What Is WORM Storage? The Basis of Immutable Data Retention
WORM means “write once, read many.” After data is written, nobody can change or delete it until the retention period ends. This includes users with administrator rights.
A storage model where data is written once and cannot be changed or deleted for a set retention period.
Why Does It Matter?
Ransomware attackers often take over an administrator account. Then they delete the backups. WORM keeps the backup alive even when an administrator account is stolen. It also helps you prove in an audit that a record did not change.
Core Principles & How It Works
What Threats Arise from Inadequate Protection?
- ✕Choosing the wrong lock mode. In some systems, “governance” mode lets a privileged user remove the lock.
- ✕A retention period that is too short. If an attack is found late, the backup has already expired.
How Does Moftgate Solve This Challenge?
Moftgate combines isolation against ransomware with immutable, WORM-locked backup. The goal is fast recovery after an attack.
Related Guides and Articles
- Attackers Now Target Your Backups: Why Immutable WORM Storage Matters →
Ransomware attackers look for backups before they encrypt. Why do ordinary network-share backups fail, and how does WORM-locked storage protect recovery after an attack?
- Immutable (WORM) Backup Guide: 6 Steps to Ransomware-Ready Recovery →
How do you plan, build and verify an immutable backup? A step-by-step guide to the 3-2-1 rule, RPO/RTO targets, lock mode choice and restore testing.
Other Cybersecurity Terms
Full Glossary →A backup copy that cannot be changed or deleted during its retention period.
A backup rule: keep 3 copies of data, on 2 different media, with 1 copy at a different location.
RPO is the acceptable amount of data loss in time. RTO is the maximum time accepted to restore a service.
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