Client-to-server communications with LiveBackup is encrypted using RSA RC4 encryption in either 40- or 128-bit strength (using Internet Explorer's built-in libraries), or they can be configured to use Secure Sockets Layer. Data at rest in the LiveBackup server repository can be encrypted with a single serverwide cipher using any Crypto API-compatible cryptography provider installed on the host server, including, but not limited to, RSA RC4, the Triple Data Encryption Standard and the Advanced Encryption Standard.

A side benefit of LiveBackup has been the ability to cache changed files using continuous data protection (CDP) on laptops for later synchronization and backup when attached to the secured network. While the DOD may use LiveBackup for 700 laptops, the technology scales all the way down to just one PC or laptop as well.

Key to making the solution work is LiveBackup's single-instancing (a.k.a. differencing or deduplication) capabilities to back up only files that have changed since the previous backup. Full recovery can be accomplished while reducing the total amount of data sent over the network to 25GB to 30GB per day.

Instead of using network-based backup, Johnny Klemme of K.L. Security Enterprises LLC takes a different approach, using EMC/Dantz Retrospect to perform disk-to-disk backups that get stored in a fireproof safe. Klemme also uses a fireproof and water-resistant storage system from ioSafe to help protect his local data. Fireproof and waterproof storage systems (Figure 1) and vaults can be complementary to off-site and remote backups or as an alternative when there is a lack of adequate network bandwidth to protect data in a timely manner.

If you are interested in local disk-to-disk backup products, look at Acronis True Image 10 Home, as well as products from Intradyn Inc., Yosemite Technologies Inc., CommVault Systems Inc., and Symantec Corp.. For network-based backup, investigate Asigra Inc. and eVault (now part of Seagate LLC ).