Air Gapped Data Storage

Most organizations today utilize some form of cloud-based applications for data retention, backups, or even day-to-day operations. Cloud computing options are many and varied. Utilizing cloud services is an easy pick for many reasons; it is easy to deploy, somewhat inexpensive to implement, and can take the weight off limited IT staff. There are some drawbacks, though, and these are not always obvious.

Cloud computing isn’t magic, it’s just creative, long-distance network architecture. Your services, applications, programs, or files still reside on a server somewhere. It’s just someone else’s server, in a location or locations unknown. Cloud data storage fees can get expensive fast as well. You’re always adding data, so the fees are always on the rise.
The biggest problem, though, may be the architecture itself. Even with end-to-end encryption, firewalls, filters, and access controls, the fact remains that by their very nature, cloud services are connected to the internet, and the internet is a very dangerous place indeed, especially if you are not in control of your information assets at all times. Some agreements even specify that you give up your exclusive claim to your own data (Data Sovereignty) in exchange for use of the services which also serves to limit the liability of the hosting company in the event of a data loss or breach.

Data breaches and ransomware attacks are all over the news, each and every day. Why put all your eggs in that shaky basket? Chances are, much of the data and information you entrust to the cloud doesn’t even need to be there in the first place.
InfoSafe has the answer: “Air-Gapped” data storage, also known as “Digital Cold Storage” in the cryptocurrency and NFT realm. It’s a very simple concept; you just make sure that whatever media your data is stored in or on is not connected to the Internet and cannot be inadvertently or readily connected to it. USB “thumb” or “flash” drives are obviously simple to “plug and play”, which means they are also not as secure as other, more robust options (and they can also be easily misplaced).