As our lives, both personal and professional, move increasingly online, our computers and servers contain millions of data and documents that are precious, even irreplaceable. Although we tend to believe that technology is infallible, it is not.
Hackers are becoming more and more ingenious in finding ways to infiltrate our screens and steal our sensitive information, not to mention the physical damage or human error (we’ve all accidentally deleted important work). Backing up data reduces the risk of loss and optimizes your storage space.
One might ask why back up data in the cloud, especially in a business context.
What is the point of making a data backup ?
Backing up data ensures that your operations continue in the event of data loss. If you already have a backup solution, whether on an external hard drive or a simple USB stick, you may be wondering what the point of backing up data to the cloud is.
If your operating systems or your hardware (said hard drive, for example) are damaged, stolen or lost, the backup of sensitive data will have been useless and the copies of your files will be unusable. In addition, you will lose valuable time and possibly a small amount of money used to restore the hardware.
By making a cloud backup, you are helping to…
- Protect your data in case of hacking;
- Save time in case of loss or theft, as your data is accessible from anywhere;
- Guarantee the integrity of your data;
- Ensure the security of your data at no cost, or at an affordable cost;
- Have access to your data wherever you are, as long as there is an Internet connection;
- Implement good cybersecurity practice;
- Give you peace of mind in the event of a natural disaster, error or phishing;
- Provide you and your employees with a collaborative and flexible working environment.
How to make a data backup ?
Backing up your data regularly may seem simple and trivial. However, it’s not about making a copy of all your files every week. To make the most of your time and the storage capacity of your devices, you should have a clear and well-defined backup plan to share with all stakeholders in your business.
Here are the steps to achieving an effective data backup:
1. It is your responsibility to choose what you want to back up as data. Make sure you keep your records up to date to avoid duplication or redundancy in your files. Cut to the chase and keep only the final copies of your projects! It is recommended to save only unique or otherwise irreplaceable documents, such as photos, your work, contracts, etc. For example, applications or software can be downloaded again in case of loss without causing major inconvenience. Name your files clearly and precisely (date, names, nature of the object, etc.) in order to find your way through your archives more quickly and organize them in coherent folders.
2. Choose the medium on which you wish to back up the data. Each backup space has different costs, storage space and functionality. In general, it is recommended that you follow the 3-2-1 rule, i.e. make three separate backups, on two different media, one of which is outside the office (such as cloud computing, for example).
3. Ensure that your backup data is encrypted before transferring it to the cloud.
4. Once you have chosen your media, you will need to configure how often you want to back up your data. Manual data backup is only useful if you want to store some very specific documents. Otherwise, automatic backup saves time while allowing the freedom to select your settings (what, when, where, etc.). It is recommended to do this daily or at least weekly.
5. Finally, after the data backup, make sure that the desired files have been copied to the specified location without being corrupted or damaged. Regularly check the correct nature of your data and use a secure password to access your files online.
Three Common Mistakes
While data backup tools are quite user-friendly, there are a few basic rules that need to be followed for them to be effective. Many people, when backing up data, tend to fail to do so.
- Save files and documents on a server outside the office or home;
- Back up sensitive data regularly;
- Check the integrity of the backup and the data (make sure the copies are the right ones!).
How do I disable data backup ?
When it comes to cloud computing, intuitive data backup is easy. Disabling it is easy, but not recommended. Data backup is an important step in your process towards optimal cybersecurity, and it is easily understood and implemented, even by individuals with less technological knowledge.
Without automated data backup, all of your sensitive and/or private information becomes vulnerable to technological malfunctions and attacks by numerous digital hackers. If stolen, the leakage of your data can result in serious damage to your reputation, as well as loss of time and money.
A data backup strategy is so simple and easy to implement that it becomes negligible to miss out on its benefits! Cyber-attacks and ransomware are getting smarter and more sophisticated. The market is moving fast, so corrupting or stealing your data can cost you dearly. Time spent restoring your database is time wasted, where your customers are not using it and may go elsewhere.
You need to be aware of the dangers and do data backup intelligently, otherwise you will fall into the traps of the web. A random, annual data backup is no longer sufficient. Your backup routine must be consistent and well integrated by all.
Do you want to engage in data backup, but don’t feel equipped to do it alone? That’s where DMIB comes in. Call on our cybersecurity experts for tailored support dedicated to protecting you from the many threats to the web and your valuable data!