9 data backup trends to watch

1. AI backup tools

The continued evolution of AI and machine learning opens new doors for efficient, comprehensive and automated backup strategies. These technologies offer monitoring and optimization, providing visibility, transparency and efficiency. Backup tools featuring AI are often integrated into AIOps deployments as standard tools.

AI also offers the benefit of predictive maintenance for the backup infrastructure itself, monitoring the health of backup storage devices, network connectivity and cloud access.

2. DNA data storage and backups

A newcomer to the backup field, DNA storage is moving from the conceptual stage to test deployments. This storage method uses synthetic DNA molecules to store digital information with high-density and longevity. The technology encodes data into sequences of the four DNA nucleotides (adenine, cytosine, guanine and thymine) using a base-4 approach rather than the IT standard base-2 binary method.

The approach offers many benefits, including:

• Exceptionally high-density storage.
• Long-term stability/durability (measured in thousands of years).
• Energy efficiency based on low-energy maintenance requirements.

DNA-based backups are not without their challenges, including:

• Cost and speed for existing technologies.
• Error avoidance.
• Integration with existing compute infrastructures.

3. Cloud backup repatriation

Repatriation of data back to on-premises storage and away from cloud services will have a significant effect on data backup strategy in 2026. Repatriation offers cost predictability, operational control and improved data management compliance. It also shifts responsibility and day-to-day management back to the on-premises IT operations staff, increasing the workload.

Organizations intending to repatriate data must address the additional workload, automation options, AI-based management and data governance requirements. Many of these requirements spurred the initial migration of data to cloud storage, which retains a vital role in data and backup management.

4. Multi-cloud and hybrid environment adoption

Organizations that use cloud-based backup face the growing challenge of maintaining data across diverse and competitive multi-cloud and hybrid cloud deployments.

Specific areas of focus include:

• Integration across diverse infrastructures.
• Automation across diverse infrastructures.
• Comprehensive security tools.

Hybrid cloud backup offers a strategic approach to organizations with data stored on-premises and in one or more cloud environments. These types of environments emphasize centralized management, policy-based automation and cross-cloud compatibility.

The rapid growth of edge computing and decentralized data centers might also drive the adoption of more complex and cross-platform backup approaches.

5. Variations on the 3-2-1 rule

The standard 3-2-1 backup rule has helped organizations build effective and resilient backup infrastructures. However, some businesses are modifying the rule for more targeted, efficient and effective backup and recovery processes. Modifications often include air-gapping, automated testing, and leveraging cloud and hybrid cloud features.

The standard 3-2-1 backup rule specifies three copies of data stored on two types of media, with one copy held off-site.

Many organizations are deploying variations for 2026, including:

• 3-2-1-1 rule: Adds one immutable or air-gapped copy to the standard rule.
• 3-2-1-1-0 rule: Extends the above rule to include automated testing and validation.
• 3-1-2 rule: Specifies three data copies, one media type, and two off-site storage locations. Priority is given to geo-redundancy in the cloud.

6. Zero-trust backup infrastructure

Applying zero-trust principles to backups combats insider threats by enforcing the principle of least privilege and operating under a "never trust" paradigm. Access to backups requires multifactor authentication and logical data isolation, ensuring identity-driven access to backup resources.

A zero-trust strategy can use immutable and air-gapped backup storage, along with data encryption and continual monitoring. A full zero-trust deployment helps mitigate evolving security threats to backup jobs.

7. Immutable and air-gapped backups

Given ongoing concerns about ransomware and other malware, isolating backup jobs to protect their integrity enables organizations to recover quickly. Immutable backup files and air-gapped storage aim to protect data by preventing tampering with backup jobs.

Air-gaps physically or logically isolate backups from user networks and the Internet. Storage methods include removable tapes/drives or secure cloud vaults. Air-gapped backups may contain manual processes, slowing backup and recovery procedures.

Immutable backups are data copies that cannot be altered or deleted, typically using write-once-read-many storage technologies. The approach provides automated and continual protection across cloud and on-premises environments. It can also help with regulatory compliance.

Some organizations use both approaches for increased data protection.

8. Data governance and compliance enforcement

Data management regulations continue to evolve, meaning 2026 will pose significant compliance challenges for backup administrators. Many of these concerns revolve around data localization and data sovereignty.

Specific actions might include:

• Establish a data governance framework tailored to your organization's needs.
• Establish compliant, resilient and automated backups to enforce organizational discipline.
• Implement effective data discovery, classification, destruction and lifecycle management.
• Ensure skilled IT staff are prepared to react to recovery incidents.
• Require metrics and reporting to demonstrate preparedness.

9. ESG and sustainability efforts

The primary considerations for environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives focus on energy efficiency, transparency, data security, and compliance. To improve sustainability, backup systems must prioritize energy-efficient storage, carbon neutrality, and regulatory compliance while retaining effective security and disaster recovery capabilities.

Specific actions might include:

• Adopt backup tools that offer cost-effective energy efficiency.
• Integrate ESG reporting into existing IT backup operations.
• Identify and remove legacy systems.
• Investigate ESG requirements and prepare to disclose your organization's status.

Damon Garn owns Cogspinner Coaction and provides freelance IT writing and editing services. He has written multiple CompTIA study guides, including the Linux+, Cloud Essentials+ and Server+ guides, and contributes extensively to Informa TechTarget, The New Stack and CompTIA Blogs.