Securing your Cloud Backup from Ransomware

For several years hackers have increasingly looked to exploit backups. The reason is simple, if they can encrypt/compromise both your data AND your backups you are left with the un-envious choice of either taking a chance and paying a ransom or losing your data.

For this reason, it is vital your backups are protected. We have written previous articles on achieving this using Veeam via Veeam Immutability and Hardened Repositories.

As well as Veeam we also offer our Datahive Cloud Backup service, which is a secure, simple, feature rich and efficient cloud backup platform.

A feature I wanted to highlight is how you can protect your account from malicious actors by enabling 2FA.

What is 2FA

Two-factor authentication (2FA) requires a user to present two or more pieces of evidence (or factors) to an authentication mechanism.

Rather than just relying on a password, an end user also requires secondary authentication e.g., a code from an authenticator app.

Datahive and 2FA

2FA is available on all accounts. The requirements are OBM version 8.5 or above and also have the Google Authenticator app. You can check the OBM version by opening the OBM and selecting the “i” icon in the top right.

Contact support@vitanium.com if you need help upgrading.

How to enable 2FA

After logging into the OBM click the profile icon.

Select “Authentication” and toggle the Two-Factor Authentication to “On”

Click “Add”, open Google Authenticator, scan the QR code and then enter the one-time passcode generated from Google Authenticator.

The device is successfully registered in the OBM.

Save the settings and exit the OBM.

Log back into the OBM and you will be presented with a request to enter your Google Authenticator code.

After entering the code from your Google Authenticator app you can access the OBM.

Enabling 2FA on an account also enables it for access to the web portal so you can be assured your Cloud Backups can only be accessed by authorized users.

Final Thoughts

Ransomware is the biggest threat and presents the most immediate danger to your data. Backups are your last line of defence so its vital you ensure they have adequate protection.

If you need any advice or help strengthening your data protection strategy please contact us or you can call 0345 258 1500 or email support@vitanium.com.