To add to our previous tech tips on how to avoid security breaches, we are now focusing on the importance of backing up your data. I am sure many of you have lost a device and with it some treasured photos, however for a business, it’s even more critical to ensure your data is safely stored and easily accessible. Remember, employing the right cyber security techniques consistently will reduce the chances of a malicious attack succeeding, however, hackers are always looking for new ways to break in, so having a back up plan is critical and central to your Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery plan (BCDR).
Why do I need to back up my data?
Your data (e.g. emails, documents, photos, spreadsheets etc.) lives on your device so, unless you save the data somewhere else as well, if your device fails, is physically stolen or is hacked, your data is lost. Furthermore, in the case of ransomware being installed, there could be threats to withhold key and/or sensitive information unless a ransom is paid.
Follow the 3-2-1 rule
The key aspects of data back up are to ensure that you have multiple copies of the data in more than one location. The “3-2-1 Rule” is often referred to as best practice for back up, having: Three copies of your data, Two formats e.g. internal drive plus external media and One copy offsite (to read more have a look at Acronis’ website).
Why is this so important?
If something goes wrong with your devices, whether this be from hardware failure or someone with malicious intent, being able to swiftly, easily and safely access your data is crucial. Following the 3-2-1 rule might seem challenging, especially for those with only a small number of devices, however, cloud solutions can help achieve the “different locations” aspect of this principle. Following a step-based analysis can be very helpful in finding the right solution for your specific set up:
(1) – where is my data at the moment? (server, local PC, cloud)
(2) – which devices need to be backed up?
(3) – how much data do I need to back up? (even if cloud-hosted already, email and documents still need to be backed up)
(4) – how quickly do I need to be able to recover my data?