Summary
Data backups ensure company data can be brought back from unexpected data loss, caused by hardware failures, human errors or malware. External devices like flash drives and hard drives, keep your files safe away from a computer and stored physically. Cloud services can store these files online and can be easily edited when needed.
What Does a Data Backup Mean for You?
You and your business have critical information, including personnel, client, financial, and a variety of other data, that needs to be securely maintained. In the event of a system failure, be it hardware, human error, malware, etc., it is important that this information is stored in more than one location. This helps to prevent unrecoverable data loss.
How Do I Make Sure My Data is Safe?
There are many ways to store different types of data. The method you use to back up your data should be chosen depending on the nature of the files being stored.
USB Stick
A USB stick (jump/flash/thumb drive, memory stick, etc.) is best used for less critical information, and temporary storage. Due to the way files are stored on these drives, and the small size of the device, they are not intended for long term storage.
External Hard Drive
External drives are similar to USB sticks, but often with larger capacity, and better long term storage capabilities. These devices are better suited for long-term storage, where the files do not need to be accessed frequently.
Cloud Storage
Cloud storage is storing your data on an internet-accessible storage device. This allows for easy access to your data by multiple users, and locations, but also leaves it vulnerable to hacking. Commercial cloud services are best used for personal files, and not for sensitive data.
Onsite/Offsite Storage
A server or other networked device managed by your company can give you the benefits of Cloud Storage, while maintaining security of your data. By limiting access to the device and data, you reduce the risk of hacking, while also keeping your data easily available when you need it.
Types of Backups
Backing up your data can take many forms, but often fall into one of a few categories:
Image
An image, or full backup, is a complete copy of the data and its environment. This is the most comprehensive method, ensuring all files are the same, and located in the same place, but also takes the most space to store, and the longest time to restore in the event of a failure.
Incremental
An incremental backup is a partial backup, only backing up files that have been modified since the last incremental backup. This allows for minimal impact on the user during the backup process, as the full backup is built over time with each new file created.
Differential
Differential backups are similar to incremental, backing up only files modified since the last full backup. This allows for a more complete file history than the incremental backup, while still remaining as unobtrusive as possible to the user.
Mirror
A mirror is an exact copy of the data as it is saved, both creating and deleting content as the user makes the changes. This creates minimal impact on the user, but also prevents restoration of files in the event of accidental deletion.
Regardless of the method of storage, backing up your data can prevent significant losses, and avoid major headaches.
For more information about Orillia ProNet’s backup and data recovery see here