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1.Identify what matters most
2. Keep devices and software up-to-date
3. Implementing
basic protection
4. Turn on MFA
5. Back up your information
6. Create long strong complex passwords
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5. Back-up your information

Back-ups are a critical component of a recovery plan

Back-ups make it easy to retrieve essential files and resume your business operations quickly after an incident. It’s crucial to understand the difference between cloud storage and cloud back-ups, especially if you use a security partner to provide these services. This knowledge will keep you informed and in control.

Cloud storage stores data and files in an offsite location, which means your data is stored in a remote server maintained by the cloud service provider, making them accessible from any device or location.

Cloud back-up creates a secure snapshot, a copy of your files and data at a particular point in time. This provides a way to restore them in case of a data disaster, as it acts as an uncorrupted copy.

Data back-ups are copies of data that can be recovered later typically after a cyber-attack, accidental deletion, or another event that compromises the integrity or availability of data.

Watch our explainer video to learn how to Back-up your information

Ways to back-up your data

Your business back-ups should be kept in a secure location, not directly connected to the business network. Such locations can be an external hard drive or a cloud-based back-up service. After gaining access to your network, or devices, threat actors may deliberately try to tamper with data back-ups to cause further damage. You can stop attackers from doing this by keeping your back-ups air-gapped (separated from the original data it is a snapshot of), which makes them physically isolated and unable to establish external connections. It’s important to note that there are many approaches to data back-ups, giving you the flexibility to choose the one that best suits your business needs. A few of the more common ways to back up data are via:

Cloud-based storage

A good cloud storage service comes with a file management system for simplified access and can offer several advantages for your business.

  • Data security: cloud storage keeps your data secure on remote servers, reducing the risk of data loss due to local server failures. Even if one server goes down, your data is backed up elsewhere.
  • 24/7 access: cloud storage liberates you from the constraints of physical storage, allowing you to access your data anytime, anywhere, from any device, be it a desktop, laptop, mobile phone, or tablet. This flexibility empowers you to work on-the-go without compromising data accessibility.
  • Unlimited capacity: unlike physical hard drives, cloud storage provides virtually infinite space for your data.
  • Reduced IT costs: cloud storage can significantly reduce the need for high specification office computers; a simple internet connection is all you need. This cost-effective solution can provide relief, knowing you’re making smart financial decisions for your business.
  • Enterprise-level security: cloud providers implement robust security measures to protect your data.
  • Scalability: easily add or remove storage space as your business.

Back-up services

Using a dedicated back-up service can significantly enhance data security for your business. These specialised services can be tailored for individual users, providing a comprehensive and secure data recovery solution in the event of a data breach or loss. Should you encounter a situation like a malware attack that renders your files inaccessible, restoring your data is a simple process that often just involves clicking a restore button. However, it’s essential to understand that most of these back-up services require a monthly subscription fee, which can vary depending on the features and storage capacity you choose. This investment, while periodic, can prove invaluable in safeguarding your critical business information.

Best back-up strategy for your business

Be sure to ask the right questions before deciding on a back-up solution.

It’s important to consider the following:

  • Whether you store your back-up in a hard drive off-site, or in a cloud solution off-premises.
  • Where the data is stored, e.g. is it in the EU?
  • What physical access controls are in place?
  • Who has access to the data?
  • Is your sensitive customer data stored in the solution?