5 Backup Mistakes to Avoid

As we have become used to technology, and as our business data have become paramount to the business operation and well-being, backups are not unfamiliar territory for most of us, of course, the concept existed long before it became known as such, but the key point here is it’s importance in keeping client’s data – and company data in general – safe and accessible.

Many reasons why this is important, which range from having a copy of a file in case it gets damaged or, in many instances, protection from a cyberattack.

Back-Up Options

Full back up

As suggested by its name, this is the process of copying everything considered important for the business and must not be lost or compromised in any way.

Incremental backup

This is a little different than the previous one since it must consider the files and the changes made to these, ensuring they are up to date with the new or latest data.

This also must consider new files and new copies (or versions) of those files. Properly done, incremental backups will ensure you have the latest, saving time and space at the same time.

Differential backup

Like the previous one in basic structure, with this approach, we want to make copies of new files and the ones which have had changes. It is highly recommended not to do this as a manual process.

Where to Save the Backup

Once you have determined which type of backup is the right one for your business, then comes the decision of where to save it, of course.

Currently, either by design or chance, we have to deal with remote work and office setups. It only makes sense to go to cyberspace. This allows for easy collaboration and accessibility.

From our own experience and practice, a 3 Redundant Hosting Datacenters is a very secure and safe way to go about it.

The 5 Mistakes to Avoid

1. Backups and originals on the same hardware

The primary idea of the backup is to have a copy that can be retrieved, and it is safe. Makes no sense of saving a said copy in the same hardware which, if compromised, will also compromise the backup.

2. Not running a test

It is not enough to have a backup – it must be tested to verify it was successfully saved and the information is correct and accessible. This is as important as making the backup itself.

3. Backup Labels

Perhaps not the most vital since having a backup is the important thing but creating labels with dates and other key data can save you and your team tremendous amounts of time when looking for some specific file or when retrieving information.

4. Backup Frequency

It is of most importance to have backups be made or updated frequently, otherwise you risk not having the “latest entry”, defeating the purpose of the backup in the first place. Can you imagine being on the 25th of the month and having to return to the data gathered on the last backup made on the 10th?

5. Not having a backup

Last but not least, not making a backup – although impossible to think why your business wouldn’t, has to be noted as the most important mistake to avoid.

Conclusion

In the current environment we are living in, with so many teammates working from home and with the increase of bad actors across cyberspace, data compromise in any way (from virus and phishing to ransomware) not having proper backups is just unthinkable!

The next logical question to ask is, are my backups being made according to a plan and in the correct way for my business model and size?

Your MSP can help you find the right approach to this very important matter.

We proactively approach your business and after inspection propose advance planning and preparation undertaken to ensure that your organization continues to operate its critical functions during emergency events.

Call us today and get started! Tampa Bay Office: (813) 489-4122, Washington D.C. Office: (703) 260-1119