Air-gaps are one of the oldest and most reliable methods to keep critical information secure. In this section, let's dive into what a traditional air gap is and how QNAP's Airgap+ modernizes this trusted strategy for today's digital environment.
What is an Air-gap?
An air gap is a security measure that physically separates a device or system from any network, making sure that sensitive data can't be accessed remotely. Traditionally, air gaps have relied on removable storage devices like LTO (Linear Tape-Open) and RDX tapes. After backups are complete, these tapes are physically disconnected from the system, adding an extra layer of security. This approach effectively shields important data from cyber threats by creating a physical barrier that attackers can't breach. By keeping systems offline, an air gap ensures that data remains secure, even if other parts of the network are compromised.
The main advantage of an air gap is that it reduces the attack surface to almost zero, making it virtually impossible for ransomware or other threats to reach the isolated data. This makes air-gapped backups a solid choice for disaster recovery and long-term storage.
QNAP's AirGap+: A Software-defined Airgap
NAS devices are almost always connected, making them tempting targets for malware and ransomware attacks. As these threats grow, multiple layers of defense become crucial. QNAP NAS devices include various features to help protect against ransomware, like snapshots and WORM (Write Once, Read Many) technology. Snapshots let you roll back to a previous state before an attack, while WORM ensures that critical files can't be altered once they are saved. Airgap+ is another powerful layer of protection that isolates backup data during critical times.
QNAP's Airgap+, part of Hybrid Backup Sync (HBS 3), brings the benefits of air-gapped security through a software-defined approach that ensures data safety, supports fast recovery, and provides enhanced ransomware protection.
Just like traditional air gaps that physically separate devices, Airgap+ creates a virtual, software-based gap in your network. This modern approach uses secure network segmentation to keep backup data away from unauthorized access. Airgap+ keeps an offline version of your backups safe from ransomware and other threats.
With QNAP Airgap+, your backups are disconnected from the network during critical moments, ensuring that even if your primary storage is compromised, your backups are untouched and ready for recovery. It’s like having a hardware-based air gap but without the physical hassle—perfect for enterprises that need solid protection without sacrificing speed and convenience.
That said, while software-based solutions like Airgap+ provide strong protection, traditional hardware-based air gaps, like those with LTO tapes, are still the most secure. They offer true physical isolation by completely disconnecting data from any network or system. Even if your operating system is compromised, physically isolated storage like LTO tapes remains unaffected, keeping your data safe from breaches or vulnerabilities. For many organizations, hardware air gaps are still the gold standard for ultimate data protection.
How QHora Routers and QNAP NAS Work Together for Airgap+
QNAP Airgap+ works seamlessly by combining QHora routers with QNAP NAS devices. This combination is essential because both devices are designed to communicate directly, ensuring effective backup isolation. Unlike generic routers, QHora routers are specifically built to work with QNAP's Hybrid Backup Sync, allowing precise coordination to create an air-gapped backup environment.
When Airgap+ is activated, the QHora router and QNAP NAS work together to isolate backup data from the network at designated times. This means that the NAS is effectively cut off from the rest of the network, preventing unauthorized access or ransomware from reaching your backups. The close integration between QHora and QNAP delivers a level of synchronization and security that third-party routers simply can't match, making Airgap+ a strong solution for protecting your data.
Key Use Cases
QNAP Airgap+ is designed for a range of enterprise use cases:
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Protecting sensitive data from ransomware attacks.
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Ensuring mission-critical files are accessible during recovery.
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Complying with industry regulations that require offline backup options.
