Digital data is considered one of the most valuable business resources. Every day, significant volumes of data are created, sent, exchanged, and stored, making them vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

Ransomware is one of the most damaging online threats for organisations worldwide. An estimate reveals that a successful attack costs USD $2.2 million on average, enough to shut down a small enterprise.

Amidst the serious implications of data loss, every entity, especially design-centred companies, must have a robust data backup and recovery strategy.

Why Data Backup And Recovery Is Crucial 

Below are the most compelling reasons to create a fool-proof data backup strategy if your business doesn’t have one.

• Cyber attack rates remain high

Cybercriminals worldwide are launching multiple attacks every second of every day. According to a recent survey, at least 30,000 websites are hacked, and about 300,000 malware programs are created daily.

• Most companies are ill-prepared for these threats

The same source indicated that 66% of small firms experienced at least one online threat in a year, whereas only 14% were prepared for such threats.

Suppose your business falls on the remaining 86%. In that case, it’s best to contact an information technology company near you or go here for an IT company in New Jersey to discuss protection and backup strategies.

• Successful attacks are highly damaging and costly

On average, it takes businesses USD$ 4.35 million to recover from a data breach. The figure represents a slight increase from last year’s USD$ 4.24 million, according to Statista. Of the industries surveyed, the healthcare sector had the costliest recoveries. Without a reliable data backup scheme, the losses can be higher, considering the lawsuits and loss of consumer trust.     

• Don’t forget the physical threats

Businesses should also prepare for offline threats which are less common but equally damaging. Natural disasters like fire, flooding and earthquake can damage business data contained in physical storage or result in prolonged electricity cuts. Additionally, physical storage may be stolen or fail to work, making it impossible to recover data without a solid backup strategy.

• Cybersecurity measures need reinforcement

Several cybersecurity measures are available for business and personal use. Basic ones include installing anti-malware and anti-virus programs, updating software regularly, and maintaining proper cyber hygiene.

But no protection is guaranteed to keep all of these threats at bay. An effective backup strategy is your best defence against data loss due to cyber-attacks and natural disasters. 

What Is A Design-Centred Business?

A design-centric organisation creates products and services that resolve users’ pain points. Instead of focusing on the problem, these entities form a solution while placing themselves in their client’s shoes. Thus, a design-centred organisation covers many businesses that reflect these traits, including product manufacturers and service companies. For example, besides creating a well-designed website, your web company must prioritise user experience by integrating other core business functions, optimising page load speeds, improving navigability, and uploading valuable content to address customers’ issues effectively. 

Data Backup And Recovery Tips

Data backup and recovery strategy enable entities to keep important enterprise data and recover it easily after online attacks and disasters. Common methods include using physical devices such as servers, universal serial bus (USB) keys and external drives. Online storage apps and the cloud are also common backup strategies. 

However, these methods have limitations regarding storage space, security and compliance with regulatory rules. Hiring technology experts will ensure companies can bounce back easily from data losses. 

It’s crucial to take a proactive approach while waiting for a visit from your IT consultants. Take the following steps to ensure your business can withstand a major disruption. 

• Backup your data regularly

Design-centred companies must compile updated data to analyse valuable insights on their clients. The more time they wait for backups, the higher the risk of losing volumes of useful information. In some cases, activating an auto-update function can help.

• Practice the 3-2-1 rule

Many IT experts recommend the 3-2-1 principle, which means; keeping three copies of data on at least two different storage types and storing one copy outside the premises to prevent physical damage. Doing so enables firms to recover enterprise data regardless of which caused the data loss. 

• Use offsite storage

Cloud storage has become the go-to solution for businesses embracing remote working arrangements. The cloud stores data offsite, making it accessible to all team members. Experts recommend backup copies of your business data in two separate locations for better results.

• Encrypt your backup data

This essential cybersecurity practice must also be applied to your backup data to prevent hackers from accessing your data. Without a decryption key, online and offline thieves can’t read sensitive information, making it useless. 

Business permits, tax receipts, accounting books, lease agreements and bank statements are all useful business documents. Hence, secure the physical copies of these forms so that you still have them even when the digital formats are wiped out.

Final Thoughts

In today’s highly digitised world, organisations rely on electronic data to keep their operations going. An enterprise data backup solution is imperative for all businesses, especially design-centred companies which handle volumes of information. 

Protecting enterprise data is a priority for everyone. Valuable resources must be kept secure to facilitate fast and easy recovery when significant disruptions happen. With users’ support, an IT company can help businesses achieve these objectives.