overlooked aspect of controlling outbound traffic to prevent data exfiltration.Throughout the episode, we provide actionable insights and best practices that IT professionals and business owners can implement to enhance their cybersecurity posture. By focusing on minimizing the cyberattack blast radius, organizations can better protect their digital assets and mitigate potential damages in the event of a breach.

Ransomware Forensics: Preserving Digital Evidence

2024-08-1245:10

In this episode of The Backup Wrap-Up, we delve into the crucial world of ransomware forensics with cybersecurity expert Mike Saylor. We explore the essential steps and tools used in forensic analysis during a cyber attack, highlighting the importance of preserving evidence and navigating the complexities of both traditional and mobile device forensics.From log preservation to forensic imaging, we discuss how organizations can prepare for and respond to ransomware incidents. Mike shares insights on the different forensic tools available, their applications, and the challenges faced in modern cybersecurity investigations. We also touch on the importance of having a forensic response plan in place before an attack occurs.Whether you're an IT professional or simply interested in cybersecurity, this episode offers valuable knowledge about the forensic processes that help unravel cyber attacks and protect valuable data. Tune in to enhance your understanding of ransomware forensics and strengthen your organization's cyber defenses.

The Cyber Insurance Playbook: What You Need to Know

2024-08-0550:02

Dive into the world of cyber insurance with our latest episode featuring expert Mike Saylor. We explore the evolving landscape of cyber insurance policies and their crucial role in today's digital security strategies. Learn why cyber insurance is more than just a financial safeguard and how it can be a proactive tool in your cybersecurity arsenal.Mike shares invaluable insights on maximizing your cyber insurance benefits, from understanding policy nuances to leveraging your insurer's expertise. We discuss common misconceptions, the importance of pre-incident preparation, and strategies for effective incident response. Whether you're a small business owner or a corporate executive, this episode provides essential knowledge to navigate the complex terrain of cyber insurance and protect your digital assets.

Advanced Ransomware Prevention

2024-07-2944:06

In this important episode of "The Backup Wrap-Up," we continue our discussion on ransomware, and dive deeper into the world of ransomware prevention. We assume you've done the basics (password & patch management, and MFA), and want to do more. As cyber threats continue to evolve, it's more important than ever to stay ahead of potential attacks. We discuss a range of strategies to protect your organization, from application whitelisting to securing service accounts.Among other things, our conversation covers the importance of restricting risky network protocols, implementing multi-factor authentication, and employing reputable anti-malware software. We also explore the benefits of penetration testing and red team exercises. Additionally, we emphasize the significance of establishing relationships with blue teams and law enforcement resources before an attack occurs.Join us as we provide actionable insights on ransomware prevention, helping you build a robust defense against this pervasive cyber threat. Whether you're an IT professional or a business owner, this episode is packed with valuable information to enhance your cybersecurity posture.

IT Security Audit Essentials: Protect Your Network

2024-07-1538:19

In this episode of The Backup Wrap-Up, we delve into the critical world of IT security audits. We explore why these audits are essential for maintaining a robust cybersecurity posture and how they can help organizations identify and address potential vulnerabilities. Our discussion covers key elements of surviving an IT security audit, including user education, application whitelisting, and securing remote access protocols. We also touch on the importance of regular security assessments and proactive measures to stay ahead of cyber threats. Whether you're an IT professional or a business owner, this episode provides valuable insights into conducting thorough IT security audits and implementing best practices to protect your digital assets. Tune in to learn how you can strengthen your organization's defenses and become a cybersecurity hero.

How to Stop Ransomware: 3 Essential Strategies

2024-07-0848:27

Discover how to stop ransomware in its tracks with this informative episode of The Backup Wrap-up. Hosts W. Curtis Preston and Prasanna Malaiyandi look into three crucial strategies that can prevent 90% or more of ransomware attacks. Learn why patch management is your first line of defense and how to implement it effectively. Explore the world of password security and discover why a robust password management system is essential. Finally, uncover the power of multi-factor authentication in thwarting unauthorized access. Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your cybersecurity defenses and stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.

Immutable Backups: Your Ultimate Defense Against Ransomware

2024-07-0144:31

In this episode, we delve into the world of immutable backups, a crucial component of modern data protection strategies. We explore why immutable backups have become increasingly important in the face of sophisticated cyber threats, especially ransomware attacks that target backup systems. The episode covers the evolution from tape backups to disk-based systems and cloud solutions, highlighting how this shift has introduced new security challenges.We discuss the spectrum of immutability in backup systems, from basic file system protections to fully immutable cloud storage options. The conversation touches on various implementations of immutable backups, their strengths, and potential vulnerabilities. We also address the importance of multi-factor authentication and awareness of emerging threats like AI-based voice impersonation.

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