How to build a successful storage and backup strategy

The 60% of companies that experience data loss shut down within six months, according to the Small Business Trends. Data is critical to the success of any business. It’s your organization’s lifeline for continuity of operations. A data loss carries adverse effects that can cause your business to grind to a screeching halt.

In need of a backup strategy? We are here!

Today, many businesses haven’t managed to reach the ideal standards of data protection. This exposes their data to cyber theft, hardware failure, workplace accidents, and natural disasters. A robust backup strategy enables organizations to secure their data against any threats. Here’s how to build a solid backup strategy.

Assess Your Company’s Backup Needs

Every organization operates uniquely and faces different challenges. Therefore, you need to outline what you want to protect your data against. Any data you possess is essential, whether it’s customer information, financial documents, or employee records. The backup method you choose should be able to store all your data, secure it from threats, guarantee quick recovery in case of loss, and accommodate any other needs you have.

Backup Methods

After you have noted down your needs, the next step is to check the storage options available. The ideal approach is to combine several strategies to provide all-rounded data security. Cloud storage is one of the most reliable methods available today. Offered by cloud backup services, this solution allows you to store your data offsite in the vendor’s infrastructure, in an encrypted format. With an internet connection, you can back up and retrieve data at any time and from any place.

Having a local backup is also beneficial to your business. In case there is low internet connectivity, or you need to retrieve some lost files quickly, a local backup will be instrumental. You can use offline media such as tape, USB drives, hard drives, optical discs, and store them separately from the computers. Using a hybrid of cloud and on-site backup methods increases the chances of keeping your data safe.

Budgeting

Ultimately, each backup method has a price attached, but the total cost depends on the type of service you seek. Cloud-based solutions are budget-friendly, as you don’t need to invest in infrastructure, upgrades, and maintenance, according to The Balance. There are various cloud storage packages available, depending on the volume of the data you want to be stored.

For on-site backup methods, you have to invest in the hardware. The equipment you buy will depend on whether you have modest, average, or substantial data backup needs. Other costs include monthly subscription and support fees for cloud storage and training employees to manage the backup.

Maintain the Best Practices

To guarantee that your data will remain safe and fully recoverable, you need to put some measures in place. First, ensure that you backup your data on a regular schedule. Second, encrypting your data before storing it will add an extra layer of protection to it. In case cybercriminals or unauthorized employees lay hands on it, they won’t be able to open or view it.

Make sure you backup your data on a regular schedule.

If you are using the cloud storage option, you need to restrict the number of people who can access the data, as noted in the TechRepublic. For sensitive information, only a small number of employees in the company should be granted access. You can utilize encryption keys, strong passwords, and other cybersecurity measures.

Summary

An unforeseen data catastrophe can pose risks to your business and customer’s information. This can lead to financial loss and dent your credibility in the long run. Combining multiple backup options is a practical approach to protect your business from data loss. With a solid backup strategy, you will always have peace of mind.

About the author

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James Oliver

James Oliver, a freelance article writer and contributor who focus more on technology, mainly Gadgets and all the latest trends which are interesting for readers and tech enthusiasts.