Secure Backup System Architect

We are seeking a highly experienced and security-focused architect to conduct a comprehensive audit, design, and implement advanced security measures for our entire backup infrastructure. In an era of escalating cyber threats, particularly ransomware, safeguarding our backup data is paramount to our business continuity and data integrity. This project aims to establish an uncompromised, resilient, and compliant backup environment capable of withstanding sophisticated attacks.

Responsibilities

• Security Assessment & Vulnerability Analysis:
  • Perform a deep-dive security audit of all existing backup systems, storage locations (on-premise and cloud), network paths, and access controls.
  • Identify critical vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and potential attack vectors within the backup environment.
  • Review current backup policies, retention strategies, and incident response plans specifically for backup compromise.
  • Conduct a threat modeling exercise focused on data exfiltration and ransomware attacks targeting backups.
  • Design a hardened backup architecture incorporating principles of least privilege, network segmentation, and zero trust.
  • Implement robust encryption for all data at rest (e.g., AES-256) and in transit (e.g., TLS 1.2+).
  • Configure and enforce stringent access controls (Role-Based Access Control - RBAC) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all backup administrators and access points.
  • Advise on and implement immutable backup strategies (e.g., WORM storage, object lock) to protect against data alteration or deletion.
  • Evaluate and recommend secure offsite and air-gapped storage solutions.
  • Integrate backup security with existing SIEM (Security Information and Event Management) and security monitoring tools for real-time threat detection.
• Policy & Compliance Integration:
  • Develop or refine security policies and procedures specifically for backup operations, ensuring alignment with industry best practices (e.g., NIST Cybersecurity Framework) and regulatory compliance requirements (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS).
  • Assist in creating a dedicated incident response playbook for backup system compromise.
• Validation & Knowledge Transfer:
  • Conduct penetration testing and vulnerability scanning specifically targeting the backup environment.
  • Provide comprehensive documentation of the secure backup architecture, implemented controls, and operational procedures.
  • Deliver training sessions to our IT and security teams on maintaining the secure backup environment and responding to security incidents.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years of dedicated experience in backup administration and, critically, 3+ years in designing and implementing secure backup solutions for enterprise environments.
• Deep expertise in leading backup solutions such as Veeam, Commvault, Rubrik, Cohesity, or cloud-native backup services (AWS Backup, Azure Backup, GCP Cloud Storage).
• Profound understanding of cybersecurity principles, including encryption standards, identity and access management (IAM), network security, and data loss prevention (DLP).
• Proven experience with implementing immutable storage and air-gapped backup solutions.
• Strong familiarity with major compliance frameworks (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, ISO 27001) and how they apply to data backup and retention.
• Excellent analytical skills to perform security audits and identify complex vulnerabilities.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, to articulate security risks and solutions to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Relevant security certifications (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CompTIA Security+, Certified Cloud Security Professional - CCSP) are highly preferred.

Key Skills

• Backup Security
• Data Protection
• Ransomware Protection
• Immutable Backups
• Data Encryption (at rest/in transit)
• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)
• Veeam
• Commvault
• Rubrik
• AWS Backup
• SIEM Integration
• Compliance (GDPR, HIPAA, ISO 27001)
• Security Audit
• Vulnerability Management

We expect a highly meticulous and proactive security architect who can not only identify weaknesses but also implement robust, practical, and sustainable solutions to harden our backup infrastructure. The freelancer should be a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach, capable of delivering measurable improvements in our backup security posture. Clear documentation, effective knowledge transfer, and a strong commitment to delivering a truly secure and resilient backup system are paramount.