More businesses are moving toward cloud computing rather than housing expensive, in-house servers and storage options. Using the cloud is more affordable due to its scalability and low maintenance costs. However, using the cloud also comes with some inherent risks.
Backup and recovery protocols are essential for keeping data safe in a business setting. Doing so ensures that essential data is protected in the event of a crash, breach or accidental deletion. Here are some of the best cloud backup and recovery tips for data protection.
Invest in a Third-Party Backup Solution
There are a lot of gray areas regarding coverage and liability when it comes to using the cloud. When using a SaaS provider, their promises of regular data backups and protection don’t always cover a data loss caused by the end-user; those guarantees are more for issues caused on their end. This is why cloud backup and recovery from a reliable third party provider isn’t just recommended; it’s a necessity.
It’s important to remember that a significant data loss will often be the demise of a business, as fixing the resulting issues can cost tens of thousands or even millions of dollars. As such, it’s best to have optimum protection from the get-go.
Prioritize Employee Education
It’s no surprise that human error is the main cause of data breaches and subsequent data losses. The internet has become such a regular part of everyday life, that most employees don’t think twice about browsing the web during their lunch break or downloading a funny meme to send to their co-workers.
In most cases, casual browsing is harmless. However, when something malicious is inevitably accessed, it can have dire consequences. Yes, data backup is essential for recovering lost or corrupted information, but it won’t bring back the time and resources allocated to fixing the problems.
Employee education is an essential part of cloud backup and recovery. Employees that know which files they shouldn’t touch or what’s required of them when saving information is essential. All businesses should have mandatory cybersecurity and data protection training for employees at all levels.
Consider a Hybrid Approach
Many businesses aren’t entirely ready or trusting of the cloud, and thus take a blended approach to their storage and backup. The hybrid cloud refers to storage both in-house and on the public cloud, with fluctuation between both as necessary. If data loss is a significant worry, organizations should consider storing key information in-house while using the cloud for everything else.
A hybrid approach doesn’t negate the need for a cloud backup provider. It does, however, add an extra layer of security surrounding key business information that could keep the business afloat if everything else was lost or corrupted. The hybrid cloud also offers a bit more in-house control.
Automation is Essential
When using cloud services, set up automated backup times. Using automated backups means that no one has to remember to initiate a backup sequence, ensuring around-the-clock protection, even when no one is in the office. Automation also mitigates the risk of human error, which has already been identified as a major issue.
Multiple Copies in Multiple Locations
Cloud technology has nearly eradicated the need for back and forth emails with different versions of files that reflect minor edits. However, for businesses that have multiple locations, it’s essential to have data backups and copies in each area rather than one central storage space.
Having duplicate data prevents the risk of an entire business shutting down due to a natural disaster or data breach in one geographic location. Even businesses with one location should investigate having a local backup option as well as one located elsewhere.
Taking a proactive approach to cybersecurity to prevent data breaches and file corruption is crucial in the modern world. However, it’s also important to have a contingency plan by prioritizing cloud backup and recovery.
