Data has been referred to as the new “gold,” and we have seen the lengths people willingly subject themselves to mine both. However, data is exponentially easier to acquire. Where most data mining isn’t illegal and is taken from public sources, it is a mere step away from what hackers are looking for when they attack your networks in search of more valuable and sensitive information. A cyberattack constantly threatens small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), so it’s imperative that they have a data recovery and backup system in place.
Consider the data backup and recovery methods presented in this blog to help protect your business.
Regularly Back Up Your Data
A robust data backup and recovery system protects priceless and irreplaceable information such as customer records, financial documents, and other critical files. Once you have a plan in place, you need to ensure that automated backups are scheduled and that you are storing copies of your data in multiple locations, such as:
- Local storage: Use an on-site server or Network Attached Storage (NAS) device to store your backups. It will allow quick and easy access to your data in case of any incident.
- Cloud storage: Cloud-based services, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure, offer scalable backup options.
- External hard drives: Keep a copy of your data on external hard drives or other portable storage devices and store them off-site.
Invest in Reliable Backup Software
Choosing the right backup software is essential for competent data protection. Consider the following factors when selecting a solution:
- User-friendliness: Opt for software that is easy to use and configure.
- Reliability: The software should be stable and dependable, ensuring consistent and error-free backups.
- Compatibility: The backup software must be compatible with your business’s existing infrastructure, including operating systems, applications, and hardware.
- Encryption: Choosing a solution with encryption software will help prevent unauthorized access.
- Versioning: Consider a solution that supports “versioning,” allowing you to store multiple versions of your files and quickly restore a specific version if needed.
- Easy restoration: The software should allow quick and straightforward data restoration to restore your operation.
Disaster Recovery Plan
Creating a disaster recovery plan is essential for minimizing downtime and ensuring business continuity. Whether it’s from a data breach, a natural disaster causing a lengthy power outage, or your server becoming overloaded from a spike in data, you should have a plan that covers the following:
- Identify critical systems and data: Determine which systems and data are essential for maintaining business operations and prioritize their recovery.
- Assign roles and responsibilities: Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of your team members during disaster recovery.
- Establish communication protocols: Establish a communication plan to inform your employees, customers, and stakeholders during cyber attacks.
- Document recovery procedures: Outline the detailed steps to recover your critical systems and data.
- Test and update the plan: Regularly review and update your disaster recovery plan and conduct periodic tests to ensure its effectiveness.
Data Backup and Recovery: Bring in the Experts
While understanding the crucial aspects of your server operations is essential, it’s wise to consider partnering with an external service provider, such as TCI Technologies, to ensure all of your company’s data is safe, secure, and available.
