Why businesses can’t afford to neglect data backups

Before we look into the actual strategies of data backup, it’s worth knowing why exactly data backup is so important and why businesses really can’t afford to neglect it.

Simply put, data backup is so crucial because it significantly reduces the risk of data loss. If for any reason – because of a cyberattack or a failure in the system – you loose access to your data, data backup will allow you to recuperate a copy of it and make it accessible again.

The most common causes of data loss are system failures, human errors and cyberattacks (including viruses, malware and ransomware). These are all things that can happen to your organisation at any time, and may cost you a lot of money.

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Statistics when it comes to data backups are very clear: a study by Consoltech found that as much as 70% of small businesses close within a year of a large data loss. Why? Because the price of such an event is not only money but also reputation and trust of the customers. There is no doubt it’s better to take care of your data backup right now.

The 3 basic types of data backup: full, incremental and differential

Data backup strategies typically include three basic types of backups:

• full,
• incremental,
• and differential.

A full backup involves copying all the data in a specific set of files or an entire system to a backup storage medium. It captures all the data in its entirety, regardless of whether it has been changed since the last backup. Because of how it is done, full backups give the most complete protection.

Incremental backups are much faster than the full backup, as they involve copying data that has been changed or created since the last backup, be it a full one or a previous incremental one.

Differential backups on the other hand capture all data that has been changed or created since the last full backup.

With that knowledge in mind, let’s have a look at 9 data backup strategies that will help you protect your data.

Data backup strategies for your business

Cloud storage

Cloud storage is a fantastic, popular and effective way to protect your data. It involves storing data on remote servers maintained by a third party cloud service provider and making it accessible from any computer or mobile device with an internet connection.

Such a solution offers scalability, accessibility, data synchronisation and security. It also allows organisations to delegate their backup activities to an external partner.

3-2-1 backup rule

The 3-2-1 backup rule is one of the best rules to use when thinking about implementing a backup strategy. It means you need to create three different copies of your data, put it on two different storage types and keep one copy offside, meaning not in the same physical location as the other copies.

It is a straightforward and reliable strategy as it offers a balanced approach to data backup. What’s more, because of its easiness, it is great and doable both for organisations and individuals.

Hybrid backup solutions

A hybrid backup solution is a comprehensive data backup strategy that combines the strengths of both on-premises (local) and cloud-based backup methods. It leverages the advantages of each to provide a flexible and robust data protection strategy.

Periodic automated backups

Periodic automated backups involve regularly scheduled, automated backups of your data. They are characterised by the systematic, recurring creation of backup copies at defined intervals, ensuring that your data is consistently protected without requiring manual intervention.

It’s a strategy that is suitable for a wide range of users, from individuals to businesses, and can be customised to meet specific data protection requirements and compliance needs.

Continuous Data Protection (CDP)

Continuous Data Protection (CDP) is an advanced data backup strategy that provides real-time or near-real-time data protection of your data by continuously capturing and backing up changes to data as they occur. CDP ensures that data is backed up virtually as soon as it is created or modified, offering the highest level of data recovery.

Such a strategy is particularly valuable for mission-critical applications and environments where minimising data loss and ensuring data accuracy are of paramount importance.

Backup versioning

Backup versioning involves retaining multiple versions of files and data over time.

This strategy is characterised by creating and maintaining a history of changes to files and data, allowing you to revert to specific points in time when needed. Properly configured backup versioning can help ensure data integrity and facilitate effective data recovery.

Onsite backups

Onsite backups, also known as local backups, are a data backup strategy that involves storing copies of your data in physical locations within your premises or on local devices, such as a separate hard drive.

This strategy offers advantages such as fast data access and recovery, as well as control over your data.

Offsite backups

Offsite backups involve storing copies of your data in a physical location that is separate from your primary data storage site. This strategy provides an extra layer of protection by safeguarding your data against on-site disasters and risks.

By storing your data in a remote location, you enhance your data’s resilience and ensure that it remains accessible even in challenging circumstances. Whether through cloud services or other offsite storage options, offsite backups are a fundamental part of data protection and disaster recovery planning.

Document your backup and restore plan

A thorough backup and restore plan is essential for mitigating risks associated with data loss and system failures.

Documenting this plan involves a clear roadmap for regular backups, delineating storage locations, retention policies, and backup methods.

Additionally, it assigns roles, outlines recovery procedures, and establishes testing protocols, creating a structured framework for swift and efficient data restoration in critical scenarios. Ultimately, this documentation streamlines the process, enabling quick recovery and minimising disruptions to business operations.

Conclusion: building a resilient data backup strategy for long-term success

Data backup is not just a best practice and should not be limited to a particular type of companies. It’s a critical requirement for businesses of all sizes.

If you neglect it, it can result in data loss, downtime, financial losses, legal issues, and reputational damage. To protect your valuable data assets and ensure your continued success, your organisation must invest in robust data backup and recovery solutions as soon as possible.

If you are keen to know more or to start implementing data backup strategies within your company , do not hesitate to contact our IT specialists, who will be happy to guide you on every step of your data journey.