Data is the lifeblood of any business, so preserving it is vital. In case of server failures, network attacks, or deletion of files, a comprehensive backup solution is the only way to recover lost data.
Yet despite having with this knowledge, many Australian businesses are still at risk. This is largely because they don’t fully understand how to deploy an effective backup solution; and how to restore files when disaster strikes. That’s why more and more companies are turning to managed data backup services.
What is managed data backup services?
Data backups’ biggest problems often stem from a lack of time and expertise. For instance, many believe that saving their files on an external hard drive is a viable backup strategy, but this could not be farther from the truth. Hard drives are prone to lose and deteriorate, hence, it is not a proper backup option.
It’s also easy for the process of backing up data to external hard drives to fall by the wayside. After all, you and your employees have more pressing concerns than making copies of your files minute-to-minute.
With poor management of backup, you run the risk of prolonged, expensive downtime when something goes wrong.
What will a managed data backup team provide?
A managed backup services give you a team of certified engineers who will protect you from every conceivable eventuality. They generally provide the following:
- Risk assessments – Upon subscription, the provider will evaluate the level of risk. This may concern data breaches and natural disasters. Then they’ll determine which files need to be backed up, how frequently to do it, and what type of hardware and software to use.
- Onsite backups – For relatively safe businesses from having to endure natural disasters, storing data on a local server or tape drive makes sense. However, this is usually complemented by a cloud storage solution in case some physical damage does occur.
- Public cloud storage – Signing up for the public cloud means the cloud will keep your data in multiple offsite servers; there are virtually no upfront hardware costs, and you can expect to pay only for the storage you use.
- Private cloud storage – In an industry with strict data compliance regulations like healthcare or financial services, private cloud storage is ideal because the offsite servers, network, and compliance protocols can be designed to your specific security and recovery time requirements.
- Scheduled backups – Regardless of which type of cloud storage service you choose, providers will routinely back up your data without interrupting your work.
- Universal recovery – This feature allows you to restore your files to any device as long as it’s connected to the company network.
- Service-level agreements – These contracts specify guaranteed uptime minimums and highlight what you can expect from the provider. Reputable providers usually guarantee 99% uptime and add ongoing maintenance services to their SLAs.
However, a managed backup provider’s essential service is testing your backup and recovery solutions. This will ensure your organisation is ready when disaster strikes.
Mitigating data loss damages
As a small or mid-sized business, you may think that backing up data isn’t necessary and that it’s reserved for large enterprises with massive stores of sensitive information. But the reality is that everyone must have one.
According to a recent study by Ponemon Institute, Australian companies pay an average of $139 per compromised record, which can be disastrous if you lose a month’s or even a day’s worth of data. And that’s not even including the productivity loss, non-compliance penalties, and loss of customer trust.
The cost of signing up for managed data backup is tiny compared with the potential productivity loss caused by downtime. Especially if you store your data in the cloud. Customers are also likely to have more trust, knowing that you have taken appropriate measures to secure their data.
Complete data redundancy
Regarding backups, you always want to abide by the 3-2-1 rule. This means that you must have at least three copies for every file you create. Two copies must be in local storage, while one must be in remote storage. For example, you can have a setup where files are stored in an onsite server, USB drive, and the private cloud.
Managed backup providers adhere to this golden rule. They even replicate your data in multiple cloud facilities to prevent loss from fires, power outages, and theft. So if one set of backups fails, you’ll still be able to access your files as long as you have an internet connection and a functional computer.
Data security
Data is a precious commodity not just for businesses but for hackers, too. If you manage your backups without help, you may be missing important steps to protect them from malware and other cyberattacks. Also, if your office lacks surveillance systems, security guards, and entryway keypads, hackers can walk into your server rooms and wreak havoc.
In addition to all the security measures above, a managed backup provider will also:
- install advanced encryption systems,
- stringent access control systems,
- data loss prevention tools, and
- proactive monitoring services.
The chances of hackers gaining access to your backups are zero to none.
Ransomware protection
In recent years, ransomware, a malicious program designed to lock down computers and take data hostage, has grown extremely popular with hackers because of the huge payouts. Ransomware attacks like Cryptolocker and WannaCry demand $300 to $600 to unlock each computer. This is a hefty price if your network has hundreds of PCs.
There’s also no guarantee that cybercriminals will keep their word and provide you with the decryption key. A solid, managed backup solution is the best way to recover from these attacks without paying huge sums. It should allow you to wipe your infected computers and load fresh copies of your files in just a few minutes.
Survive every disaster
Ultimately, managed data backup gives you the confidence to know that you can withstand any data-loss event. The best part is you barely have to touch anything. Everything from the implementation and employee training to testing your backup and recovery plan is fully managed, so you’re free to focus on more pressing business issues.
At Empower IT, we offer the best-managed backup services in Australia. We’re partnered with industry-leading backup vendors like Microsoft, StorageCraft, and Veeam to provide you with cutting-edge tools that ensure data security and business continuity. For more information on our services, call us today.
