Scheduled Offline Backup Drive Selection for Cyberattack Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data backup systems are vulnerable to cyber threats, as hackers can delete, encrypt, or corrupt data, and there is a need for secure, offline data storage solutions to protect against such attacks.
Innovation Solution
A data backup device that automatically selects offline storage devices for data transfer and storage based on a scheduled parameter, using a microcontroller to control a multiplexer or USB hub to disconnect the storage devices after data transfer, ensuring data is stored offline and inaccessible to remote attackers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If data is stored online or in cloud-based systems, then data accessibility and convenience are improved, but vulnerability to cyber threats and data loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments backup storage into multiple offline storage devices that are physically disconnected from the network. Each storage device contains a portion of the backup data, creating isolated segments that cannot be accessed remotely even if one device is compromised.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts data from the online/cloud environment and places it into offline storage devices. By taking data out of the networked environment entirely, the system eliminates exposure to cyber threats while maintaining backup functionality.
2Reliability
If storage devices remain continuously connected for backup operations, then backup availability is improved, but exposure to hacking and data corruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic connection and disconnection of storage devices based on scheduled parameters. Storage devices are connected only during scheduled backup windows and disconnected afterward, providing periodic availability while minimizing exposure time to potential threats.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary scheduling and configuration of backup operations before execution. Backup jobs are pre-scheduled with specific time windows, and the system automatically manages device connection timing based on these predetermined parameters, ensuring backup availability while limiting exposure.
3Reliability
If multiple storage devices are used for backup, then data redundancy and security are improved, but device complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated selection and management of storage devices based on scheduled parameters. The microcontroller automatically determines which storage device to connect and use for each backup operation, eliminating the need for manual intervention in device selection and simplifying management despite having multiple devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses scheduled parameters (time, date, duration) to dynamically control storage device selection and connection timing. By changing operational parameters automatically based on schedules, the system manages multiple devices without increasing operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods for backing up digital data on storage devices which are automatically selected on an individual basis for digital connection, data exchange and data storage on a scheduled basis and each kept digitally disconnected when not selected and connected for backup data transfer and storage. Devices and methods which backup data on one of a number of an offline storage devices by connecting a selected storage device, backup data onto an offline storage device and then disconnecting the offline storage device, in order to isolate the backed-up data and optionally allow a different storage device to be used for the next back up event.