Which retention method is described as the most secure when stored offsite?

Which retention method is described as the most secure when stored offsite?

• A. Cloud storage
• B. Backup tapes
• C. Local disks
• D. USB drives

Answer: (B)

Creating an air gap by keeping backups offline in a separate location is a strong defense against online threats, including ransomware. Backup tapes stored in a secure offsite facility can be kept completely disconnected from networks, so even if the primary systems are compromised, those tapes remain untouched and can be used to restore clean data. Encryption and physical security further strengthen this protection, and proper rotation ensures long-term retention is reliable. Cloud storage is offsite too, but it remains online and accessible over networks, which introduces risks tied to vendor controls and network exposure. Local disks and USB drives are typically on-site or portable and, when connected, are exposed to the same threats as the primary systems.

Creating an air gap by keeping backups offline in a separate location is a strong defense against online threats, including ransomware. Backup tapes stored in a secure offsite facility can be kept completely disconnected from networks, so even if the primary systems are compromised, those tapes remain untouched and can be used to restore clean data. Encryption and physical security further strengthen this protection, and proper rotation ensures long-term retention is reliable.

Cloud storage is offsite too, but it remains online and accessible over networks, which introduces risks tied to vendor controls and network exposure. Local disks and USB drives are typically on-site or portable and, when connected, are exposed to the same threats as the primary systems.