Understand: Immutability

Immutability refers to the characteristic of an object or data structure that cannot be modified after it is created. In the context of data backups, immutable backups are copies of data that cannot be altered or deleted once they have been created.

Immutability works by enforcing strict rules that prevent any changes to the data. Once the backup is created, it becomes read-only and cannot be modified by anyone, including users or administrators with privileged access. Immutability ensures that the data remains unchanged and uncorrupted, providing a reliable and tamper-proof copy of the original information.

There are several reasons why choosing immutable backups can be beneficial:

Data protection: Immutable backups offer an additional layer of protection against accidental or malicious alterations to the data. Since the backups cannot be modified, they serve as a safeguard against data loss, corruption, or unauthorized changes
Data integrity: By preserving the original state of the data, immutable backups help maintain data integrity. This is particularly crucial in scenarios where data must be retained in a pristine condition, such as legal or compliance requirements.
Ransomware protection: Ransomware attacks, where malicious actors encrypt or hold data hostage, have become increasingly prevalent. Immutable backups can protect against such attacks by ensuring that the backups remain immune to tampering or encryption, allowing organizations to restore their data to a known good state.
Compliance requirements: Certain industries and regulatory frameworks necessitate the preservation of unaltered records for a specified period. Immutable backups help organizations meet these compliance requirements by providing a tamper-evident copy of the data.