6 tips to help strengthen your data backup strategy

Navigating the digital landscape has become very difficult for businesses in Canada. With a surge in cyber threats, ranging from viruses to malware, safeguarding your data has become very important. Protecting your sensitive information is essential for your business operations and helps safeguard your customers.

The face of cyber threats

In Canada, cyber threats are evolving rapidly. The statistics speak for themselves: cyber-attacks have resulted in $600 million stolen since 2021. Because of this surge, many businesses have had to invest heavily to aid in their recovery and assist with business continuity.

Revisiting data backup

Data backup remains an integral part of your cyber defense plan, acting as a safety net in a growing cyber landscape. As threats become more diverse and unpredictable, understanding the essentials of data backup is critical. Let’s address some common questions and concerns to help you bolster your data backup strategy.

What data needs to be backed up?

The short answer is everything. When cyber-attacks take place, it’s challenging to predict what specific data perpetrators might target. Cyber breaches come in various forms. Therefore, it’s important not to undermine your ability to recover after an attack by only backing up some of your data. From sensitive credit card information to customer names and addresses, treat all data as vital.

How often should you back up data?

Frequency plays a crucial role in establishing a robust data safety net. While manual data backups can be time-consuming, most experts recommend a full backup at least once a week. For daily operations, it’s advisable to back up each day’s transactions, depending on the pace at which your data changes. Luckily, there are data backup programs available, and many can be tailored to your business’ unique requirements.

Exploring different approaches to data backup

Not all data backup methods are created equal. There are three primary types to consider:

Full backup: This method creates a copy of your entire data set. While this is comprehensive, it does demand significant time, effort, and storage space.Incremental backup: A middle-ground approach that backs up only the data that has changed since the previous backup. This approach requires less time and effort.Differential backup: Similar to incremental, it tracks changes but retains all data that has changed since the last full backup.

Each method has its merits and suits specific business needs. Choosing the right one is crucial.

Ensuring data backup integrity

Merely backing up data is not enough; you should confirm that it matches the current data in your system. Regularly test your backup integrity to guarantee that your data will be accessible when needed. Quarterly tests are considered a best practice, and they involve retrieving a backed-up file, opening it on a separate system, and comparing it to the original to confirm data consistency.

Avoiding common data backup mistakes

Three common pitfalls are: inconsistent backups, untested backup processes, and on-site storage. Consistency is a key part of a robust data backup strategy, as is regular testing. Furthermore, storing backups offsite is essential to mitigate risks.

Ensure your business is protected with the right insurance

In today’s digital landscape, a proactive stance against cyber threats is critical. Protecting your data is not just a precaution; it’s a strategic choice to help bolster your business’s security. To further protect your business, consider cyber insurance tailored to your business. Learn more by visiting our cyber insurance page.

This blog is provided for information only and is not a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information and will not be responsible for any loss arising out of reliance on the information.