You may have questioned why in the midst of all the notifications telling you how important it is to backup your data. And, maybe more importantly, how? It made us ponder as well. So, here’s the lowdown on backups: What Is the Importance of Data Backups? how they work, why you need them, and how to configure them.
Why do you need backups in the first place?
The logic for backups is simple: bad things happen, and when they do, you want to guarantee that your most valuable possessions are safe. We’re talking about data in this instance, whether it’s personal data, customer data, or crucial files.
Isn’t it straightforward? However, an astonishing 21% of individuals have never backed up their devices. This is even more surprising considering all of the different methods for data loss. According to Stanford University research, human error accounts for 88 percent of all data loss. You may lose data just by stealing a device. And then there’s cybercrime.
Data is the most valuable money for hackers. This is why ransomware attacks are so widespread, and why the bulk of cyberattacks target it (even a phishing attack is ultimately after data).
Data backups not only protect you from unintended loss, but they are also an important tool in the fight against various cyber dangers. Consider ransomware: a cybercriminal may have held your data hostage for extortion, but with a backup of that data, your company may be able to continue operations while you figure out what to do next.
Consider it in the same way that you would commercial insurance. You pay out every month, hoping you won’t need it, but if the worst occurs, you’re covered.
How do data backups operate?
The concept of data backup software is rather simple. The application copies and saves your data in an external location when you install it on your devices and PCs. A hard disk, a data center, or the cloud might be used.
The bulk of modern data backup software will save to the cloud. The data is copied, encrypted, and kept on a cloud server until it is required for recovery. Storing your data in this manner ensures its safety in the event of an accident or a cyberattack.
What data should you back up?
Data may be found in practically every function of a modern firm, including marketing, finance, and sales. Back up all files, folders, photographs, payroll information, supplier information, customer information, and third-party app information.
It may seem illogical to back up third-party data. In contrast, many Software as a Service (SaaS) organizations would simply backup their own platform.
How do you set up data backups?
It is simple to set up data backups for your firm. There are various options, including Dropbox Business and Microsoft OneDrive. The option you choose will be mostly influenced by your business, but there are a few factors to consider.
Create a cloud-based service for it.
A cloud-based solution is not required as your primary backup; an external drive or your own data center would suffice. A cloud-based solution, on the other hand, will easily scale with your firm and will most likely save you money in the long run. There is also the issue of safety. By far the most secure choice for storing your data is the cloud.
Keep things simple.
Your organization is unlikely to be bursting with IT professionals. So, whichever option you choose, make sure it is easy to set up and use. Asking if the least technically competent person in your firm would be able to use it without difficulty is a good litmus test for applicability.
Make a redundancy plan.
Although you’re unlikely to need it (cloud providers lose data on a very uncommon occasion), making a backup of your backup is a smart idea. We advise you to retain three copies of your data: one on your computer, one on the cloud, and one on a company-owned disk or data server.
