If you've ever accidentally deleted an important file or experienced a hard drive failure, you know how devastating it can be to lose valuable data. Whether it's cherished photos or crucial work documents, being impacted by lost files, even one time can have an individual converted to a lifelong advocate of the practice of regular backups.
Now, when it comes to businesses and the countless crucial documents that pertain to an organization's operations, the significance of backing up employees' computer files is amplified. At Premier IT, we are experts in providing comprehensive IT support and management services for all technology needs and in this article we'll share our expertise on backups and protecting the information that is important to your business.
Why Computer Backups Are Necessary for Businesses
Losing data isn't just an inconvenience; lost data can be catastrophic for businesses of any size. Computer backups should be performed regularly and accurately for organizations to protect sensitive company and customer information.
Here's why they matter:
Protect Sensitive Company Information
Backups ensure critical business data like customer details and financial records are safe from being accidentally deleted or lost due to failed hardware or cyberattacks.
Compliance with Industry Regulations
Businesses in certain industries, such as healthcare or financial services, are often required to maintain copies of their data for regulatory compliance purposes. Regular backups can help them keep private information protected and easily retrievable, avoiding potential fines and maintaining compliance.
Protect Against Cybersecurity Threats
With reoccurring backups, even if hackers manage to breach your systems, your organization will have the ability to restore your data and avoid paying potential ransom.
Minimize Downtime After Disasters
Downtime and inability to access files can occur temporarily or long-term due to unforeseen incidents, from a power outage to a ransomware attack. Having backups means you can recover quickly, reduce downtime, and keep your business operations on track.
Related Article: How Managed Backup Solutions Can Save Your Business
Best Practices for Computer Backups
We have a few recommendations for businesses when planning your organization's backup procedures.
Follow the 3-2-1 Backup Rule
To make sure your organization's data is protected, we recommend the 3-2-1 backup rule. This means you should maintain three copies of your important data: the original file and two backups. These backups should be stored on at least two different types of devices, such as an external hard drive and a cloud storage solution. For added protection, you'll want to keep one of these backups off-site. This could be a physical copy at a different location or a remote cloud storage solution, which protects your data in case of theft, fire, or natural disasters at your primary site.
Work with a Managed Backup and Recovery Provider
One of the best practices for protecting your organization's essential documents and files is working with a managed service provider specializing in backup and recovery practices. At Premier IT, we are experienced in supporting businesses, large and small, in defining and implementing the appropriate backup method for their business. Whether you are making a backup plan for the first time, revisiting an existing procedure or need help navigating the loss of critical data, we can help.
This is an updated article that was originally published in 2021.
Premier IT is a Minnesota based managed IT services provider with a dedicated IT support team that manages all your technology needs. We pay attention to the details so you can focus on what you do best. We provide technical consulting, hosted infrastructure, computer & network support, security, Microsoft support, repairs, network monitoring and more. If your small business needs reliable technical support, contact our team of experienced technicians and engineers.