Think Quicker Recovery Time, Not Quicker Backup
When it comes to backups, you want as much data as you can get, right? Wrong. While incremental backups are much faster than executing a full back up, they unfortunately prolong recovery time. In the event of data loss, a full restore requires loading the most recent full backup and then each incremental backup tape. Having too many incremental tapes not only adds time to this restoration process, but it also increases the probability of not recovering all of your data. A tape could be lost, unintentionally skipped over, or contain corrupted data.
Remember: When it comes to backups, quicker recovery time should be the main objective, not a quicker backup process.
MAINTAIN SUFFICIENT BACKUP HISTORY
In the blink of an eye, current data files can become corrupted and inaccessible. Which means that you’ll have to restore an earlier data backup that is clean of corruption. Many smaller companies make the mistake of failing to keep a sufficient backup history. Even if they’re taking them regularly, if there’s is a large time gap between backups, they’re likely missing important data. It’s critical to maintain the right schedule for your business.
BE SURE TO BACKUP ESSENTIAL DATA AND APPLICATIONS
Some businesses don’t feel the need to backup all data, but simply default to essential databases, documents, and records. Don’t overlook applications that are critical to day-to-day business operations either. Many companies fail to backup applications, only to realize when it’s too late that they don’t have access to the original installation disks when they’re trying to recover from data loss or an outage.
HAVE OFF-SITE OR ONLINE BACKUP
Some businesses backup data simply by moving essential files to tapes or external hard drives that are then stored somewhere onsite. But if they’re kept onsite, what happens if a fire, flood, or other natural disaster takes out not just your server but your backup tapes and drives? Onsite backups can also be susceptible to theft. Having secure off-site, or even online backup, is simply the smart thing to do to ensure quick recovery when trouble comes to town.
FIX BROKEN ACCESS CONTROLS ON YOUR FILE SERVER
Many businesses have folders with confidential data residing on a file server with overly permissive access controls. Why take the risk of having a disgruntled—even former—employee access and misuse this data when access can be limited to only those in the company who need it? Only give access to users who actually need it to do their jobs and limit access to everyone else. And don’t forget to ensure that a user is fully removed in the event they leave the company or go on extended time off.
BE SURE TO TEST RESTORES
It happens time and time again: Business owners think they have a data backup plan in place. Tapes are changed diligently each day, and everything appears to be backed up and good to go. However, it turns out the backups haven’t been working for months, sometimes even years, right at the very moment they’re needed. Either the backups were corrupt and rendered useless or large segments of data were not being backed up. This happens far more often than anyone cares to admit. Don’t let it happen to you.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT PLAN AND TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORT IT
As a Managed Services Provider (MSP), one of our core competencies is cybersecurity and a pillar of security is data backup. We have proven methodologies, the best technologies, and plan templates that can help you create the right backup strategy that will not fail should the worst happen. We can even run, manage, optimize, and detect potential threats and liabilities for you. Just contact us if you’d like to get some help. That’s what we do every day.