Strategic Optimization of Data Backup Systems : Balancing Availability, Security and Cost in Financial Organizations

Abstract

This thesis develops a pragmatic framework that helps financial institutions optimize data backup by balancing availability, security and cost. A systematic literature review of 2015-2024 sources maps the evolution of storage architectures, backup media and ransomware defense. The study models the trade-offs among five-nines availability, CIA-aligned security and total cost of ownership through a Pareto decision matrix and risk-adjusted cost curves. Building on these findings, it proposes a hybrid architecture that combines metro-cluster disaster-recovery sites with tiered public-cloud object storage protected by immutable snapshots and customer-managed encryption keys. A step-by-step implementation guide translates theory into three coordinated work streams. A Google-Form checklist and Apps-Script automation generate readiness scores and audit artefacts, enabling continuous compliance monitoring. The framework delivers twenty-minute ledger recovery, eleven-nines durability and demonstrable adherence to financial-sector resilience mandates in operational practice.