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Why Backups Matter for SOC 2 and ISO 27001 Compliance

Gary David
28 Mar
2025
5
min read

Imagine losing all your business data in an instant - customer records, project files, and important documents gone forever. It sounds like a nightmare, right? That’s why security standards like SOC 2 and ISO 27001 require businesses to have reliable backup systems in place. These rules help protect data from getting lost, stolen, or damaged. In this article, we’ll break down what these standards say about backups and how you can follow them easily.

What are SOC2 and ISO 27001?

SOC 2 and ISO 27001 are two widely recognized frameworks for information security and data protection. SOC 2 (Service Organization Control 2), created by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), is a framework specifically designed for technology and cloud-based service providers. It evaluates a company’s controls around security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy.

ISO 27001 on the other hand is developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and is a globally accepted standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It focuses on risk management and best practices to protect sensitive data. Both frameworks aim to ensure that businesses safeguard customer data, mitigate security risks, and build trust with their clients and stakeholders. In general SOC 2 is more prevalent in the US while ISO 27001 is more popular in Europe.

What does SOC 2 say about backups?

SOC 2 is a security framework that helps businesses keep customer data safe. It focuses on five key areas: security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. Here’s what it says about backups:

  • Keep data available: You must have a backup system in place so you can restore your data if something goes wrong.
  • Keep data safe: Backups should be encrypted to prevent hackers from accessing them.
  • Control who Sees it: Only authorized people should have access to backup files.
  • Check your backups: Regularly test your backups to make sure they work when needed.
  • Plan for disasters: If an emergency happens, you need a strategy to recover your data quickly.

What does ISO 27001 say about backups?

ISO 27001 is an international standard for keeping business data secure. It is widely adopted because it provides a structured approach to managing security risks and is recognized globally as a benchmark for information security. Unlike SOC 2, which is primarily used in the U.S. and focuses on customer data protection, ISO 27001 takes a broader approach to managing security across an entire organization. It outlines key requirements for backup management:

  • Have a aackup plan: Businesses must create, document, and test backup processes regularly.
  • Keep backups secure: Backup data should be stored safely to prevent unauthorized access.
  • Be ready for problems: If a cyberattack or system failure occurs, backups should help restore normal operations.
  • Follow retention policies: Businesses should define how long they keep backups based on legal and operational needs.

How Can You Follow These Backup Rules?

There are different ways to back up your data, and the best method depends on your business needs. Here are three common approaches:

Manual Backups (Do-It-Yourself)
  • Download data: Manually export important files and save them to your computer or an external hard drive.
  • Use cloud storage: Store copies of your data in cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox.
On-Premises Backup
  • Use external hard drives: Copy files to an external hard drive or USB stick.
  • Set up a local server: Store backup data on a secure, private network.
Cloud-Based Backup Solutions
  • Automated backup services: Use tools like ProBackup to schedule automatic backups with encryption and easy restoration.
  • Extra protection: Cloud-based backups are stored in multiple locations, ensuring data is safe even if one system fails.

Final Thoughts

Backups aren’t just a smart business practice - they’re required by security standards like SOC 2 and ISO 27001. Whether you choose manual exports, external hard drives, or a cloud-based service like ProBackup, having a solid backup plan keeps your business secure and compliant. Take action today to ensure your data is always protected.

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