DATA BACKUP & RECOVERY IN IOT DEVICES

Before we start, what is IoT? And what are IoT Devices??

Ever heard of a Smart House? The appliances and devices that make a house smart are IoT devices. IoT stands for Internet of Things, and IoT devices refer to objects that are connected to the internet and can communicate and exchange data over the network. For example, in a smart house, the devices include- smart thermostats, smart locking systems, air quality monitors, Alexa, motion detectors, wi-fi enabled fridges, TVs, ovens, coffee makers, electric induction, wi-fi controlled washing and laundry machines as well as smart toilets; every smart device we use is IoT device. Other common things include self-driving cars, automatic toll collection, wearable devices like smartwatches, fitness bands, sensors, GPS, etc.

Hence from simple wearables to industry-level devices, there are so many gadgets in our day-to-day lives which are a part of IoT world.

DATA BACKUPS IN IOT:

Backing up data in IoT devices is as important as backing up our data on mobile devices. On IoT devices, Data Backup helps in protecting your information from loss due to various reasons. Data loss might happen due to reasons such as; device loss or theft, device failure, human error, natural disaster data corruption and more.

Today most of the companies are getting advanced and using IoTs for numerous tasks. Including IoTs in infrastructure, security, maintenance, everything. So, IoT backups have become more important than ever. IoT processes are very demanding in day-to-day transactions of so many businesses, and hence they must be backed-up regularly for smoother continuity of the business. Be it virtual on a cloud or physical backup on hard-drives and servers.

In IoT backup, it usually comprises of storing data, which is generated by the device throughout, and as well creating copies to ensure its availability. It helps in protecting data and restoring it in case of any unfortunate event.

IoT Backup Solutions:

As talked above, the backup can mainly be of two types: Virtual on cloud, and Physical on Servers.

1. Cloud based Backup: this can be accessed remotely from anywhere using internet. It is very useful and more reliant for the bigger business that operates globally, or for those who doesn’t have enough resources to get the back-up in physical form. It is better than physical backup, as it has a lesser chance to get stolen or loss.
2. On-Site Backup: this can be done locally, as data is stored within your network and infrastructure. It needs more resources, hardware and a lot more maintenance. It might get loss or damaged easily if there is a power-loss, disaster or local stealing.

Best Practices for IoT data Backups:

1. Timely Backups: Roll out Backups very frequently. For more important data, daily or even hourly, to keep the data loss minimum.
2. Secure Backup Processes: Data is a crucial component in every Business. The backup of IoT devices should incorporate secure backup mechanism using robust security systems, as well using appropriate protocols and restoration policies.
3. Testing and verification: Once the backup is done verification of the data is an important step. Testing the backup process, and the strategies. It will highlight the issues, and loopholes in the backup system, allowing us to make according adjustments, before unthinkable happens.
4. Be Up To Date: With the technology developing at incredibly fast pace, adapt to recent technology and keep updating the system, encryption methods and cloud security updates.
5. 3–2–1 Backup rule: The 3–2–1 security backup rule is one of the good strategies to back-up your business’s data. Make 3 copies of backup; 1 copy should be saved on virtual system- cloud. One on the on-site server and 1 on a hard-drive. This rule helps avoiding risk of hardware failure, site-specific disaster or any other data loss possibility.

Challenges in IoT backup:

1. Vast Data Volumes: a single IoT device might not produce much data, but the companies with hundreds of devices might add up data amount. It causes strain on the system to manage data.
2. Data Diversity: Different types of IoT device have different type of data, in different formats. This could make the backup process complicated.
3. Connectivity Issues: If connectivity fluctuates, backups might get failed or corrupted. And while accessing the data if the bandwidth is not strong enough, one cannot retrieve full data. Hence using 3–2–1 rule, so that the data is available offline when needed.
4. Security Risks: Cyber criminals would target IoT devices as they are easier to break through. Moving your devices in private networks, locking your backups with encryption and access control will help in being cyber proof. Security plays a big role in GRC of IoT solutions, so be sure not to overlook security concerns.
5. Bookish Compliance: Most IoT systems are regulates, but by the book. It might not be in coordination to the company’s backup strategies. Customizing backup strategies to stay within the legal lines add another layer in the data management.

Solutions:

1. MFA and encryption.
2. Automated Backups using personalized AI models.
3. Edge computing.
4. Plan for Scalability.

That was all about Data Backup in IoT devices. Now let’s have a quick view on Data Recovery in IoT devices.

DATA RECOVERY IN IOT DEVICES:

The best practices for data recovery from IoT devices includes:

1. Regular Backup of data: Of-course, without a backup there is a 75% chance that your data can be lost. It is the most basic and effective way to prevent data loss.
2. Data Redundancy: Make more than one copy of your data. Just like in 3–2–1 rule, it is better to have multiple copies than to lose everything.
3. Data Encryption: Encryption is the most important part, encrypt your data, both in transit as well in rest. It will protect your data from unauthorized access, modification, deletion by malwares or attackers.

4. Monitoring the Device Data: This step helps in detection and diagnose of any unwanted activity, issues or anomalies which can hamper with our device, data and systems. And it might break CIA of user data.

5. Having a Recovery Plan: If the misfortune happens, what next? There must be a well-thought and well-planned recovery idea. This arrangement is a document that summarizes steps, resources, and actions to restore data in case of an emergency. It should consist of a detailed information on responsibilities, encryption and tools, backup replication and restoration etc.

As said, Prevention is better than cure, monitoring and regular backup should be given at-most priority. But one should be ready with an idea if something happens just in case.

Written By: Nandni Joshi