Data Backup: Importance & the Different Data Backup Storage Options

24 August 2021

Nowadays, digital data plays a significant role in small-large scale businesses. In this internet-driven world, storing essential data has become easier. Moreover, after the advent of cloud computing, individuals access, secure, and protect business data with ease.

But, due to an unwanted cyber-attack, you might end up losing the company’s sensitive information. As a result, you might face severe business loss due to this sudden data breach. Thus, consider backing up the necessary data to avoid the data loss scenarios. It will be even helpful in safeguarding the organisation’s reputation.

Sometimes, you might even accidentally delete important media files. Due to an electrical breakdown, at times, the computer/laptop might shut down suddenly. In certain instances, it gets difficult to further assess the unsaved documents. For this reason, starting from an entrepreneur to a college-going student — everyone should take data backup daily. And, there are hefty data backup solutions you can choose from, based on the data size.

Do you know about any of those? Here, we are going to mention the effective options by which you can store and backup every valuable data. But before that, let’s see why an individual should opt for a regular data backup:

Data Backup: What’s It?

With a data backup, you can copy the important data that is stored in smart devices like smartphones or computers. And, during the data loss event, you can further restore the necessary data in these devices. While taking a backup, make sure to store the data in a safe place where the hackers can’t reach it.

It’s hard to determine when the hard drive is going to fail or malware will infect the device. But, when you are taking a data backup, you don’t have to fret over data loss scenarios. And, if you fail to store the required information on the devices, make sure to contact data recovery Dubai experts.

Potential Reasons why an Individual Should take a Data Backup

Most of the individuals tend to neglect backing up the sensitive data in a secured place. But, that’s a major mistake, and you should never do that in the first place. Whether it’s a school assignment or a photo from a business trip, you should take a backup of everything.

Once you restore them in another location, access them anytime you want. Moreover, you don’t have to take up the hassle of doing the work which you have already done.

Based on a current study, it was analysed that more than 50% of small-scale companies have witnessed data breaching incidents. Even after this, 30% of companies, irrespective of size, never backed up their devices. And, for not backing up the data, 40% of companies have failed to generate adequate amounts of revenue.

Some of the organisations have lost more than 50% of clients after the data loss due to cyber-attacks. So, in a nutshell, it can be stated that data loss can be devastating for every type of business. For this reason, everyone needs to follow a data backup tactic to prevent unforeseen circumstances.

Along with this, when you lose the smart devices, it becomes impossible to recover those stored data. In certain instances, the ones who have taken a backup of that device’s data can further get them back. So, data backup can be an essential part of overcoming digital disasters.

Which type of Data should you consider Backing Up?

Well, you should take a backup of the data that is crucial to the business. Moreover, the school or college students need to restore the files that will serve their educational purposes. If you are into game streaming, then make sure to backup the necessary game files. Still, unable to figure out which data you should transfer to other devices? Here, we have listed out the data which you should consider taking a backup:

• Word processing documents
• Financial databases
• Customer data
• Pictures
• Address Books
• Music files
• Videos
• Emails
• Spreadsheets
• Downloaded documents
• Tax records
• Social media information

But, you should never backup the software-related files or programs on any device. Because you have to further install the applications or programs in the devices. Even after transferring the necessary files of the program, you won’t be able to use it. But, you can save the program-related information, such as the login credentials. As it requires signing in to business applications or software.

Do you deal with business operations? Then, you have to think about backing up a few more things. And, these include essential print-related documents, employee’s data, registry and configuration files. Train your employees to take a data backup after completing their essential work. That’s an effective way to protect the important data of the companies.

What are the Different Business Data Backup Solutions and Data Storage Strategies?

If you haven’t yet developed any data backup strategies, then it’s high time to think about that. Usually, successful companies follow two basic data recovery objectives — RPO and RTO. Do you want to know how these processes work? Well, Recovery Point Objectives signifies the time gap between the data backups.

And, that can be 24 hours, 30 days, even 1 month as well. It’s important to choose a specific timespan of the RTO. Because with shorter RPO time, you can reduce the chance of losing essential company data.

The Recovery Time Objectives denote the time that is required for data restoration. Generally, the small-size data gets transferred easily compared to the large ones. So, while restoring 20 GB of data, it might take more than 20-25 minutes.

And, here is the list of data backup solutions that you should take into account after checking the data size:

Think about A Removable Media Backup Solution:

Usually, with the removal media options, including USB drives, DVDs and CDs that go with desktops and laptops. But, before transferring the files from one computer to another, make sure to choose a compatible removable media option. Additionally, make sure these backup storage options have adequate storage capacity before proceeding to the data transfer process. Some of the removable media don’t come with large storage capacity or security features. On CDs or DVDs, you can restore at least 128 MB files. But, with a USB flash drive, entrepreneurs can transfer 256 GB of data with ease.

Go with External Hard Drives:

Are you looking for an easy-to-use and portable data backup and storage solution? Then, go for switching to SSDs rather than the standard hard drives. Moreover, SSDs offer more storage and take less time to restore large files. Consider transferring the data of 128 GB to 10 TB in the solid-state drives.

Do you know what the best part about external drives is? These sorts of storage options are compatible with every computer and laptop. So, buy one and keep aside the data loss-related worries.

Opt for Applying Cloud Storage Options:

Most of the cloud storage services store the required data in a protected remote location. You can access the documents or files after connecting the device with the internet. Moreover, the chances of data threat are relatively low in this sort of storage option.

Have you used Google Drive, Dropbox or iCloud? Well, then you must know how a cloud storage service works. And, these cloud storage services come with high compatibility and can be accessed from any device. Whether you are an Android or iOS device or computer user, everyone can use cloud-based applications.

Data Backup is the Key to Prevent Data Breaches!

Once you choose the right data backup storage option, certain practices need to be incorporated. You should restore the essential data in three different devices to minimise the risk level. And, every business operator needs to take a regular data backup for safety purposes.

It’s recommended to choose the cloud storage option rather than the removal media. Because, if the USB flash drive or DVD gets damaged, you won’t be able to recover the data. But, this won’t happen with the cloud storage options. So, think before you choose the right backup store option. Consider keeping a printed copy of the essential data like bank statements or tax-related documents. For more recommendations, make sure to contact a data backup service expert!