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1. Review your data backup and retention policy regularly
Regular policy reviews ensures your backup strategy is in line with your changing business needs and data growth. A well-defined, up-to-date backup documentation provides control, accountability, and reliability by having a clear and consistent method for data recovery.
2. Backup data locally
As a first line of defence, all of your important files should be backed up locally. Backup on portable hard disk or drives allows for easy retrieval and gives you control of your files. However, they are prone to hardware failures, theft and damage from physical disasters.
3. Create a secondary off-site backup for BCP
Having another copy of your important files in a different location other than your office is essential for business continuity planning. In the event your first backup fails or if your office catches fire for example, having an off-site backup means your files are always available and recoverable.
4. Automate and verify your backups
Automating backup alleviates the tedious daily administrative duties and eliminates human lapses. However, never assume that they are always running, you still need to periodically check to confirm that the automated backups are indeed running as scheduled.
5. Test your recovery speed
When your business is disrupted, every second of the recovery process matters. Test your plan and ensure that the restore process works as it is supposed to. Then, when disaster does strike, you will be ready.
6. Encrypt your backup
Encryption is a process to protect your data via a secret password, pass phrase or other types of encryption keys. It prevents your sensitive backup data from being accessible by unwanted parties, if your hard drive is stolen. If you are using cloud backup, do ensure it has robust protection against cyber attacks or data leakages for data in-transit and in the cloud.
7. Ensure your system is scalable
Data grows with your business - it grows daily and at a fast pace. Unlike traditional storage systems, the cloud offers unmatched scalability and flexibility. Prioritising it from the start leads to lower maintenance costs and higher agility.
8. Don't forget about data compliance
Moving to the cloud does not transfer that responsibility to the cloud provider; you still have to take ownership of this. You still need to make sure 3rd party solution providers meet your industry requirements and that you also have proper controls in place to meet your data management responsibilities.