No matter the size of your business, you likely handle a lot of data. From customer credit card information to vendor emails, you must ensure all your data is stored securely. This is where a good backup strategy comes in. Here are some tips that can help you with your data backup protocols.

1. Develop a plan

The first step in creating a solid backup strategy is to have a plan. This can seem daunting, so it is best to keep things simple if you feel overwhelmed. Consider your operational needs, budget, and current infrastructure. Here are some other things to remember when making your data backup plan.

• The amount of information you use and store
• Laws and regulations that govern how you store data
• What disasters may happen (both natural and manmade)
• Who will manage the data
• Any security needs your business may have

2. Always keep compliance in mind

Some industries have stricter laws than others when it comes to data. This is especially true for those that handle sensitive data like healthcare, aviation, and banking. Regulatory compliance is a vital part of any backup management plan, but it requires knowledge of your industry, upkeep, and training. Look for plan options and products made specifically for your industry to make compliance easier.

3. Pick the right system for your needs

When you create a data backup management plan, it is good to do some research first. You can look at how other businesses have handled their plans, product reviews, and testimonials about companies others have worked with. Here are the most common options for data backup that you can choose from.

• Onsite: Choosing this option means that your data backups will be at your location(s). You will have hardware and software that you will need to maintain and keep safe to some degree.
• Offsite: If you choose offsite backups, your data will be stored on someone else’s hardware. You may still be responsible for software, but the equipment will not be at your location.
• Combined: You can have both onsite and offsite data backups, and this is often recommended in order to have redundancy.

Remember to think about future data use. You should also consider whether or not you need to protect your data physically with security or only digitally. Hiring a company can be a good idea, especially if you need help with planning and implementing a strategy.

4. Don’t forget about testing and training

Backups ensure that you won’t lose any information in case of an emergency. That includes threats from hackers, unauthorized people coming into your location, and natural disasters like floods. It is important to remain vigilant at all times when it comes to your data, so you should be prepared for anything. Make sure you and your team regularly train to keep yourselves aware and test your protocols to make sure you don’t need to update them.

Need help with your data backup management?

The team at Andrews & Associates can help! We offer a variety of Services designed to give you the best in safety and efficiency. If you’re an existing client, you can Request Support from a team member as well. Give us a call at (806) 242-1088 to set up a consultation today!