Key points:
- Test backups regularly: Regular backup testing confirms that data is complete, uncorrupted, and recoverable during ransomware attacks, system failures, or accidental deletion.
- Establish a recovery plan: A documented disaster recovery plan describes how backups are restored, helping businesses reduce downtime and recover more quickly after an incident.
- Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule: Keep three copies of data on two different storage types, with one copy stored offsite.
- Manage folder and document permissions: Limit access to files and folders to reduce the risk of accidental deletion, insider threats, and unauthorized changes.
- Encrypt backup data: Ensure backup copies are protected by encryption at rest and in transit to prevent unauthorized access.
- Maintain a consistent backup schedule: Automated, frequent backups ensure the most recent data is protected and available for recovery.
Disasters happen, whether it’s a natural disaster like a hurricane or tornado that damages property or a cyberattack that leaves your business reeling. When a disaster comes your way, it’s important to be equipped with the right tools and practices in place to avoid complete data loss. Unfortunately, without proper backups in place, some organizations can find themselves unprepared to recover critical business data. In IBM’s yearly Cost of a Data Breach report, they found that the global average cost of a data breach in 2023 was USD 4.45 million, a 15% increase over the past three years. That’s an expensive accident.
Aside from financial implications, data loss can cause a multitude of problems including an interruption in business and productivity, legal consequences, or even business closure.
Why data backup is important
The benefit of data backup is often unseen, as organizations won’t know the actual cost of a data breach until something happens. And if they don’t already have backups in place, then it’s too late. Here are a few reasons why organizations need to prioritize comprehensive backups.
Data loss prevention
Of course, the number one reason data backup is important is to prevent data loss. Companies should prepare for the worst, which includes implementing a comprehensive backup and recovery plan.
Access to archived data
Many industries such as finance and healthcare are subject to audits and will need to have easy access to records.
Increased productivity
When disaster strikes and end users lose their documents, having a backup in place means that they can quickly recover existing data and they won’t have to spend valuable time recreating lost data.
Better data security
If you find yourself at the mercy of ransomware, data backups give you peace of mind knowing that all of your important data is stored elsewhere, and damage done can be swiftly reversed.
Disaster is hard to prevent entirely
Organizations should invest in preventative measures for their data protection by utilizing security and endpoint management solutions. However, the impact of a disaster can’t always be mitigated, especially in the case of natural disasters. Backups help prevent complete data loss in the face of disaster.
People make mistakes
Not every instance of data loss will be due to a large disaster or major cyberattack. Many times, end users with access to important company data can accidentally erase it. Backups just allow you to recover a copy of that data quickly.
8 tips on keeping your data secure
Having a backup solution in place is one thing, but there are additional steps of security that you can take to ensure your data remains safe, even after it’s backed up.
Test your backups
Imagine this: your business is hit by a major ransomware attack. You’ve been backing up your data on a schedule, but when you try and recover it, you discover that some of the files are corrupt and cannot be restored. When you implement your backup solution, make sure that backup testing is done regularly to ensure the health of the backed-up data.
Don’t forget about recovery
Having backups is one thing, but having a recovery plan in place is something else entirely. When disaster strikes, you want to be sure that you can recover those backups quickly and efficiently. Disaster recovery plans will have multiple components that consist of corrective measures, clearly assigned roles, communication plans, and more.
Remember the 3-2-1 backup rule
This is a basic rule of thumb when it comes to backing up data, and for good reason. This rule dictates that you have three copies of your data, stored on two different types of media, with one copy kept offsite. For example, this means that you could have two copies in different on-site hardware and one backup in the cloud. This gives you more opportunities for restoration and recovery.
Keep folders and documents protected
In the 2021 Varonis Global Data Risk Report, on average, 33% of all folders used by a company are open to everyone. With that many people accessing various documents, there’s a good chance that someone may accidentally create or delete important data without knowing.
Encrypt your backups
Encryption converts data into an unreadable format that can be accessed only with the correct decryption keys. This protects sensitive information at rest and during data transfer from unauthorized access and cyberattacks. In addition, security frameworks such as GDPR and HIPAA require encryption to safeguard sensitive data and limit access to authorized users only. Many backup solutions, like Ninja Backup, include encryption for data at rest and in transit.
Create a backup schedule
Set up a schedule in your organization to regularly maintain backups. By keeping to a schedule, you can ensure your backups are always up to date. Performing them regularly will help to guarantee the safety of your data.
Automation is your friend
Consistently following your backup schedule can be challenging. Using dedicated backup software with automation allows you to schedule your backups and avoid human error.
Continuously monitor your backups
This goes hand-in-hand with testing your backups, but when you set up your backup workflow, make sure you build monitoring into your process instead of simply setting and forgetting. Some backup platforms feature customizable alerting that notifies IT administrators of anomalous behavior, failed backups, or when specific triggers are met. Leveraging continuous monitoring and alerting allows IT teams to respond quickly to potential issues. Otherwise, you may not see the errors until it’s too late.
NinjaOne Backup
In the dynamic landscape of cybersecurity threats and data vulnerabilities, NinjaOne Backup stands as a robust and reliable solution, providing an essential lifeline for businesses seeking to safeguard their critical information. Its automated and continuous backup process, coupled with its ability to swiftly recover encrypted data, ensures organizations can mitigate the potentially catastrophic consequences of data loss due to ransomware attacks or other unforeseen disruptions. With NinjaOne Backup as a cornerstone of defense, businesses can confidently navigate the digital realm, knowing that their valuable data is fortified against the ever-evolving challenges of the modern IT landscape.
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