What is immutable storage?

This episode of Techsplainers explores immutable storage, the storage approach that protects data by preventing it from being changed or deleted for a defined period of time, or in some cases permanently. Positioned within a broader data storage series, the episode explains how immutable storage differs from standard backup storage and why that distinction matters when organizations face ransomware, data corruption or strict compliance requirements. The discussion walks through the core idea of write once, read many, or WORM, and shows how immutable storage helps preserve trusted copies of information for recovery, audits and long-term archiving. It also looks at the practical mechanics behind retention periods and legal holds, along with the tradeoffs organizations need to consider when deciding what data should be locked and for how long. Listeners will hear how immutable storage supports cyber resilience, why it matters in regulated industries and where it fits among other storage approaches like flash, edge and AI storage. The episode also points toward the broader challenge of managing protected data across multiple environments. Learn more in https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/immutable-storage Find more information at https://www.ibm.com/think/podcasts/techsplainers Narrated by Elly Trickett "AI tools may be used to transcribe this episode and support selected stages of the production process. All AI-assisted content is reviewed by the production team before publication."