• Virtual machine snapshot: This type of backup makes a point in time copy of a virtual machine disk file. This can be used to restore a virtual machine to a particular point in time.
• Disk backup: Because the storage is not linear, such as tape, individual files can be directly accessed allowing for faster recovery times.

It provides a higher capacity and speed than tape.

• Tape backup: Liner storage mechanism used for long-term archival storage.

Going out of favor due to the lowering in costs associated with disk-based backup

• Cloud backup: This utilizing a service like Amazon Web Services to provide backup services versus an internal backup mechanism.

The information security professional must make take care when reviewing the cloud backup provider contract ensuring that the backup provider meets all of the information security requirements for the business' information.