From Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia: "In information technology, a backup, or the process of backing up, refers to the copying and archiving of computer data so it may be used to restore the original after a data loss event. The verb form is to back up in two words, whereas the noun is backup. It is recognised that disks are an inherently unreliable component of computer systems. It is important to recognise the limitations and human factors involved in any backup scheme."

The primary purpose is to recover data after its loss, be it through data deletion or corruption. A 2008 survey found that 66% of respondents had lost files on their home PC. The secondary purpose of backups is to recover data from an earlier time, according to a user-defined data retention policy, typically configured within a backup application for how long copies of data are required.

Bare-metal restore is a technique in the field of data recovery and restoration where the backed up data is available in a form which allows one to restore a computer system from "bare metal", i.e. without any requirements as to previously installed software or operating system.

Typically, the backed up data includes the necessary operating system, applications and data components to rebuild or restore the backed up system to an entirely separate piece of hardware. In some configurations, the hardware receiving the restore needs to have an identical configuration to the hardware that was the source of the backup, although virtualization techniques and careful planning can enable a bare-metal restore to a hardware configuration different from the original.

Disk imaging applications enable bare-metal restores by storing copies (images) of the entire contents of hard disks to networked or other external storage, and then writing those images to other physical disks. The disk image application itself can include an entire operating system, bootable from a live CD or network file server, which contains all the required application code to create and restore the disk images.

Simple data backups application data, but NOT the applications NOR the operating system are backed up or may be restored as a unit.

Bare-metal restore differs from local disk image restore where a copy of the disk image, and the restoration software, are stored on the computer that is backed up, so if the drive is lost, so is the local backup.

Btrfs is a relatively new but stable Linux file system that is supported by Oracle, that offers many features, including deduplication and faster backups. Btrfs offers improvements in scalability, reliability, and ease of management.
We believe that Btrfs is used by Facebook and other major users.

Although the strict description of Cloud computing involves computing over a network, whereas program or application may run on many connected computers at the same time, the term is commonly used to describe any application, including the storage of data over the internet.

The Cloud is usually the description for services accessible by anyone over the network, while Private Cloud means that the data is stored on computers that are only accessible to the owners of those computers.

"A cloud-based service is great for giving you offsite (remote) backup and can be configured to set-and-forget, but they are relatively restricted in their capacity due to internet transfer speed and ongoing subscription costs for sizeable backups."

A hybrid cloud is a cloud computing environment in which an organization provides and manages some resources in-house and has others provided externally. For example, an organisation might use a public cloud service, such as Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3) for archived data but continue to maintain in-house storage for operational customer data.

The hybrid approach allows a business to take advantage of the scalability and cost-effectiveness that a public cloud computing environment offers without exposing mission-critical applications and data to third-party vulnerabilities. This type of hybrid cloud is also referred to as hybrid IT.

To be effective, a management strategy for hybrid cloud deployment should address configuration management, change control, security, fault management and budgeting. Because a hybrid cloud combines public cloud and private data center principles, it's possible to plan a hybrid cloud deployment from either of these starting points. Picking the better starting point, however, will make it easier to address business goals. A primary goal of a hybrid cloud deployment should always be to minimize change. No matter how similarly a public and private cloud are matched, design differences will inevitably exist. The greater the differences between the cloud environments, the more difficult it will be to manage multiple clouds as a single entity.

BaQapp is NOT a hybrid cloud system, although it can supplement the hybrid cloud by holding some or all the cloud data onsite for access in an emergency should the cloud data not be accessible.

Backing up locally to an external hard drive or network attached storage (NAS) offers you far greater speed and capacity, automatic scheduled backups and no ongoing costs. Even if you use a cloud-based service for only your most important documents (some services are free up to 2GB or more of storage) you can't beat the reassurance of having a readily accessible second copy at hand and the storage capacity to hold all your files easily, just in case. Digital photos and videos are the "photo shoebox" of the digital era and are irreplaceable. They also typically take up many gigabytes of storage. So you need a regular, automated backup for your peace of mind.

In computing, data deduplication is a specialised data reduction technique for eliminating duplicate copies of repeating data. This technique is used to improve storage utilisation and can also be applied to network data transfers to reduce the number of bytes that must be sent. In the deduplication process, unique chunks of data, or byte patterns, are identified and stored during a process of analysis.

As the analysis continues, other chunks are compared to the stored copy and whenever a match occurs, the redundant chunk is replaced with a small reference that points to the stored chunk. Given that the same byte pattern may occur dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of times (the match frequency is dependent on the chunk size), the amount of data that must be stored or transferred can be greatly reduced.

This type of deduplication is different from that performed by standard file-compression tools,such as LZ77 and LZ78. Whereas these tools identify short repeated substrings inside individual files, the intent of storage-based data deduplication is to inspect large volumes of data and identify large sections – such as entire files or large sections of files - that are identical, in order to store only one copy of it. This copy may be additionally compressed by single-file compression techniques.

For example a typical email system might contain 100 instances of the same 1 MB (megabyte) file attachment. Each time the email platform is backed up, all 100 instances of the attachment are saved, requiring 100 MB storage space. With data deduplication, only one instance of the attachment is actually stored; the subsequent instances are referenced back to the saved copy for deduplication ratio of roughly 100 to 1.

Though backups popularly represent a simple form of disaster recovery, and should (and with BaQapp they are,) part of a disaster recovery plan, not all backups can be considered disaster recovery.

One reason for this is that not all backup systems or backup applications are able to reconstituted computer system or other complex configurations such as a computer cluster, active directory servers, or a database server, by restoring only data from a backup. BaQapp includes the ability to recover all the data to all the backed up computers, including Bare Metal Recovery.

Disk images, in computing, are computer files containing the contents and structure of a disk volume or an entire data storage device, such as a hard drive. A disk image is usually created by creating a sector-by-sector copy of the source medium, thereby perfectly replicating the structure and contents of a storage device. As disk images contain the contents of entire disks, they can be huge. Some disk imaging utilities omit unused space from source media, or compress the disk they represent to reduce storage requirements.

Mirroring is a technique to allow a system to automatically maintain multiple copies of data so that in the event of a disk hardware failure a system can continue to process or quickly recover data, or allow data to be recovered. Normally data is mirrored onto physically identical drives.

An endpoint can be any device that has the capability to connect to your network. Common examples include desktop computers, laptops, smart phones, tablets, printers, and point-of-sale (POS) terminals, etc.. BaQapp can backup desktop computers, servers, laptops and servers operating under Windows Vista onwards, Macintosh OS 10.11.3 or later and selected Linux OS.

A good backup system will also provide Geographic redundancy, where the additional backups are stored in a different location to the data and primary backup. BaQapp allows a simple clone of all the backup data to be created and stored offsite, as well as the uploading of backups to the cloud.

Before data is sent to a storage locations, it is selected, extracted, and manipulated. Many different techniques have been developed to optimize the backup procedure. These include optimisations for dealing with open files and live data sources as well as compression, encryption, and de-duplication, among others. Every backup scheme should include dry runs that validate the reliability of the data being backed up.

Malware is malicious software which carries out damaging activities to your PC such as stealing your personal information and address book, inundating your browser with pop-up advertising, spamming your email inbox with advertising and/or phishing emails, using your computer behind-the-scenes to broadcast pornography files, slowing down or crashing your computer, and more. Ransomware described below is a form of malware.

Very simply a NAS consists of one or more hard drives controlled by a computer type operating system that automatically back-up files from servers or other computers on the network.

BaQapp is a NAS unit with features not usually found in off the shelf NAS units.

NAS units cost from $150 to tens of Thousands of dollars. In many cases a simple NAS unit together with a Cloud service will satisfy the needs of most users. BaQapp Pty Ltd can recommend several simple off the shelf NAS systems available at Office Works and other retailers where backup needs can be satisfied simply.

Network-attached storage (NAS) is file-level computer data storage connected to a computer network providing data access to a heterogeneous group of clients. NAS not only operates as a file server, but is specialized for this task either by its hardware, software, or configuration of those elements. NAS is often manufactured as a computer appliance - a specialized computer built from the ground up for storing and serving files - rather than simply a general purpose computer being used for the role.

NAS devices are gaining popularity, as a convenient method of sharing files among multiple computers. Potential benefits of network-attached storage, compared to file servers, include faster data access, easier administration, and simple configuration.

Ransomware is a class of malware which restricts access to the computer system that it infects,and demands a ransom paid to the creator of the malware in order for the restriction to be removed. Some forms of ransomware encrypt files on the system's hard drive (cryptoviral extortion), while some may simply lock the system and display messages intended to coax the user into paying.

While initially popular in Russia, the use of ransomware scams has grown internationally; in June 2013, security software vendor McAfee released data showing that it had collected over 250,000 unique samples of ransomware in the first quarter of 2013 — more than double the number it had obtained in the first quarter of 2012.

Ransomware typically propagates as a trojan like a conventional computer worm, entering a system through, for example, a downloaded Zip and recently Word files (known as Locky) or a vulnerability in a network service. The program will then run a payload: such as one that will begin to encrypt personal files on the hard drive. More sophisticated ransomware may hybrid-encrypt the victim's plaintext with a random symmetric key and a fixed public key.

The malware author is the only party that knows the needed private decryption key. Some ransomware payloads do not use encryption. In these cases, the payload is simply an application designed to restrict interaction with the system, typically by setting the Windows Shell to itself, or even modifying the master boot record and/or partition table (which prevents the operating system from booting at all until it is repaired).

Ransomware payloads utilize elements of scareware to extort money from the system's user. The payload may, for example, display notices purportedly issued by companies or law enforcement agencies which falsely claim that the system had been used for illegal activities, or contains illegal content such as pornography and pirated software or media. Some ransomware payloads imitate Windows XP's product activation notices, falsely claiming that their computer's Windows installation is counterfeit or requires re-activation.

These tactics coax the user into paying the malware's author to remove the ransomware, either by supplying a program which can decrypt the files, or by sending an unlock code that undoes the changes the payload has made. These payments are often delivered using either a wire transfer, premium-rate text messages, through an online payment voucher service such as Ukash or Paysafecard, or most recently, the digital currency Bitcoin.
Taken from Wikipedia
See our PRESS pages for summaries and a comprehensive selection of published articles on Ransomware.

Whaling is a targeted attack, one that relies on a significant prior research into a target organisation, to identify the attacker’s victim and the organisational hierarchy around them. Whaling attacks—like the one that hit US networking technology company Ubiquiti in 2015, resulting in $46 million in losses—use email sent from spoofed or similar-looking domain names. Emails appearing to be sent from the CEO or CFO are used to trick finance staff into making fraudulent wire transfers to the attackers. Whaling emails are more difficult to detect because tthere is no malicious hyperlink or attachment, and rely solely on social-engineering to trick their targets. The attackers research their victims to a much greater extent than usual, social media provides much of the information together with the company website give a much clear picture of senior execs in the target organization. Whalers do not need to use malware or have any technical expertise to exploit your organization. As a result the barriers to entry for this type of cyber-crime are painfully low. As whaling becomes more successful for cyber-criminals, we are likely to see a sharp increase in their prevalence, as hackers identify these attacks as highly profitable.
For more info see www.mimecast.com

Yes, theoretically an unlimited number of Macintosh and Windows systems or attached drives on the network can be backed up depending on the network speed, processor, and the storage capacity of the backup appliance being used. Windows systems such as Windows Vista, 7, 8, 10 and Windows Servers work seamlessly. Older Microsoft OS such as Windows 2000, and Unix will require extra utilities.

Yes. BaQapp will not interfere with any other brand of backup or service device. BaQapp Pty Ltd suggests that you use as many different backup technologies and systems as you are able, including cloud backup.

Yes you certainly can, obviously provided that you have been using BaQapp, and provided that the file is archived or fairly recent. You can archive as many versions of a backup as you have the space on your storage drive,although BaQapp Pty Ltd suggest that going back a year is most practical.

Yes, BaQapp is great for just one computer at home, especially if you are like the average user who wants a system that they can set and forget, and only be reminded if regular backups are not occurring.

BaQapp suggest at least every 4 hours for the local file incremental backup, and weekly for incremental image backups.

BaQapp data is encrypted on the storage drive. This data cannot be accessed without your encryption key, or through your BaQapp. Any data that BaQapp accesses from a remote client over the internet is also automatically encrypted while in transit.

Yes, except for a few files that cannot be copied while open under almost any system.

Yes. Since your backups are stored under the Linux operating system in secure insulated storage which is hardened against ransomware attack by BaQapp. Windows malware is unable to affect your backups. Of course you should still continue to use anti-virus technology to protect your live data.
BaQapp uses an intelligent/network backup system (NAS backup Appliances) that has "Read" permission of your data, but your PC doesn't have "Write" permission on their storage device... In other words, don't trust USB backup systems - use only IP based solutions (including network shares/NAS).

Yes, BaQapp will restore your systems and software since the last image or mirror backup if you have asked it to store image backups. Although all the files under Windows 8 and 10 will be backed up, it is currently a little difficult to restore a Windows 8 and 10 systems from an image backup, although if needed support is available to help you.

BaQapp data is stored in files and folders, the same as the actual original computer, with each computer on the network clearly described. To recover a file or files, just drag and drop. Couldn't be easier! In the event of a system crash and you want to recover the whole system, you will need download to CD or USB or use the supplied restore CD or USB with the BaQappBoxx.

Compression and deduplication are both standard with BaQapp.

Version 1.4x of BaQapp does allow Macintosh backups for Mac OS X, but the current version is still in Beta form. Note that BaQapp does not make image backups of Macintosh PCs because you can restore on a Macintosh completely without image backups, by simply re-installing the latest OS available from Apple, and then restoring all your files from your BaQapp.

Continuous file backup, remote private cloud, virtualisation, where you can operate directly from your backups with suitable server hardware in 2017 and MUCH MORE.

You will have one copy of all your data on-site with your BaQapp, plus BaQapp will be offering the option of another back-up on your own Private Cloud at an off-site location such as your home or another office. Additionally there is currently the option of creating a mirror image that can be stored off-site, with all your data can be stored in 2 locations, on different drives. Additionally BaQapp can suggest well known low cost cloud storage services.

Privacy

BaQapp Pty Ltd has no access to your data.
The monitoring service only receives an extract of the backup report text file showing the date of the most recent backup for each endpoint.
This report is automatically analysed by the BaQapp server.

BaQapp uses Windows VSS (Volume Shadow copy Services) to copy files for backup. Files are first indexed by BaQapp and that index is used to list a copy using VSS. The error "Errorcode: FILE_DOESNT_EXIST (3)" will indicates either a file that has been deleted since indexing, such as a temporary file or a file that VSS will not allow copying. Windows 10 upgrade files for Windows 7 & 8 are another example of files VSS will not allow copying. The best solution is to exclude these files from the backup process. http://www.addictivetips.com/windows-tips/what-is-the-windows-bt-folder-on-my-hard-drive/

The current exception list that excludes Windows upgrades is on our download page. Select the 'Settings' menu, choose submenu 'General' copy the downloaded script and paste it in the 'Excluded files (with wildcards) block'.

When a second drive is attached, a RAID 1 set is created. Connecting another drive can be done at a any time, even when backups are ongoing. Both drives may be different sizes, however the maximum storage, will be the smallest capacity drive. Ideally same capacity drives, should be used.
When using the ODROID BaQappBoxx there may not be sufficient power in the USB connectors to drive 2 attached USB drives, so you may have to power one or both drives used a USB3 powered USB hub, or preferably mains powered USB drives.

You may need to exclude "C:\Program Files\BackupBoxx\BackupBoxxClientBackend.exe+" from a third party firewall for the BackupBoxx client to work.
These are the instructions to exclude BaQapp from McAfee.
The Firewall prompts you to accept or refuse an application's attempt to access the Internet. When you make your selection, the Firewall creates a rule to enforce your choice. If an application does not have a rule allowing it to access the Internet, your Firewall blocks the application to protect your computer. You can manually add applications to the Program Permissions list using the following steps.
Open your security product.
Click Web and Email Protection.
Click Firewall.
Click Internet Connections for Programs drawer.
NOTE: Depending on the version of the McAfee software you have installed, this may be called Program Permissions.
Scroll to the bottom and click Add.
Click Browse and locate the file you want to add which is C:\Program Files\BackupBoxx\BackupBoxxClientBackend.exe+
Select the application and click Open.
Set the access type you want using the options in the Access drop-down menu.
Click Save.

Reduce the number of simultaneous backups, by going to the Settings page, select General, and change the "Max number of simultaneous backups" to 4. If this does not speed it up, reduce to 2 or one, so that each backup finishes quicker.

BaQappBoxx at present can only use direct attached USB HDD external storage. There are plans for iSCSI support so you could then use a NAS as an iSCSI target. BaQapp uses the enterprise grade btrfs file system, so cannot use a network file share for storage. However, we do have BaQapp-VM which does run on selected QNAP NAS and other hyper-visors as well as BaQapp-x64 for x64 PCs. Download a trial copy here, https://www.baqapp.com.au/trial.php, using the BaQapp for "Oracle VM VirtualBox and QNAP" or other suitable download.

1. Download the BaQappBoxx SD Card image from, http://download1.baqapp.com/BaQapp_arm.zip
2. Decompress the BaQappBoxx SD Card image to a folder, which will contain the image file.
3. Write the image file to the SD Card using Win32 Disk Imager, ( http://sourceforge.net/projects/win32diskimager/ ). Make sure you select the correct drive letter. You will need a SD Card to USB adapter. If the SD Card fails to write you will have to format first to FAT32 by right clicking on the SD Card and format.
4. Place the SD Card into the BaQappBoxx, goes in text facing up. Make sure the card slides into and is not sitting on top of the slot.

The USB connectors could be tarnished or dirty. Clean the connectors with an earplug and alcohol. For detailed instructions see the ODROID forum at http://forum.odroid.com/viewtopic.php?f=95&t=15302.
If using a drive which is drawing its power from the BaQappBoxx, the attached USB drive might require more power than the BaQappBoxx can supply. As drives become bigger and faster they require more power. One solution is to use a quality USB splitter or dual power cable, which is draws power from 2 USB ports, and is available free from BaQapp Pty Ltd or LINDY part number 31115. A better solution is to use storage drives that are mains powered. This problem does not occur if using a BaQappBoxxi3 which has more power.

The following is the file and location that needs to be excluded from any third party firewall, for the BaQapp client to work. C:\Program Files\BaQapp\BaQappClientBackend.exe
As an example, to add an exception/exclusion for McAfee, see http://service.mcafee.com/faqdocument.aspx?id=TS100813