Shows
The Backup Wrap-UpSocial Engineering Lessons from Mr. Robot Episode 1Learn how social engineering attacks really work by analyzing the cybersecurity lessons from Mr. Robot's pilot episode. Curtis Preston and Prasanna Malaiyandi break down real-world social engineering tactics used by cybercriminals to manipulate victims into revealing sensitive information.This episode covers social engineering phone scams targeting even cybersecurity professionals, the dangers of AI-powered voice cloning in modern attacks, and practical defense strategies. Discover why security questions should never be answered truthfully, how to verify suspicious calls claiming to be from banks or family members, and the importance of "trust but verify" principles.The hosts also...2025-07-2844 min
The Backup Wrap-UpInsider Threat Prevention: Protecting Your Backups from WithinThe insider threat represents one of the most dangerous and overlooked cybersecurity challenges facing organizations today. In this episode of The Backup Wrap-up, W. Curtis Preston and Prasanna explore the three distinct types of insider threats that can devastate your organization from within.From malicious employees seeking revenge to careless workers who fall for social engineering, insider threats come in many forms. The hosts examine real-world cases including the Coinbase breach through compromised contractors, Apple's lawsuit against an employee who stole Vision Pro secrets, and the infamous logic bomb attack that destroyed an entire company's data.2025-07-2139 min
The Backup Wrap-UpWhat Is an Air Gap Backup? Real Protection vs MarketingAir gap has become one of the most overused and misunderstood terms in backup and recovery. In this episode, W. Curtis Preston and Prasanna explore what air gap really means, tracing its origins from the days when everyone used tape storage to modern virtual implementations. They discuss how true air gap required physical separation - tapes stored offsite at facilities like Iron Mountain - and why this gold standard is nearly impossible to achieve with today's connected backup systems.The conversation covers modern alternatives including immutable storage, IAM-based protection, and simulated air gaps that disconnect network connections...2025-06-3033 min
The Backup Wrap-UpLargest Data Breach in History: What You Need to KnowThe largest data breach in recent memory has exposed 16 billion login credentials across multiple databases, and we're here to help you understand what it means for your security. This massive exposure involves data stolen primarily through infostealer malware rather than a single company breach.Join W. Curtis Preston, Dr. Mike Saylor, and Prasanna Malaiyandi as they break down this complex security incident. Learn why this largest data breach is actually a compilation of stolen credentials from various sources, how infostealer malware works, and why your browsing habits might be putting you at risk. The team discusses practical...2025-06-2348 min
The Backup Wrap-UpHuman error: Why We BackupHuman error has replaced hardware failures as the primary driver of data loss and restore operations in modern IT environments. This episode explores real-world examples of how both end users and administrators create the need for backup and recovery operations through accidental deletions, configuration mistakes, and poor processes. W. Curtis Preston shares war stories from his decades in the industry, including incidents involving accidental directory deletions, source code stored in temporary folders, and tape library disasters. The discussion covers how technology improvements like RAID and solid-state drives have made hardware more reliable, shifting the focus to human-related incidents. The...2025-06-0935 min
The Backup Wrap-UpWorld Backup Day: Take the Pledge to Protect Your DataWorld Backup Day falls on March 31st - the day before April Fool's Day because not backing up your data is no joke. In this episode, hosts W. Curtis Preston and Prasanna Malaiyandi discuss alarming statistics about data loss and why proper backup strategies are essential for business survival.The hosts break down the famous 3-2-1 backup rule and how it applies to both consumers and enterprises. They examine the growing threat of ransomware, including double extortion attacks where criminals not only encrypt your data but threaten to publish it. With 94% of companies that suffer major...2025-05-1934 min
The Backup Wrap-UpBreaking Down the VeeamOn Announcements for Backup AdminsIn this episode of The Backup Wrap-up, W. Curtis Preston breaks down the key VeeamON announcements from the VeeamON 2025 conference in San Diego. He highlights Veeam's focus on security and ransomware defense, including their new CrowdStrike integration and data resilience maturity model developed with McKinsey and MIT.Curtis shares his excitement about Veeam's long-awaited Linux-based software appliance, which addresses a critical security vulnerability in Windows-based backup systems. He also discusses other major VeeamON announcements like their Anthropic partnership for AI-powered backup content search, Microsoft Intra ID support, and the ability to recover backups to Azure in under...2025-04-2845 min
The Backup Wrap-UpDOGE and GSA Claim $1M Savings by Ditching Old Tape TechDOGE and GSA recently made headlines with a tweet claiming $1 million annual savings by converting 14,000 magnetic tapes to "permanent modern digital records." In this episode, W. Curtis Preston and Prasanna Malaiyandi analyze whether this claim is possible – although they cannot actually validate it due to lack of information. They discuss that DOGE and GSA's claim is possible given the significant costs of maintaining legacy systems, the migration process would also likely take months and involve substantial upfront expenses. Curtis also shares a humorous story about accidentally pressing an emergency power button during a critical mainframe recovery.2025-04-2146 min
The Backup Wrap-UpDisaster Recovery Lessons from 9/11 and BeyondIn this eye-opening episode of The Backup Wrap-up, W. Curtis Preston and Prasanna Malaiyandi unpack crucial disaster recovery lessons from major events like 9/11. They discuss how companies lost both primary and backup data centers when both World Trade Center towers fell, highlighting why geographic separation is non-negotiable. The hosts break down the technical aspects of disaster recovery, comparing hot sites versus cold sites, and the realities of synchronous versus asynchronous replication across distances.Beyond the technical, Curtis and Prasanna share often-overlooked disaster recovery lessons about human factors—where recovery teams will sleep, eat, and work during extended ou...2025-03-2435 min
The Backup Wrap-UpIs Tape Backup Dead? Why This Technology Still MattersTape backup isn't dead – but it's glory days are gone. In this episode, W. Curtis Preston and Prasanna Malaiyandi discuss why tape backup remains relevant despite its diminished role in operational backups. They reveal how cloud giants have become the biggest consumers of tape technology while explaining common misconceptions about tape's performance.The hosts break down four core advantages tape backup still maintains: unbeatable cost (one to two orders of magnitude cheaper than alternatives), superior speed for bulk transfers, better data integrity with lower bit error rates, and built-in protection against ransomware through true immutability. Whether you're co...2025-03-1056 min
The Backup Wrap-UpHide Your Backup Disk from RansomwareIn this episode of The Backup Wrap-up, W. Curtis Preston and Prasanna Malaiyandi discuss critical strategies for securing your backup disk against cyber threats. They explain why the default configuration of storing backups in easily accessible directories makes your backup disk vulnerable to threat actors who specifically target backup systems before launching attacks.The conversation covers several effective methods to protect your backup disk, including using proprietary protocols like OST and Boost, implementing Virtual Tape Libraries (VTLs), leveraging dedicated backup appliances, and utilizing object storage both on-premises and in the cloud. Curtis emphasizes that keeping your backup...2025-03-0333 min
The Backup Wrap-UpYour 4-Hour Recovery Time Objective is FantasyEver wonder why your recovery time objective seems impossible to meet? In this episode, we challenge the common assumption that a four-hour RTO is achievable for most organizations. Host W. Curtis Preston and guest Prasanna Malaiyandi discuss why these aggressive recovery time objectives often exist only on paper.From ransomware attacks to natural disasters, we examine the real-world factors that make rapid recovery more complex than most realize. We break down the differences between recovery time objectives (RTOs) and actual recovery times (RTAs), exploring why organizations need to be more realistic about their recovery capabilities. Whether you're...2025-02-2438 min
The Backup Wrap-UpPasswords vs Passkeys: The Future of Backup SecurityIn this eye-opening episode about passwords vs passkeys, W. Curtis Preston and Prasanna Malaiyandi expose why traditional password protection isn't enough for your backup systems anymore. They break down the evolution from basic passwords to MFA, and explain why passkeys and FIDO compliance represent the next level in security.Learn why hackers target backup systems first, how they exploit password vulnerabilities, and why even multi-factor authentication has its weak points. Discover why there hasn't been a single successful attack against FIDO-compliant systems, and why you should be pushing your backup vendors to support passkeys. Whether you're using...2025-02-1743 min
The Backup Wrap-UpNo one cares about your backup window!Understanding your backup window is crucial for effective data protection, but there's a twist - it's not just about backup speed. In this episode, we explore why focusing solely on backup speed misses the point entirely. The real measure of success? Your recovery capabilities.Join W. Curtis Preston and Prasanna Malaiyandi as they share war stories about backup windows gone wrong, including a memorable tale involving tape drives that could write but couldn't read. Learn why traditional backup windows have evolved, how modern technologies have changed the game, and most importantly, why your recovery testing matters more...2025-02-1042 min
The Backup Wrap-UpArtificial Intelligence: The Future of Backup?Artificial intelligence in backup isn't just marketing hype - it's changing how we protect our data. In this episode, W. Curtis Preston and Prasanna Malaiyandi break down the practical applications of AI in backup systems, from intelligent scheduling to ransomware detection.Learn how artificial intelligence helps with capacity planning, especially with deduplication systems where predicting storage needs gets tricky. We discuss AI's role in asset discovery, anomaly detection, and even creating better disaster recovery plans. Plus, find out why backing up AI models themselves might become your next big challenge. This no-nonsense look at AI in backup...2025-02-0343 min
The Backup Wrap-UpDisaster Recovery Testing: The Execution PhaseIn part two of our disaster recovery testing series, we explore the critical steps of executing a DR test. From coordinating teams and documenting issues to maintaining communication channels during the test, this episode covers everything you need to know about running an effective DR test.Host W. Curtis Preston and co-host Prasanna Malaiyandi share practical advice from their extensive experience with disaster recovery testing. They discuss the importance of having backup communication methods, maintaining detailed documentation, and conducting thorough post-test analysis. Learn why testing your DR plan regularly is crucial and how to build a recovery...2025-01-2733 min
The Backup Wrap-UpChoosing the Best Cloud Backup for Your Small BusinessLooking for the best cloud backup for small business? This episode cuts straight to what matters. Host W. Curtis Preston and Prasanna Malaiyandi share their expert insights on choosing the right cloud backup solution for your small business needs.They break down the critical features every small business should look for in a cloud backup service, including true immutability, proper implementation of the 3-2-1 rule, and transparent pricing. The discussion covers why cloud backup makes sense for small businesses, how to avoid common pitfalls, and what questions to ask potential providers. Whether you're currently shopping for...2025-01-2041 min
The Backup Wrap-UpMaking the Case for Your Backup IT BudgetGetting the right backup IT budget can feel like pulling teeth, but it doesn't have to be that way. In this episode of The Backup Wrap-up, W. Curtis Preston and Prasanna Malaiyandi share real-world strategies for securing the backup IT budget you need to protect your organization.Learn how to partner with the security and GRC teams to make your case stronger. Find out why ransomware has changed the game when it comes to backup IT budget discussions, and hear practical tips for documenting your needs. Whether you're struggling with outdated systems or fighting for resources, this...2025-01-0638 min
The Backup Wrap-UpBackup from Hell: SMB vs 400TBExperience the backup from hell in this eye-opening episode of The Backup Wrap-up. What started as a straightforward 40TB backup spiraled into a months-long battle with 400TB of data, failing tape drives, and directories containing hundreds millions of files.Host W. Curtis Preston shares his first-hand account of tackling this backup from hell, including the challenges of dealing with SMB protocol limitations, tape drive failures, and the infamous "million file problem." Learn why backing up 99 million files in a single directory isn't just challenging - it's nearly impossible over standard protocols.Discover the solutions that...2024-10-2844 min
The Backup Wrap-UpHow to Stop Ransomware: 3 Essential StrategiesDiscover how to stop ransomware in its tracks with this informative episode of The Backup Wrap-up. Hosts W. Curtis Preston and Prasanna Malaiyandi look into three crucial strategies that can prevent 90% or more of ransomware attacks. Learn why patch management is your first line of defense and how to implement it effectively. Explore the world of password security and discover why a robust password management system is essential. Finally, uncover the power of multi-factor authentication in thwarting unauthorized access. Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your cybersecurity defenses and stay one step ahead of cybercriminals.2024-07-0848 min
The Backup Wrap-UpGoogle Cloud Disaster Recovery: Lessons from UniSuper's Close CallIn this episode, we delve into the critical importance of Google Cloud disaster recovery planning through the lens of UniSuper's recent brush with catastrophe. When Google accidentally deleted UniSuper's entire VMware environment, the Australian pension provider faced the terrifying prospect of losing access to $125 billion in assets and the data of over 600,000 members.Hosts W. Curtis Preston and Prasanna Malaiyandi dissect the incident, highlighting how UniSuper's adherence to the 3-2-1 backup rule and use of third-party backup solutions ultimately saved the day. They explore the key lessons learned from this Google Cloud disaster, including the importance...2024-05-2031 min
The Backup Wrap-UpSalesforce.com's Permission Slip-Up (Another Cloud Disaster)In this episode of The Backup Wrap-Up, Curtis and his co-host dive into the chaos caused by Salesforce's accidental "modify all" permission change in 2019. They explore the fallout from this real-world SaaS disaster, including how Salesforce scrambled to restore proper permissions and the frustration felt by impacted customers.Curtis and his co-host discuss the crucial role third-party backups could have played in mitigating the impact of this incident, and why relying solely on a SaaS vendor's recovery capabilities can leave organizations vulnerable. They also share practical advice on how listeners can avoid similar cloud disasters by implementing...2024-03-2533 min
The Backup Wrap-UpKPMG Blunder Proves Microsoft 365 Needs Backup (Cloud Disasters)In this shocking episode of The Backup Wrap-up, we delve into the jaw-dropping data loss disaster that struck global consulting giant KPMG at the height of the 2020 pandemic. With one errant click, a Microsoft 365 admin accidentally wiped out months of critical Teams chat data for a staggering 145,000 employees.Join host W. Curtis Preston as he unravels this extraordinary tale of digital destruction and explores the crucial lessons it holds for organizations relying on Microsoft 365 and other SaaS platforms. Curtis breaks down the differences between retention policies and actual backups, exposes common misconceptions about cloud provider data protection...2024-03-1840 min
The Backup Wrap-UpOVHCloud Dumpster Fire (Cloud Disasters)In this important episode of the Backup Wrap-up, W. Curtis Preston, AKA Mr. Backup, takes you on a deep dive into the shocking story of the OVHCloud data center fire of 2021. This catastrophic event left hundreds of customers scrambling to recover their precious data (often without backups), exposing the startling truth about OVHCloud's data center and backup practices and the devastating consequences of misplaced trust in cloud providers.As usual, Curtis is joined by co-host Prasanna Malaiyandi as they unravel the complex web of controversial decisions, legal battles, and hard lessons learned from this disastrous incident. They...2024-03-1136 min
The Backup Wrap-UpCrafting the Perfect Disaster Recovery RunbookIn this information-packed episode, backup guru W. Curtis Preston and expert guest Prasanna Malaiyandi explore the elements of crafting an effective disaster recovery (DR) runbook. They discuss how a properly structured runbook eliminates confusion during crises by clearly outlining responsibilities and contacts. From making runbooks accessible and absorbed to keeping them actionable with constant updates and tests, they share the 8 critical factors for DR success. Tune in to transform your backup admins into confident cyber recovery heroes with battle-tested runbooks.2024-02-1939 min
The Backup Wrap-UpHot, Warm, and Cold: DR Site StrategiesCreating an effective DR strategy means understanding the critical differences between hot, warm, and cold recovery sites. Join backup guru W. Curtis Preston and his cohost Prasanna Malaiyandi for the latest Backup Wrap-Up as they outline real-world strategies to match your RTO, RPO, and budget. You’ll learn the unique benefits and challenges of using both primary for hot sites, and backup replication to cost-effectively create warm recovery sites.They also tackle the complexities of cloud DR for VMware environments. Can you do DR of VMware to AWS? What conversion hurdles do you need to plan for? Tu...2024-02-0540 min
The Backup Wrap-UpDisaster Recovery Site: Build, Buy, or Cloud?When disaster strikes, you better have a solid plan for where you’ll recover your operations. Join me, W. Curtis Preston, and Prasanna Malaiyandi, as we explore the nitty-gritty details of your three main options for a disaster recovery site.We’ll dig into the pros, cons, risks, and costs associated with rolling your own DR site, hiring a third-party service, or leveraging the public cloud. Each path has its twists and turns. How do you keep a secondary site in sync? What if a regional disaster takes down your DR provider? Can the cloud flex to meet...2024-01-2931 min
The Backup Wrap-UpGet Ready Before You Get Got: Ransomware Response PlanningThis timely episode features an in-depth discussion between cybersecurity expert Melissa Palmer (@vmiss) and hosts W. Curtis Preston and Prasanna Malaiyandi on the crucial role preparation and planning play in effectively responding to and recovering from the inevitable ransomware attack.They stress that flying by the seat of your pants without an incident response plan when ransomware hits leads to chaotic, inefficient efforts and substantially higher costs. Melissa outlines pragmatic steps organizations should take before an attack to develop and test response playbooks, have partnerships in place with response firms, coordinate across internal teams, bolster detection capabilities...2023-12-2548 min
The Backup Wrap-UpTo Change or Not to Change Your Backup SystemChanging your organization's backup system is no easy task - it requires careful evaluation of requirements, risks, and capabilities. Many admins get stuck with backup environments they've outgrown or that lag on modern demands.On this episode, backup guru W. Curtis Preston and his cohost Prasanna Malaiyandi lend their expertise to help you determine if and when migrating your backup solution makes sense. You'll learn:Key indicators that your current system is no longer fitting your needsHow to clearly define backup requirements and alignment to recovery objectivesWays to evaluate ease of use, security, and other qualitative...2023-12-1845 min
The Backup Wrap-UpWhy you should care about Copy Data ManagementAfter diving into the details of the recent Okta breach enabled by password manager vulnerabilities, Curtis and Prasanna tackle the growing issue of copy data sprawl. They define copy data management – the practice of tracking and governing all duplicated production data for backup, DR, development, analytics etc. What problems result from copy proliferation? How feasible is a single consolidated platform? What regulatory and cost implications exist? Tune in as our hosts break down best practices for cataloging, securing, reducing, and better leveraging your organization’s data copies. Specific topics covered include:Password manager risks exposed in Okta hackCopy data...2023-12-1141 min
The Backup Wrap-UpSnap, Replicate, & Protect: Leveraging Near CDPTired of backup windows and 24-hour recovery point objectives? Then it's time to learn about how snapshots and replication work together to create near-continuous data protection, or near-CDP.In this episode, backup experts W. Curtis Preston and Prasanna Malaiyandi dive into leveraging snapshots for instant point-in-time recovery and replication for an offsite copy. By combining these technologies, you can achieve recovery point objectives measured in minutes rather than hours or days.Listen in to understand what near CDP is, how it differs from backup and true CDP, and the key capabilities it enables. Discover when...2023-12-0440 min
The Backup Wrap-UpSnapshots vs. Backups: Understanding the DifferenceIn this episode of The Backup Wrap-Up, host W. Curtis Preston discusses the importance of understanding the difference between snapshots and backups. He emphasizes that storage snapshots should not be considered as true backups. The episode also covers the recent 1Password and Okta hack, highlighting the frustration of such incidents, especially for those who advocate for password managers and cloud technologies. Tune in to learn more about the risks and implications of relying solely on snapshots and the importance of proper backup strategies.2023-11-1349 min
The Backup Wrap-UpCDP: The Next Great Thing in DR?In this episode of the Backup Wrap-Up, W. Curtis Preston and Prasanna Malaiyandi discuss Continuous Data Protection (CDP) and its potential as the next great thing in disaster recovery. They explore the concept of meeting an RTO and RPO of zero and question why CDP isn't used for all backups in DR. Tune in to learn more about CDP and its role in backup and disaster recovery.Article mentioned in the story:https://www.theregister.com/2023/10/10/ransomware_attacks_register_record_speeds2023-11-0643 min
The Backup Wrap-UpThe Role of Replication in Modern Data Protection systemsIn this episode, W. Curtis Preston, aka Mr. Backup, and Prasanna Malaiyandi discuss the fundamental technology of replication in data protection systems. They explore what replication is, how it differs from other methods, and why it's not used for everything. They also delve into the differences between synchronous and asynchronous replication and why it matters. The hosts also share news of a backup company called Alcion, which recently raised funding with support from Veeam, a backup company investing in Alcion's focus on Microsoft 365 backups for SMB customers. They also discuss a report from ESG about how cloud backup has...2023-10-3045 min
The Backup Wrap-UpIs it a backup or just a copy?In this episode of the Backup Wrap-Up, host W. Curtis Preston discusses the importance of distinguishing between a copy and a backup to ensure the protection of valuable data. He also explores key backup concepts such as multiplexing, incremental backups, block-level incremental backups, and source-side deduplication. The episode kicks off with a discussion on the recent MGM hack, highlighting the significant impact it had on the hotel chain and the potential for personal information leaks. Tune in to learn how to safeguard your data effectively and become a backup hero.Articles mentioned in the episode:...2023-10-2346 min
The Backup Wrap-UpThe Importance of Backing Up IOT DevicesIn this episode of the Backup Wrap-Up, host W. Curtis Preston and co-host Prasanna Malaiyandi explore the topic of data protection in the Internet of Things (IoT) era. With the increasing number of IoT devices in our homes and organizations, it is crucial to understand how to back up and secure the data generated by these devices. They discuss the importance of knowing which devices create important data and where that data is being stored. They also discuss IBM's release of a 150 terabyte tape, which showcases advancements in data storage capacity, and a TechTarget ESG survey about...2023-10-0937 min
The Backup Wrap-UpHybrid Cloud Storage: Back it up or not?In this episode of the Backup Wrap-Up, host W. Curtis Preston, also known as Mr. Backup, and his co-host Prasanna Malaiyandi, discuss the importance (or not) of backing up data in hybrid cloud storage systems, with a possibly surprising answer. The episode begins with backup-related news, followed by a deep dive into a single area or lesson that can help protect against ransomware. The news segment includes a story about Toyota, where multiple manufacturing plants shut down during their production process. Tune in for the answer to the question about backing up hybrid storage systems, and to learn more...2023-10-0227 min
The Backup Wrap-UpThe Merging Worlds of Information Security and Data ProtectionIn this episode of the Restore It All podcast, W. Curtis Preston, a.k.a. Mr. Backup, and Prasanna Malaiyandi are joined by Chris Groot and Stefan Voss from N-Able, a company specializing in backup, data protection and security systems. Nable focuses on serving the needs of managed service providers to deliver excellent service to small and medium-sized businesses. They discuss the importance of catering to the "Fortune 5 million," which includes businesses with 20 to 2000 employees, highlighting the significant role that small businesses play in our economy. Tune in to learn more about Nable's approach to the cloud data protection...2023-09-2535 min
The Backup Wrap-UpThe Unforeseen U-turn: Inside Microsoft 365's Backup RevolutionIn this episode of Restore it All, our hosts Curtis and Prasanna delve deep into the recent significant developments in the world of data backups, with a special spotlight on Microsoft 365's about-face on native user backups. They dissect Microsoft's sudden realization of its potential revenue streams and the ramifications of its new direction.The duo also discusses the intricacies of Microsoft's new backup APIs, sharing insights into the former approaches and the strategic changes aimed at enhancing backup efficiency. They traverse the landscapes of various vendors like AWS and Salesforce, drawing parallels and noting divergences in...2023-09-1134 min
The Backup Wrap-UpAre password managers no longer an option?In this episode, we look at the latest Ransomware Trends Report from Veeam, which gives us a view into the sobering world of ransomware attacks and the critical lessons they teach us about cyber defense. Join W. Curtis Preston (Mr. Backup) and Prasanna Malaiyandi, as they break down the key insights from the report. We explore the ruthless tactics of ransomware operators, the eye-opening stats on recovery time, and the evolving strategies of cyber insurers. From the importance of robust password management and multi-factor authentication to the strategies for safeguarding your backup server, we lay out a battle plan...2023-08-2839 min
The Backup Wrap-UpIdentity Orchestration: Simplifying Multi-Cloud Identity ManagementIn this episode, W. Curtis Preston and Prasanna Malaiyandi are joined by Eric Olden, the CEO of Strata Identity. With over 25 years of experience in the cybersecurity industry, Eric sheds light on the concept of Identity Orchestration and how it addresses the complexities of modern identity management in multi-cloud environments. He discusses the evolution of technology consumption, the philosophy of "bought not sold," and the creation of a new product category in the world of identity management. Eric explains how Strata Identity's platform acts as an abstraction layer, allowing organizations to seamlessly integrate and switch between different identity providers...2023-08-2149 min
The Backup Wrap-UpFlash expert schools Mr. BackupA few weeks ago, Mr. Backup (W. Curtis Preston) said he didn't understand why people used flash for backups. He said it was overkill. A few days later, Howard Marks of Vast (friend of the pod) took issue with that statement, and asked for the chance to defend Vast's title, so to speak. Howard is a friend of the pod and we were happy to say yes. We also take the opportunity to get an update on Vast, and discuss their data reduction techniques in more detail. Bonus points if you get the cover art reference.2023-05-081h 02
The Backup Wrap-UpBacking up databases, Part 1 (Backup to basics)It was a dark and stormy night in 1993 when paris (the database server) went down. It would be a night the new backup admin would never forget because he couldn't restore the database from backup. The only bright side of that very sad story is that it launched a career. Yes, that's the night W. Curtis Preston started his path toward Mr. Backup. Hear him tell the story in his own words, in the middle of the backup to basics series about backing up databases. Avoid the mistake that could have (but did not) cost him his job and...2023-04-1744 min
The Backup Wrap-UpMr. Backup reflects on 30-year careerToday (Jan 23) marks 30 years to the day that W. Curtis Preston joined the backup industry. Fresh out of the US Navy and wanting to make a name for himself, he joined MBNA, a 35-billion dollar credit card company as "the backup guy." Within seven years he would write the industry's first book dedicated to backup, and since that time, he's gone on to be the world's leading expert in backup and recovery. What were backups like in 1993? How have things changed over the years? And how did he apapt to all of those changes? Prasanna takes the lead as...2023-01-2353 min
The Backup Wrap-UpBest of 2022 - Backups, Security, and RansomwareNothing but the best for our listeners! Curtis and Prasanna review their favorite episodes from 2022, from the time Curtis had to restore Backup Central to the shocking outage at Rackspace ( which is still ongoing!). This is your chance to catch up on what you missed last year as we prepare for a new year! Here are links to all the episodes discussed. Happy New Year!Mr. Backup Forced to Restore Backup CentralRestore Test Failed to Bad DocumentationSecurity expert rips Okta for their response to hackHow to prevent ransomware...2023-01-0228 min
The Backup Wrap-UpWhat is archive and retrieve? (Backup to Basics)Archive is NOT backup, and hopefully this episode will help you understand how/why that is the case. In this continued romp through W. Curtis Preston's Modern Data Protection, we explore the definition of archive, and how different it is from backup. You should have no trouble understanding the difference between the two after listening to this episode. As usual, Mr. Backup fills in the definition with interesting stories of what happens when you confuse backup and archive. Enjoy!2022-11-2844 min
The Backup Wrap-UpWhy do we even back up? (Backup to Basics Series)We get right to the heart of the matter in this next episode of our Backup to Basics series. (See what we did there?). Why do we even back up? It is expensive, time consuming, and no one seems to want to be in charge of it, so we do we even do it anyway. This episode is based on Chapter 1 of W. Curtis Preston's latest O'Reilly book, Modern Data Protection, which you can download for free courtesy of Curtis' employer, Druva. Curtis believes there are three categories of reasons: human disasters, mechanical failures, and natural disasters. We talk...2022-10-1739 min
The Backup Wrap-UpBackup practitioner tells stories from the trenchesSomeone that knew Bill Gates when he was a boy in on the podcast this week, although we only talk about Bill Gates for a moment. He has 30+ years in backup experience and tells us what it's been like to adapt to all of the backup changes over the years. His first backup was to punch cards and punch tape, and he was in the same Boy Scout troop as Bill Gates. Fans of the podcast know his name already, as it comes up randomly on the show as a friend of Curtis. But this is the first time...2022-06-2047 min
The Things That Entertain UsThings That Entertain Us - Ep.9 - How The Sausage Gets MadeThis Episode, Mr. Preston continues his service to our community as a Poll worker in the California State Primary and We talk all things podcasting…. Hear how the sausage gets made !
(Be sure to Stick around to the end for something special!)
In this episode, we talk about:
Curtis the poll worker
How we produce our podcasts:
Backup Central’s Restore it All (BackupCentral.com)
Relief Valve (https://reliefvalve.podbean.com)
Druva’s No Hardware Required (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/druvas-no-hardware-required/id1514019825)
and of course...
Things That Entertain Us (https://tteu.podbean.com)
2022-06-1659 min
The Backup Wrap-UpJust do something! (about your security and your backups)Today we are joined by security expert and host of the Secure Talk podcast, Mark Shriner, to discuss information security. (Make sure to check out his podcast here: http://www.securetalkpodcast.com/)We talk about it from a personal perspective, as well as for organizations. Mark, Curtis, and Prasanna talk about what are the bare minimum things you should be doing as an individual to protect your personal information and data, both from a security and backup perspective. We then move on to talking about it from a company perspective, and how very important things like MFA...2022-06-1347 min
The Backup Wrap-UpSeven reasons why your restore may slower than your backupSo many people are surprised when their restore is slower than their backup. You shouldn't be, as it's quite common. The good news is there are things you can do to make it faster – if you know them in advance. W. Curtis Preston (Mr. Backup) and Prasanna Malaiyandi tackle the seven reasons why your restore may be slower than your backup. Topics covered include RAID penalties, tape issues, database concerns, and others. You'll walk away knowing what to do in order to find out how slow your restores are – and how to fix them. This podcast is packed with good...2022-06-0647 min
The Backup Wrap-UpHow to prevent ransomware, slow its spread, and respond if you get itThis week, Prasanna and Mr. Backup (W. Curtis Preston) review a series of posts made by Snorkel42, who previously appeared on this podcast in the episode called "Security expert rips Okta for their response to hack." Things were recorded out of order, so this is the episode where we discovered him on Reddit, and tried our best to distill several thousand words into about 30 mins of advice on how to protect against ransomware. We talk about how to prevent getting it in the first place, how to limit its damage if you do get it, and how to respond...2022-04-2539 min
The Backup Wrap-UpMr. Backup takes on reddit about Microsoft 365 backupW. Curtis Preston (Mr. Backup) and Prasanna Malaiyandi weigh in on a reddit thread that started with a simple question from a user. He has MSPs trying to sell him a solution to back up Microsoft 365, and he's wondering if that's even necessary. As usual on reddit, there are many opinions. Mr. Backup debates the various points being made by the anit-backup crowd, including an article arguing the same point. We start with an overview of why it's important, then we take on the various arguments used to support not backing it up. We talk about how retention policies...2022-02-2840 min