Security - Internet Backups

(I trust this is ok in this group - If not pls could anyone point to a
more appropriate one, pls).

Does anyone have experience of using any on the Internet Backup
services, or know which ones are likely to be around for the
forseeable future?

TIA,

JohnK

John F Kappler

I've actually never heard of "internet backup services", but I trust
that this is *not* one of those services that claim to save the entire
internet, correct? Those are quite silly

-ds

David Shaw

On 3 Oct 2004 16:12:42 -0700, (David Shaw) wrote:

>I've actually never heard of "internet backup services", but I trust
>that this is *not* one of those services that claim to save the entire
>internet, correct? Those are quite silly
>
>-ds

No, I meant the services where you can use server space, via the
internet, to be your off-site secure backup. The companies provide
(and charge for) the server space and software that allows off-site
backups to be scheduled, sometimes with the option of encryption of
data.

JohnK

John F Kappler

Ah yes, I have heard of those- the name didn't click. I think that
your best bet is to regularly mirror it at multiple sites, such as
friends' servers or backup hard drives. This is safer and more secure
than using these services. I wouldn't trust sensitive data unencrypted
on an external machine that I wouldn't trust with my life... but then
again, maybe I'm just paranoid.

-ds

David Shaw

On 5 Oct 2004 21:54:17 -0700, (David Shaw) wrote:

>Ah yes, I have heard of those- the name didn't click. I think that
>your best bet is to regularly mirror it at multiple sites, such as
>friends' servers or backup hard drives. This is safer and more secure
>than using these services. I wouldn't trust sensitive data unencrypted
>on an external machine that I wouldn't trust with my life... but then
>again, maybe I'm just paranoid.
>
>-ds


He may be talking about a company use that may require something a
little more formal method than storing critical data on a "friends"
server.

Yes, there are companies that move this data via the Internet, but if
your company is of any size, you will find that there may be bandwidth
volume and security issues to deal with.

One semi-low tech that some companies are using is to use postal
service mail. The servers are backed up each day on your site to
high capacity tape or optical media with encrypted data and then
mailed to a back up storage facility in a secure part of the country
with low incidents of natural disasters (hurricanes, floods,
earthquakes, tornadoes, etc.)

The off premises company might then store, say 30 days of back up
encrypted media and mail back the first shipment received for
re-recording. This has the advantage of providing a second location
in some part of the company with your vital business records should
your area be wiped out with a natural disaster (Florida?), for
instance. It may be cheaper and more secure than the extra bandwidth
you are going to pay for an online solution. Also, the US Postal
Service is extremely secure when items are sent registered mail.
Jewelers often ship products this way that are valued up to $25,000.

Beachcomber

Beachcomber