In an effort to enhance security and regulatory compliance, Microsoft has introduced immutable storage for Azure Blob Storage, designed to protect critical enterprise data in a “write once, read many” (WORM) state. This new service ensures that stored data cannot be modified or deleted for a specified period of time by the user, offering a robust solution for sectors like finance and healthcare.
### What is Immutable Storage?
Immutable storage allows data to be stored in an unalterable state. Once data is saved, it cannot be modified or deleted until the retention period defined by the user expires. This feature is essential for complying with strict regulations such as SEC 17a-4(f), CFTC 1.31(d), and FINRA, which require secure preservation of electronic records.
### Types of Immutability Policies
Azure Blob Storage offers two types of immutability policies:
1. **Time-based Retention Policies**: These policies allow users to define a specific period during which data must remain immutable. Once this period expires, the data can be deleted but not overwritten.
2. **Legal Holds**: Primarily used for legal investigation purposes, these policies keep data in a WORM state until explicitly deleted. This option is ideal when the exact duration for which data should remain immutable is unknown.
### Implementation Options
Azure Blob Storage’s immutable storage can be implemented at the container or version level:
– **Container-Level WORM**: Policies are applied to all blobs within a container, making all data in that container immutable for the same period of time.
– **Version-Level WORM**: Allows for setting policies at the account, container, or individual blob version level, offering greater data management granularity.
### Regulatory Compliance and Security
Microsoft has collaborated with Cohasset Associates, an independent records management assessment firm, to ensure that their immutable storage meets the strictest industry standards in finance. This compliance includes regulations like SEC 17a-4(f) and CFTC 1.31(d), ensuring that data stored in a WORM state is secure and compliant with current regulations.
### Use Cases
Immutable storage is particularly useful in various scenarios, including:
– **Regulatory Compliance**: Helps organizations comply with strict data retention regulations.
– **Document Protection**: Ensures critical documents cannot be modified or deleted.
– **Legal Holds**: Enables storing data necessary for legal proceedings in a tamper-proof state.
### Configuration and Pricing
There are no additional costs for immutable storage capacity. However, using versioning functionality, which is necessary for version-level WORM, may incur additional costs due to storing additional versions of data.
### Next Steps
For those interested in implementing immutable storage in Azure Blob Storage, Microsoft offers detailed guides on configuring immutability policies for containers and blob versions. These policies are essential for ensuring that critical data remains secure and compliant with current regulations.
Microsoft’s introduction of immutable storage reinforces its commitment to security and compliance, providing businesses with a powerful tool to protect their most valuable data.