People often think of their networks and data as secure. However, this conception is often incorrect. In January 2022, CNET.com reported that the number of data breaches jumped 68% in 2021. Various authorities counted 1,862 data breaches.
These aren't the only threats to your network that exist. Data corruption, downtime, and several other problems can threaten your business data.
So, how can you protect your data from these threats? The simplest answer is to implement a data backup.
Many people know how to perform a data backup. However, they may wonder how often they need to backup data.
We'll give you some tips to answer this question here. Let's jump right in!
Even seasoned IT professionals face challenges when determining when to backup files.
Several factors could affect how often you should backup files.
First, consider the importance of this company data. How crucial is it to the business?
Then, ask what type of information this data contains. Is it critical tax information and future plans? Or is it files from ten years ago you rarely use?
Next, consider how often this data changes. Does it update often? Can you go a while without recovering this data, or is it essential to your program?
Many experts identify the frequency of data changes as the most important consideration.
Most businesses now create new content daily. The more frequently your data updates, the more you'll need to perform backups.
Finally, think about the best technology for performing the backup. Your business may decide to store its data in the cloud. Alternatively, some files may stay on a backup hard drive.
Not all companies need to back up their data in the same ways or using the same timeframe.
The average medium-sized company will often benefit from backing up data every 24 hours. They may perform incremental backups every 6-8 hours.
But, a small business may not have enough data to justify this frequency. Instead, they may back up their files every few days.
Another question to consider is where you store your files.
Some backup solutions allow for faster and more frequent updates than others.
For example, many small businesses may store their files on backup hard drives, flash drives, or other physical sources. These sources have some advantages, but they can also become damaged.
Similarly, some people may use Google Drive or other systems to back up their files. This method allows for rapid backups, but you can become locked out of Google accounts.
Another option is to store your data with a data backup service. These services store your data on secure cloud servers and provide excellent data recovery. These options are often the fastest and safest solutions for businesses.
Watch our Video: Why You Need Website Backups
These considerations can help you understand when to perform a data backup. Your business's size and backup methods can play a significant role in this decision.
So, examine your company's operations to decide when to backup files. Once you determine how often to backup data, use the best methods to match your schedule.
To that end, consider using our managed IT services! We offer several solutions to help your business thrive. Our packages include cyber security and data backup, so check out our work today!