2025 彙整 - Page 58 of 135

How Stasmayer uses NordLayer to secure legal and medical clients

Summary: Stasmayer, an MSP and MSSP, secured remote work for around 50 small-business clients. NordLayer enabled fast setup, zero disruptions, and easy management.

Stasmayer and NordLayer Results at a glance

Stasmayer is a managed service provider (MSP) and a managed security service provider (MSSP). They have served small businesses since 2003, with deep expertise in legal and healthcare IT. They believe secure connectivity should be accessible and affordable for everyone. This aim led them to NordLayer.

Here is how they used NordLayer to improve day-to-day security for 50 clients. Their process and lessons can help your organization strengthen its defenses, too.

The challenge: ensuring secure connectivity for regulated clients

Small businesses need strong but simple protection. Stasmayer serves organizations in legal, medical, and other professional services. Many of these sectors require strict security standards. They also rely heavily on remote access.

“We wanted a solution that’s easy for our clients to use,” says Haris Michael, CIO, Stasmayer’s first employee and a key person in managing IT security for their customers. “Enterprise-level solutions can be complex to maintain. Small businesses want a smooth and quick setup.”

Legal and medical clients face a wide range of regulatory demands. Law firms follow American Bar Association guidance on data privacy. Healthcare practices must comply with HIPAA. Most of them must keep client information confidential and transmit it in a secure manner. That means:

Protecting sensitive files wherever employees work
Adapting to hybrid environments, with servers in the cloud or on-premise
Maintaining compliance with industry regulations
Managing user identities without extra overhead
Ensuring remote connectivity is never complicated

Breakdown of Stasmayer’s client segments

Addressing these needs was Stasmayer’s top priority. They wanted to find a provider that integrated seamlessly with their day-to-day operations. They also wanted technology that would be simple to roll out, even for small firms with limited resources.

“Many of our clients want to work from anywhere,” Haris explains. “They want to be free to open case files or patient charts on the go. But they don’t want to risk a data leak.”

This demand required Stasmayer to find a flexible, cloud-based security platform. The tool had to integrate with existing workflows and allow granular control over user access. That is where NordLayer became a key partner.

Reason 1: Reliable connectivity

Stasmayer needed a straightforward solution. They wanted a single pane of glass for managing all client VPN deployments. That includes everything from traveling attorneys to remote healthcare workers.

NordLayer offered exactly that. They could deploy a virtual private gateway for clients, then spin up or remove user access as needed. This saved a lot of time, especially for small organizations.

What Stasmayer did:

Created secure gateways for clients
Set up flexible site-to-site VPNs, bridging on-premise and cloud resources
Used a single cloud management panel to monitor all users

“We love that our clients can get their data from any device,” says Haris. “All they do is log in through NordLayer. It protects them from risky networks and keeps a record of everything.”

This setup is crucial for small to mid-sized businesses that might have limited security budgets. Large enterprise VPNs are too heavy and complex. NordLayer focuses on ease of use, so it fits smaller infrastructures perfectly.

Reason 2: Streamlined zero-trust features and a cloud firewall

A cloud firewall can seem like an advanced feature. Many smaller clients don’t realize they need it. Stasmayer views it as a crucial element of a zero-trust framework.

What Stasmayer did:

Allowed remote workers to connect only to specific applications through the NordLayer Cloud Firewall
Filtered traffic so it never leaves a protected environment
Enforced Zero-Trust principles by checking each user and device before granting access

“We see a big benefit in having that ‘bubble of security,’” Haris explains. “For instance, if you’re home or at a coffee shop, your device still tunnels through NordLayer. That keeps data safe. It’s also easy to track connections inside the management console.”

This approach meets the demands of both legal clients and healthcare clinics. Law firms gain confidence that their files are never openly exposed online. Healthcare offices can ensure compliance with HIPAA by wrapping their telehealth visits in a safe environment.

“Security is never a one-time thing,” says Haris. “It’s ongoing, and the right tools help us keep pace.”

Reason 3: PSA integration

Stasmayer uses the NordLayer PSA integration to manage billing across multiple clients. Manual invoicing is time-consuming, especially if an organization has more than a handful of users. NordLayer’s integration with PSA automates that process.

What Stasmayer did:

Connected NordLayer to their PSA for automatic billing
Synced user counts and usage patterns without manual data entry
Gave clients simple, transparent invoices

“That integration cuts out a ton of repetitive steps,” Haris notes. “When we add a new user, our PSA sees it and adjusts billing. The same thing happens if someone leaves or a client’s requirements change.”

This efficiency reduces day-to-day administrative burdens. That is a big reason Stasmayer can manage so many small and mid-sized companies at once.

Reason 4: International travel support

Some of Stasmayer’s clients travel abroad for conferences or cross-border meetings. They need a quick, safe way to connect to company resources and email. Before NordLayer, Stasmayer had to unblock specific countries each time someone flew overseas. That was clunky, risky, and easy to forget.

What they did:

Helped clients deploy NordLayer on phones, tablets, and laptops
Blocked all foreign logins at the email level except through NordLayer
Eliminated the need for manual country-by-country firewall changes

“People used to forget to tell us they were leaving the US,” says Haris. “They’d arrive, discover they couldn’t log into email, then call us in a panic. Now, we just say, ‘Open NordLayer.’ That’s it. They’re in.”

Users also feel more confident because they know their data is protected when they connect from the airport or a hotel Wi-Fi network. NordLayer’s cross-platform app runs quietly in the background, shielding users from suspicious traffic. This reduces the threat of eavesdropping attacks, which are common in public hotspots.

Reason 5: Powerful site-to-site VPN

Many Stasmayer clients run a hybrid infrastructure. Part of their data resides on a local server, while another part stays in the cloud. This setup demands a site-to-site VPN. But not every solution handles both environments gracefully.

NordLayer delivers seamless traffic routing. Users may not even realize whether they are connecting to an on-premise drive or a hosted application. They simply see their resources under one secure umbrella.

What they did:

Unified access to on-premise and cloud servers under NordLayer
Linked everything in a single environment
Blocked unauthorized data flows outside the secure perimeter

“Some clients only have a small server for specialized apps,” Haris mentions. “They also use Office 365 or Google Workspace. NordLayer ties that together. It’s like giving them a safe private highway that leads into both places.”

This feature resonates strongly with businesses that rely on multiple hosting locations. It helps them avoid the chaos of toggling between different VPNs and routes.

Results: time-saving and hassle-free security

Stasmayer’s rollout of NordLayer delivered tangible benefits to both their internal team and their client base:

They scaled to 50 NordLayer clients without major infrastructure changes
They eliminated manual user provisioning when employees traveled internationally
They saw faster troubleshooting for external connectivity
They streamlined billing by syncing NordLayer and their PSA

“NordLayer has simplified everything related to secure remote access,” Haris says. “Our support ticket queue is smaller because employees can handle more tasks on their own.”

Stasmayer also points to improved client satisfaction. Their customers feel confident handling sensitive documents on any device. Legal teams appreciate the ability to manage case files on an iPhone or iPad. Healthcare clinics like how patient records are secured, whether someone is at home or at the office.

“Everyone wants to protect their data,” Haris adds. “But nobody wants to wrestle with complicated software. NordLayer checks both boxes for us.”

Why NordLayer works for Stasmayer

Stasmayer benefits from NordLayer’s easy deployment and versatile network security. They serve many clients in regulated industries. That means they need robust yet user-friendly tools. NordLayer’s blend of features solves that problem. It eliminates the overhead of multiple VPNs while layering in zero trust.

“This gives us enterprise-level tools in a package that’s easy for a small business to deploy and manage. As an MSP, we have one central pane of glass to view all our clients and ensure they meet our standards, rather than managing six different systems or having every client on its own separate system.”

These points highlight why NordLayer suits companies like Stasmayer:

One-click setup for remote access
Unified management console across many clients
Rapid scaling for businesses of any size
Cloud firewall that blocks malicious traffic and suspicious ports
Dedicated secure gateway that keeps data inside a “bubble”

“Deploying NordLayer on the backend is straightforward with enterprise-class features but without the enterprise complexity,” Haris says. “Most of the time, we spend training users on how to log in. That’s it. We’ve rarely seen a solution so intuitive.”

Pro cybersecurity tips from Stasmayer

Stasmayer has defended small businesses against cyber-attacks since 2003. They encourage everyone to focus on three core areas:

Secure connectivity first
Make sure your team has a safe path into company data. Don’t rely on public Wi-Fi or ad-hoc connections. Use a dedicated service like NordLayer or a similarly robust platform.
Keep training users
Emails and phishing attempts evolve constantly. Educate staff about threats at least once a month. Offer reminders, videos, or short tests that keep everyone aware.
Invest in a Managed Security Program
Don’t leave security to chance. Even the best security can be challenged by advanced attackers. With the proper Managed IT Security Program in place, we can monitor systems around the clock, reduce the likelihood of an attack, and detect intruders fast, before it’s too late.

Why join the NordLayer Partner Program?

Stasmayer unified the process of securing remote workers, on-premise servers, and cloud resources using NordLayer. Their top features included:

Cloud firewall: Helps introduce network segmentation
Site-to-site VPN: Connects multiple locations, whether on-premise or in the cloud
Virtual Private Gateway: Preserves a private bubble of security for each client environment

You can do the same for your MSP. NordLayer scales with your budget and provides the management tools to keep data safe.

Contact NordLayer to learn more about pricing, deployment, or how to set up each feature. Make your clients stronger, reduce the risk of cyber-attacks, and keep operations running smoothly.

About NordLayer
NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security.

The web has become a chaotic space where safety and trust have been compromised by cybercrime and data protection issues. Therefore, our team has a global mission to shape a more trusted and peaceful online future for people everywhere.

About Version 2 Digital

Version 2 Digital is one of the most dynamic IT companies in Asia. The company distributes a wide range of IT products across various areas including cyber security, cloud, data protection, end points, infrastructures, system monitoring, storage, networking, business productivity and communication products.

Through an extensive network of channels, point of sales, resellers, and partnership companies, Version 2 offers quality products and services which are highly acclaimed in the market. Its customers cover a wide spectrum which include Global 1000 enterprises, regional listed companies, different vertical industries, public utilities, Government, a vast number of successful SMEs, and consumers in various Asian cities.

Password rotation: A practical overview

All these numbers tell the same story: Passwords stay valuable to attackers because organizations resume them or don’t change them often or intelligently enough. Companies therefore need a way to control the lifespan of any password an attacker might obtain. And that control comes with password rotation.

What is password rotation?

In cybersecurity, password rotation is the practice of regularly replacing a password with a fresh one in order to limit its usable lifespan and the time a bad actor has to exploit it, if compromised. The basic idea is simple: Change passwords regularly to minimize credential-related risks.

The rotation interval can be measured in days, weeks, or months, depending on the sensitivity of the account and company policies. A domain admin credential securing production servers might rotate every week, whereas an internal account might rotate every other month. Rotation schedules are frequently set inside a password rotation policy that specifies cadence as well as complexity requirements.

Regulatory frameworks such as NIST (SP 800‑63B) no longer mandate a fixed 90‑day reset for every account, but they do require event‑driven changes whenever a compromise or leak is suspected.

For most businesses, the challenge with regard to password rotation is executing it at scale without negatively affecting productivity or introducing new risks due to poor implementation.

Why is password rotation important?

Today, bad actors don’t rely as much on zero-day exploits or similar security gaps. Instead, they rely on stolen credentials. A systemic rotation policy can help companies deal with these risks.

First, a password rotation policy shrinks the attacker’s window. If a contractor’s password changes every quarter, a breached database discovered six months later lands too late. Second, such a policy cleans up dormant access. For example, when an employee leaves, the next scheduled rotation automatically invalidates the login in case HR forgot to disable or remove it. Third, it showcases due diligence to auditors and regulators and can ease your compliance journey whether it’s for – PCI DSS, ISO 27001, NIST, or SOC 2.

Password rotation pitfalls

While well intentioned, a password rotation policy can backfire when not executed properly.

Excessive rotation

When change frequency is set to an unrealistic cadence – say every seven days – users resort to shortcuts like sticky notes or simple and quick changes (“PasswordMay01!” becomes “PasswordMay08!”).

Repetitive password usage

If policy enforces rotation but not history checks, employees circle through a small set: Qwerty2024!, Qwerty2025!, Qwerty2026!. Remember – attackers who know yesterday’s formula can guess tomorrow’s.

Pattern‑based passwords

Humans are predictable, especially when it comes to password changes: Adding the next number, changing capitalization, or swapping summer for winter or vice versa are all very obvious.. Automated password‑spray tools can exploit these patterns with minimal variation.

Avoiding these pitfalls requires thoughtful policy design and the right automation settings.

Is password rotation enough?

Password rotation yields the best results when it’s a part of a broader security framework that adheres to modern security requirements. The latest NIST SP 800‑63B guidance no longer recommends forcible resets for ordinary users who have not exhibited signs of a compromise. Instead, it prescribes event‑ or risk‑driven rotation for privileged, shared, and high‑value accounts. It also requires multi‑factor authentication (MFA) as an extra layer of security.

MFA blocks most automated account takeovers even when the password remains unchanged, yet it is not a cure-all. Mobile MFA fatigue attacks and prompt bombing show that multi-factor authentication can – in fact – be phished. Rotation therefore works in tandem with MFA, ensuring an attacker cannot get their hands on the same credential months later after social engineering the one-time password.

Least‑privilege design is the third part of the equation: An attacker who compromises login details of someone in marketing should not automatically gain access to production databases. To reduce such risks, apply frequent rotation to the logins that can do real damage: admin, root, and any shared service accounts. In this case, the policy protects what matters without adding unnecessary burden to low-risk users.

A pragmatic rotation policy

An effective rotation policy must bridge security requirements with day‑to‑day practicality. It should give administrators a clear, verifiable checklist while sparing low‑risk users unnecessary friction and hassle.

Group passwords by impact. Rank each password according to the damage it could cause if stolen.
Match cadence to risk. Rotate high‑impact passwords, say, every 30 days or immediately after any security incident. Medium‑impact passwords could change every 90 days. Low‑impact credentials may update only when a role changes, a compromise is detected, or a regulation requires it.
Automate every change. Use APIs, scripts, or a privileged‑access‑management (PAM) platform so passwords can be renewed automatically.
Record the evidence. Send detailed rotation logs to your SIEM system. In case of an audit, auditors need to see exactly what changed, when it changed, and which user or system triggered the action.

How NordPass can help

NordPass provides password rotation tools that remove guesswork without adding busywork. Every password is stored in a zero‑knowledge vault encrypted on the user’s device, so neither NordPass nor attackers can read any of the vault’s data in transit or at rest.

Through the Admin Panel, security teams can set company‑wide rotation rules: which groups must change passwords, how often, and what length or character mix each new password must meet.

NordPass then reminds users when a change is due and records the update. In an instance when HR disables an account through Azure AD, SCIM, or Google Workspace, NordPass locks the vault at the same moment, cutting off access to shared passwords before they can be reused or leaked.

Rotation is faster when the right password is only a click away. NordPass comes with a free password generator that creates strong, unique strings of characters on the spot, so users never recycle old favorites.

To see how these controls fit into a larger security stack, visit NordPass Business and explore features like SSO, breach monitoring, and policy templates that support compliance frameworks such as ISO 27001 and NIS 2.

About NordPass
NordPass is developed by Nord Security, a company leading the global market of cybersecurity products.

About Version 2 Digital

Nord Security 2025 NordPass

Remote network access: How to easily access your local LAN

Summary: Explore secure, scalable remote access to local networks with Cloud LAN—the modern alternative to VPNs, RDP, and static IP setups.

In a world where work happens anywhere, seamless and secure remote network access is no longer a luxury—it’s a must-have. Businesses need to keep their hybrid employees connected to critical internal resources. And they must do so without overstraining IT teams or putting their sensitive data and reputations at risk.

Whether you’re managing remote desktop access, virtual machines, file servers, or network devices, the challenge remains the same: how do we provide reliable, secure local network access without the logistical and security headaches?

Enter Cloud LAN—a modern approach to remote access that combines simplicity with robust security. In this article, we’ll break down the traditional pain points, explore alternatives, and show why Cloud LAN stands out as a smarter network security solution for modern businesses.

What is remote network access?

Remote network access solutions allow users to securely connect to physical or cloud-based networks—or specific devices—from anywhere in the world via the internet. This technology enables employees to access company resources, such as internal servers, printers, or desktop environments, as if they were physically present in the office.

For instance, whether you’re launching a remote desktop session or managing shared drives, remote access ensures seamless interaction with internal infrastructure without being tied to a specific location. Thus, teams can work from home, on the road, or across borders.

This capability is fundamental for enabling hybrid work, supporting branch offices, and securely collaborating with contractors or vendors. It’s also crucial for ensuring that globally dispersed teams have reliable access to the local apps, files, and systems they need to do their jobs.

Key solutions for remote network access

When it comes to implementing remote network access, IT teams often weigh several options. Let’s explore the most common:

Traditional Virtual Private Network (VPN): VPNs create a secure tunnel between the user and the company network. By masking the user’s IP address, VPNs allow remote connections to appear as if they originate from within the internal network. While effective for security, traditional VPNs can be slow and require manual configuration.
Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP): RDP allows users to control a remote computer or server via the remote desktop connection. It’s useful for accessing applications or files hosted on a central machine, but exposing it to the public Internet may introduce vulnerabilities.
Static IP address and port forwarding: Some IT teams assign a static IP address to devices and manually configure port forwarding to allow external access. While this works for certain setups, it’s notoriously difficult to manage at scale and poses security risks if not properly secured.

Why traditional remote access methods fall short

Despite being widely used, traditional remote access tools have critical limitations—especially when applied to fast-growing or remote-first organizations.

Complex configuration. Legacy VPN appliances, hardware firewalls, and remote desktop gateways require manual setup, network configuration, and ongoing provisioning. This creates an administrative burden and increases the risk of misconfigurations if user counts grow or change frequently.
High maintenance and overhead. Traditional infrastructure demands constant upkeep. IT teams must patch VPN servers, troubleshoot remote access failures, and monitor performance across on-premise hardware, driving up costs and resource allocation.
Security concerns. Exposing RDP to the internet, misconfigured VPN tunnels, or weak segmentation policies can all leave organizations vulnerable to breaches. These tools often rely on outdated encryption standards or credentials, increasing the overall attack surface.
Limited scalability. Most traditional solutions weren’t built for the hybrid or remote-first era. As companies grow and teams become more distributed, these tools often can’t keep pace with modern workforce needs.

Security factors to consider in remote access solutions

Security should be at the heart of any remote network access decision. Here’s what to keep in mind when evaluating solutions:

Data encryption: Ensure all remote desktop connections and data in transit are encrypted using modern standards.
Network access control: Role-based permissions, Device Security Posture (DPS), and location policies are vital to prevent unauthorized access.
Network segmentation: Avoid exposing your entire local network to every user. Instead, use segmentation to limit access to only what’s necessary.
Visibility & monitoring: Real-time logs and traffic analysis help detect suspicious behavior early.

Many legacy tools offer piecemeal versions of these protections, but they often lack seamless integration or require additional software and manual setup.

Cloud LAN: A simpler way to access your local network remotely

Here’s where Cloud LAN changes the game. Cloud LAN simplifies remote access by creating a virtual private network between enrolled devices.

With NordLayer’s Cloud LAN (previously called Smart Remote Access), users can connect directly to remote devices—computers, tablets, or mobiles—running supported operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS). It’s a secure way to access and interact with other devices as if they were on the same local network, no matter where they actually are.

It’s ideal for remote troubleshooting, file sharing, virtual desktop use, or collaborating across distributed endpoints—without exposing your broader infrastructure.

What makes Cloud LAN different?

Quick to deploy—Cloud LAN is toggle-ready and takes just minutes to activate
Built for scale—Whether you have 10 or 10,000 users, Cloud LAN scales effortlessly without the need for additional infrastructure.
Device-to-device remote access—Establish secure connections between any authorized devices with the NordLayer app installed, across platforms and locations.
Secure by default—Every connection runs thorough encrypted tunnels with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA), and network segmentation by design.
No manual routing hassle—NordLayer automatically manages routing between devices, so teams can connect directly without needing static IP assignments or manual configurations.

Setting up remote access with NordLayer Cloud LAN

NordLayer makes remote connectivity simple—without the usual complexity of network reconfiguration. Cloud LAN securely links distributed devices into a virtual private network, enabling direct access from anywhere.

Getting started is easy. Just create a Virtual Private Gateway, add your team members, and enable Cloud LAN in the Control Panel. Admins can also manage access via user groups, integrate with identity providers (like Okta, Azure AD, or Google Workspace), and monitor device posture and activity.

Cloud LAN is fast to set up, secure by design, and intuitive to manage—ideal for teams looking to simplify remote collaboration without relying on outdated or overcomplicated remote desktop solutions.

About NordLayer
NordLayer is an adaptive network access security solution for modern businesses – from the world’s most trusted cybersecurity brand, Nord Security.

About Version 2 Digital

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EasyVista Positioned as Emerging Innovator in the 2025 SPARK™ for Enterprise Service Management by QKS Group

2025-05-29 EasyVista is recognized as an Emerging Innovator in QKS Group’s 2025 SPARK Matrix for Enterprise Service Management. Its platform, with AI-driven automation, streamlines IT operations, enhances service delivery, and improves efficiency for global organizations.

EasyVista 2025

Backup Appliance: How to Simplify Backup and Gain More Control

Complicated systems, dispersed data, information silos, and pressure to simplify. IT environments today balance the need for security with limitations of time, people, and budget. Storware Backup Appliance addresses these challenges—combining simplicity, automation, and a Zero Trust philosophy in one ready-to-use device.

Although there’s increasing talk about the need to simplify IT infrastructure, many server rooms still operate with isolated data repositories. Information is stored and managed in separate systems, which makes it difficult to share data between teams and departments within an organization. Such data dispersion limits monitoring capabilities and hinders the detection of unauthorized activities. It’s hard to protect what you can’t see and don’t have full control over. Each of these “silos” may require a separate approach to backup and Disaster Recovery, further complicating backup and data recovery processes.

Another challenge is the phenomenon of data gravity—the tendency of large data sets to attract applications, services, and additional resources. The more data accumulated in one place, the harder and more expensive it is to move. Migrating a large repository from an on-premise server room to the public cloud can take days or even weeks—or require physical transport of media. Meanwhile, new applications are being developed in the same environment that—instead of using distant services—opt for fast, local data access.

At first glance, data gravity and data dispersion seem to be opposing phenomena. In practice, however, they coexist and reinforce each other. Data remains in silos not because there’s no need for consolidation, but because its migration is often too expensive, time-consuming, or risky. In other words, it “gravitates” to a specific environment (local or cloud) and stays there.

Siloses stem from organizational, technological, and cultural divisions, while data gravity results from physical and economic processing limitations.

A real-world example: the sales and marketing department uses a CRM system in a SaaS model, with customer and campaign data located in the public cloud. In contrast, the finance department works on a local ERP system, whose data is stored on an SQL server within the company. As a result, each department operates in its own digital world, and collaboration—such as analyzing the impact of a marketing campaign on sales—becomes difficult. Migrating ERP data to the cloud involves process reengineering, significant costs, and risks.

Meanwhile, IT departments are fighting on many fronts. They handle routine, urgent tasks that—though essential—don’t add significant strategic value. They are also often responsible for the entire infrastructure: from hardware and software to configuration and user support.

Backup? It’ll Get Done After the Failure… Still Relevant Pitfalls in Data Security Thinking

A separate, but extremely important issue remains the attitude of clients themselves. Many companies still ask themselves: “Why do I need a backup if everything is working?” or “Why change systems if the current ones are functioning flawlessly?”

Costs are the most frequently cited barrier to investing in new solutions. Often, the only argument that convinces management to act is… a failure. Even in large organizations employing hundreds of people, it happens that management consciously limits IT and security spending, literally waiting for an incident to occur.

Meanwhile, regulatory pressure is growing—another regulation is set to come into force in June, expanding data protection obligations to all key companies. This will be a quick and, for many, surprising change. Despite this, the thinking that “it doesn’t concern us” still prevails. However, in today’s reality, attacks, ransomware, and incidents are not a matter of “if,” but “when.”

It’s also worth emphasizing that although the price of storage per terabyte is regularly decreasing, maintaining a consistent, secure data environment still requires investment—in people, procedures, and technologies.

Furthermore, a new, dangerous illusion has emerged: that migrating to the cloud—for example, to Microsoft 365 or Azure—relieves the organization of responsibility for backup. This is a myth. The responsibility for data protection and recovery still lies with the client. Cloud providers are responsible for the infrastructure, but not for user data.

Less Sometimes Means More

In an era of relentless cyberattacks, information security is of fundamental importance. What matters is not just the backup itself, but also the speed of reaction, reliability, readiness for change, and ease of management. Equally important are: intuitive device operation, universality, and seamless integration with both local infrastructure and the public cloud.

Our approach focuses on maximizing the simplification of IT systems. On one hand, we provide comprehensive data protection; on the other, we reduce the need to maintain separate backup systems, which are often expensive and complicated to operate. We operate on the principle that sometimes, less means more.

Storware Backup Appliance is a ready-to-use device that integrates hardware with software. Setup takes just a few minutes, and configuration and daily operation are almost maintenance-free.

The solution is based on the ZFS file system, which guarantees: data integrity, advanced compression, easy snapshot creation, and deduplication providing up to 5:1 space savings.

Backups are performed synthetically, and the appliance’s architecture allows for efficient operation even under heavy load—the only potential limitation is the client’s network infrastructure.

Storware Backup Appliance is available in three variants: SBA 1020 (maximum capacity 100 TB), SBA 2050 (up to 250 TB), and SBA 2100 (up to 500 TB). The solution not only secures data but also ensures its efficient storage. Thanks to ZFS deduplication, it’s possible to achieve up to 5:1 space savings. Backups are created synthetically, and the appliance’s architecture allows for efficient operation even under heavy load—the only potential bottleneck might be the client’s network infrastructure. Expected performance is approximately 0.5 TB per hour for a 64 KB block or 7 TB per hour for 512 KB.

Do It Yourself? Not Necessarily

An alternative to ready-made backup solutions are so-called DIY backup appliances—environments created and configured independently by IT teams, often based on existing infrastructure. This approach might seem cost-effective, but in practice, it involves greater complexity, risk, and a lack of unified technical support.

In the event of a failure, there’s no single point of contact—the responsibility for analyzing and solving the problem falls entirely on the internal team. This requires not only specialized knowledge but also the availability of people and resources 24/7.

DIY can be a good choice for organizations with large IT teams and very specific requirements. For most companies—especially those prioritizing simplicity, security, and reliable support—complete platforms provided by specialized vendors are a better solution.

Every Storware appliance is prepared individually—with a pre-installed and configured operating system, backup environment, and optimal settings. Once connected to the infrastructure, the device is ready to work—without time-consuming configurations and the risk of errors. The solution is based on enterprise-grade components: server processors, ECC memory, and disk systems optimized for intensive write operations and data deduplication. This is not just an ordinary server, but a specialized environment for data protection.

Of particular note is Paranoid Mode—a unique, proprietary RAID configuration that ensures continuous operation even in the event of a simultaneous failure of four disks. The automatic failover mechanism works automatically—without the need for administrator intervention.

Storware Backup Appliance supports a wide range of environments: virtualization (VMware, Hyper-V, KVM, Citrix, Nutanix, VergeOS), clouds (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), container platforms (OpenShift, OpenStack), and physical infrastructure. One device provides consistent protection for all these environments—physical, virtual, and containerized—from a central point.

Security and Simplicity – Storware Backup Appliance in Practice

Modern IT environments demand solutions that are not only effective but also as user-friendly as possible and secured at multiple levels. Storware Backup Appliance demonstrates how these goals can be achieved in practice, based on the Zero Trust philosophy, intelligent automation, and a high level of component integration.

One of the key security elements in this solution is the use of the ZFS file system, which ensures not only data integrity but also effective protection. Data is stored by default on an encrypted ZFS pool, which is not automatically decrypted after a restart—physical password entry by the user is required.

The system also utilizes a TPM module, which enables automatic decryption of system partitions and those containing the library and database. This ensures the device remains fully operational, while simultaneously preventing an attacker from reading stored information if the disks are physically seized. Data access is secured in multiple layers. The end-user receives a 20-character encryption key, and for technical support, access to deeper system layers requires additional login credentials—complex passwords and 2FA authentication, available only to selected individuals within support and sales structures. The entire procedure is centrally documented, and access to the most critical components is secured with additional passwords and physical keys. This approach—though it may seem overly cautious—effectively prevents unauthorized access, even in the event of physical seizure of the device.

Storware Backup Appliance proves that a high level of security doesn’t have to mean complexity. On the contrary—properly designed mechanisms integrating encryption, access control, and automation create a system that is simultaneously easy to use, resistant to physical attacks, and compliant with best security practices.

About Version 2 Digital

About Storware
Storware is a backup software producer with over 10 years of experience in the backup world. Storware Backup and Recovery is an enterprise-grade, agent-less solution that caters to various data environments. It supports virtual machines, containers, storage providers, Microsoft 365, and applications running on-premises or in the cloud. Thanks to its small footprint, seamless integration into your existing IT infrastructure, storage, or enterprise backup providers is effortless.

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