Think Data Backup Always!

Important data vary for different people.  For some people, it could be memories from a just-concluded outing with friends and family. For others, it could mean vital information regarding their organization.

Important data for businesses means vital information regarding the business that could make it lose its reputation and also customer’s loyalty.

Losing business data could come in various ways, one major way of such is cyber-attack. Cyber-attack is the breaching of an individual or organization’s information by another. According to the former Cisco CEO John Chambers, “there are two types of companies; those that have been attacked and those who do not realize that they have been breached”.

Losing such important data can be really devastating, especially in cases where there is no extra source of that data. It has been analyzed that 29% of businesses that are victims of attacks lose revenue, and nearly 40% of those businesses lose more than 20%of total revenues. It can also lead to loss of customers which also means loss of more income.

Asides cyber-attacks, other ways through which data can be lost include viruses, hackers, ransomware and physical disasters such as theft. The leading among these categories is viruses. Although there are various forms of antiviruses and security software, it is, however, inevitable that data loss would end up occurring.

Backing up your data

This is why having a source of data backup is very important, as it ensures that data is not really lost after all. A data backup is having another full copy of your data stored safely in another location aside your current device.  Having a data backup is essential to help in preventing a case of total data loss which can then lead to the results stated above.

Not all data backup is the same neither are they of same benefits. Using a rule called the 3-2-1 rule; you should store your data in at least three 3 different locations, store in at least 2 different formats and also ensure that one 1 of the copy is not stored in a physical mode.

Storage of data occurs in different modes and devices. It could come in physical means such as the use of flash drives, external; hard drives or any other physical means with storage capacity. However, such means are not entirely safe as it could become victims of theft or ransomware natural disasters such as floods.

Therefore, the physical means should not be your only means of storing data. This is where the 1 rule comes into play. You should store your data in at least one non-physical mode of storage to eliminate these associated risks.

Using online storage

Cloud storage is one significant option to store your data in an off-site mode. It provides excellent security of your data through encryption to ensure it is not breached by outsiders while also ensuring that you can have access to your information anytime you choose.

It is very important to note that cloud storage and online file storage are not the same. Online file storage includes sites like dropbox or google drive to backup copies of their information. However, using the cloud backup allows you to store a larger number of your data and also to create automated complete system backups if needed. The cloud backup is also very cost-effective and easily accessible at any time you choose to need it.

Using the cloud storage assures you of flexibility in data storage options. You can choose to get your data anytime even if you are not with the original device used to store the data, all you need is a device and a source of internet connection. Cloud storage has been shown to supersede the initial risks discussed above as opposed to using physical modes for storage.

Backing up information is very essential for every business. Backing such information up the right way that is most suitable for you is however of more important to ensure a more effectively running business.