Are you backed up?
This seems like a simple question, but it is helpful to understand the strategies involved and make sure your goals are being met. At a minimum, data must be stored separately from the device you are using. Appropriately done, this backup is stored in a safe location to protect from a disaster that wipes out the original and the backup. Think fire, flood, theft, sabotage, and other disasters. Your insurance company will likely ask you about your security and backup policy. There are many questions to consider when crafting a solution:
What is the type of data? Word processing and spreadsheets can be pretty straightforward, while graphic design files, email, and cloud data present many different challenges.
Is the data shared? Server and cloud storage have additional challenges because many users may be editing.
How much data? Local backups and cloud backups must be able to hold the current files and provide historical snapshots. Internet bandwidth can play a significant role.
How much history is needed? It may be important to track changes to a file for a month, a year, or forever. Files that are deleted either accidentally or maliciously need to be retrievable.
Is there a data retention policy? Some companies are required to purge data beyond a pre-set age.
How sensitive is the data? Accounting, medical and legal records have different needs than other data types.
Is there a need to archive data? While similar to a backup, an archive is often structured differently for security and cost-effectiveness.
How fast do you need to retrieve a backup? While backup cloud storage can be inexpensive and convenient, recovering a server’s data can take weeks.
How could you monitor and test these solutions? Plans should be tested for speed, accuracy, and real-time reports if there are backup errors.
The question “Are you backed up?” can be answered much more confidently when these and more questions are answered. We have seen almost every situation, from theft, sabotage, fires, hackers, etc. SideKick Solutions offers custom backup consulting and services for small businesses and organizations to provide that confidence.
-Dwayne Schwartz
