Data Backup Solutions for Your Business

In March 2023, over 40 million records were compromised thanks to cyber attacks. There’s a common misconception that these attacks only happen to big corporations.

In truth, they can happen to anyone. Small businesses and average Joes aren’t immune.

That’s why it’s essential to back up your data at least once a week. Doing so will allow you to recover your data after you’ve cleared your computer of malware.

There are different types of data backup solutions available. You could keep your files on a flash drive, burn them onto a CD, invest in an expensive external hard drive, or utilize the cloud. Check out this quick tech guide to learn more.

Why Is Data Backup Important?

A data backup involves making regular copies of files you don’t want to lose. As stated above, if your computer is infected with malware, you can use the backup to restore your data after you’ve removed the problem.

Viruses aren’t the only thing that could cause you to lose valuable data. You might delete or misplace a file by mistake.

A storm may blow through your area and fry your PC. If you’ve backed up your files, you can transfer them to a new computer.

What Data Should You Backup?

Ask yourself a simple question. “What files can’t be replaced once they’re lost?” Your answer is everything you should keep a copy of.

For most people, this is pictures, address books, videos, music files, spreadsheets, emails, and certain documents.

If you own a business, you’ll want to back up everything mentioned above and valuable customer information, operating systems, and configuration files.

Types of Data Backups

There are three different types of data backups you should familiarize yourself with.

Depending on how often you want to back up your data and the size of your files, you can choose between performing a full, differential, or incremental backup.

Full

As the name suggests, a full backup will make a backup of every single file on your computer. This is not a short process. It could take several hours to complete depending on how many files you have.

It’s suggested to perform a full backup if it’s the first you’ve backed up your files or you haven’t backed them up in a while.

Differential

If you’ve made changes to a file or added more since your last backup, you may perform a differential backup.

Because you’re not backing up too many files, the process won’t take a lot of time.

Incremental

Incremental backups are a lot like differential ones. They only backup files you’ve added or changed since your last backup.

The difference is that it will back up your files no matter if your last backup was full, differential, or incremental.

Data Storage Options

When it comes to backing up data, you’ve got four options. You can use removable media such as a CD or flash drive.

There are also external hard drives, cloud backup, data backup services, and backup appliances.

Removable Media

Removable media is any small portable device that you can put data on. Flash drives and CDs can’t hold a lot of data, so large businesses don’t typically use them.

They’re compatible with most computers and laptops. They don’t come with any special security features, however, so plug them in at your own risk.

If your drive becomes infected with a virus, it will spread across all your files. If you lose your removable media, anyone who finds it will be able to plug it in and access everything on it.

External Hard Drives

Like removable media, external hard drives are physical devices that plug into a computer. The difference is that they provide a lot more storage space.

They can become corrupted. They’re portable, which is convenient, but it also makes them easy to lose. External hard drives are also prone to overheating.

Cloud Back Up

Cloud disaster recovery is a convenient way to protect all your data. As long as you have an internet connection, you’ll have easy access to your files no matter where you are.

You can encrypt your data and make it harder for hackers to get their hands on it.

The cloud has endless storage space, so you’ll never have to worry about deleting your files to make room for new ones. If you do run out of space, you can upgrade your subscription to get more.

Data Backup Service

You may want to invest in a data backup service if you own a large business. It will allow you to leave your confidential files in the hands of a professional so you can concentrate on running your company.

They’ll use software and hardware to manage and encrypt your data. Like with the cloud, you’ll have access to endless space.

Backup Appliances

A backup appliance comes with preinstalled backup software and storage capacity. They can hold a good amount of data, but they’re expensive.

You’ll also have to configure your backup appliance on a normal basis to keep your files safe. This is a complex process that has the potential to end badly if you do something wrong.

Keep Your Data Safe

With the number of data breaches that occur every year, it’s important to invest in a data backup solution. Without it, you leave your files vulnerable to hackers and human error.

As you can see, there are many solutions available. Flash drives are convenient if you can fit all your files in one.

If you need a little more space, cloud technology has you covered. For big businesses, there are backup appliances and data backup services.

For more tips that will help you keep your computer safe, visit the Electronics section of our blog.