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Veeam immutable S3 API object lock
A Practical Guide to Veeam Immutable S3 API Object Lock for EU Data Sovereignty
Ransomware threats and complex EU regulations demand a modern data protection strategy. Using Veeam immutable S3 API object lock on a sovereign cloud platform provides a powerful defense. This guide details how to secure your backups while ensuring GDPR, NIS-2, and EU Data Act compliance.
The topic briefly and concisely
Using Veeam with S3 Object Lock on a sovereign EU cloud is a critical defense against ransomware and ensures compliance with GDPR.
New regulations like NIS-2 and the EU Data Act make immutable, portable backups a legal necessity for many European organizations starting in 2025.
A predictable cost model with no egress or API fees simplifies budgeting and enables MSPs to build profitable, compliant BaaS offerings.
For UK and EU enterprises, data is not just an asset; it's a liability if managed improperly. A majority of EU decision-makers now demand European solutions for critical data, yet over 50% feel locked into their current providers. The combination of rising ransomware attacks and new regulations like NIS-2 requires a shift in backup strategy. Implementing Veeam with a sovereign, S3-compatible object storage that features immutable backups is no longer optional. It is a core requirement for business resilience and regulatory adherence, ensuring data remains secure, recoverable, and under strict EU control.
Establish Digital Sovereignty with EU-Centric Storage
A strong majority of EU leaders now prioritize European solutions for their critical data infrastructure. This shift is driven by the need to comply with GDPR and avoid exposure to non-EU laws like the CLOUD Act. Storing backup data within certified European data centers ensures it remains under EU legal jurisdiction, a key requirement for many regulated industries.
Using a cloud provider that is both EU-owned and operated provides the highest level of assurance. It guarantees that data governance, from key management to access controls, aligns with European standards. This sovereign-by-design approach is the foundation of a modern resilience strategy.
Impossible Cloud operates exclusively in certified European data centers, offering country-level geofencing to meet stringent data residency requirements. This architecture provides the legal certainty that enterprises and MSPs need to protect their Veeam backups confidently. The next step is securing that data against modern threats.
Additional useful links
Veeam details limitations when using S3-compatible object storage with Veeam Backup & Replication for VMware vSphere.
DLA Piper provides information and resources related to data protection laws in Germany.
European Commission explains the Data Act, which aims to ensure fairness in the data economy and promote access to and use of data.
GDPR.eu offers a comprehensive resource for understanding the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a European Union law on data protection and privacy.
European Data Protection Board (EDPB) provides guidelines, recommendations, and best practices on data protection topics.
Wikipedia describes object storage architecture, a data storage architecture that manages data as objects.
European Data Protection Board (EDPB) provides a draft of the EU Cloud Code of Conduct for data protection.
FAQ
What is the difference between S3 Object Lock Compliance and Governance mode in Veeam?
Compliance mode is the strictest form of immutability; once a backup file is locked, no user (including the root account) can alter or delete it until the retention period expires. Governance mode offers similar protection but allows users with special permissions to override the lock settings, providing more administrative flexibility.
Can I migrate my existing Veeam backups to an immutable repository?
Yes, you can add an immutable S3 object storage repository, like Impossible Cloud, to your Veeam Scale-out Backup Repository (SOBR). You can then evacuate existing backups from an old extent to the new immutable extent or direct new backup copy jobs to it.
Are there any performance differences with immutable object storage?
Performance depends on the provider's architecture. Impossible Cloud uses an 'Always-Hot' model, meaning all data is instantly accessible with no performance degradation or delays typically associated with tiered or archived storage. This ensures fast restores when you need them most.
How does using a European cloud provider help with the NIS-2 Directive?
The NIS-2 Directive mandates robust cybersecurity and resilience measures, including secure backup and recovery. Using an EU-based provider with immutable storage helps fulfill these obligations while also ensuring your supply chain for critical IT infrastructure aligns with European sovereignty goals.
What are egress fees and why are they important for backups?
Egress fees are charges for moving your data out of a cloud provider's network. For backups, these costs can become significant and unpredictable during large-scale recovery operations. Choosing a provider like Impossible Cloud with a zero-egress-fee policy eliminates this risk and makes costs predictable.
Is Impossible Cloud fully S3 compatible?
Yes, Impossible Cloud provides full S3 API compatibility. This means your existing applications, scripts, and tools, including Veeam Backup & Replication, will work seamlessly without any need for code rewrites or complex configuration changes.
