When a midsize business relies heavily on technology, secure data management becomes vital. Therefore, it is essential for midsize businesses to comprehend the significance of data backup and recovery. Keep reading to learn more.

What is data backup and recovery?

There isn’t any question that a data breach can damage the reputation and resources of a midsize company. An organization of this size may not have the financial assets to incur losses due to decreased customer trust, legal repercussions, and heavy regulatory fines. Therefore, data backup and recovery can help a midsize business prepare for any potential failure, at any given moment.

Although, many midsize businesses do not have enough hardware or staff on hand to effectively manage sufficient data backup and recovery. It does get better. Midsize businesses who do not have the resources on-premises can opt to partner with a managed data backup and recovery provider.

How does managed data backup and recovery secure your data?

Full backup: A full back entails an entire folder for backup. Therefore, there isn’t a single missed data point. So, if a natural or human made disaster occurs, and files are destroyed, you can easily recover your files. This type of backup does take time, but it is worth it in the end.

Differential backup: A differential backup only backs up data since the last full backup. It does not include any changes you have made before then. However, it will backup changes you did make after the last full backup. A differential backup does take less time than a full backup. It is also useful for ensuring all new data changes are saved.

Incremental backup: An incremental backup is somewhat similar to a differential backup where it only saves changes since the last backup. If you have already completed a full backup then you won’t have to do so again. Incremental backups are used to save the changes. Say you already did a full backup of one folder. Then, you added three new files. An incremental backup will save the new files.

A managed backup and recovery vendor will provide consistent backup services to ensure you always have saved copies of new changes. It also ensures you use storage efficiently while decreasing the amount of time it takes for backups and limiting disruptions.

Essential things to know about data recovery

In addition to backup, recovery is another vital aspect of the process. Recovery depicts procedures focused on recovering lost data. There are many reasons why data is lost, it could result from a server failure, malware attack, or even human error.

Data can be recovered from a previous full, differential, or incremental backup. A managed data backup and recovery provider will always have secure copies of your data stored in the cloud and accessible at any time you need it. Another way to recover lost data is by using recovery software.

What is the relationship between data backup and recovery?

Data backup and recovery are overlapping processes. While not exactly alike, they are supportive in nature. Backup is vital for accessing lost or damaged data. Recovery is the reason why you had a backup in the first place. Data recovery focuses on using storage efficiently. In addition, data recovery is focused on mitigating potential damage.

Invariably, data loss is a serious threat for midsize businesses. You may store sensitive data in various locations. Any breach can lead to a business closure or long-term reputational damage and liability costs. So, protect your data by working with a managed data backup and recovery vendor.

Undoubtedly, the daily aspects of running a midsize business is time-consuming, and often management may miss the vulnerabilities. Yet, a worst-case scenario would be where you can’t access your company network or files. Thus, it’s crucial to have a backup and recovery plan well in advance.

There isn’t a digital company today that can afford the repercussions associated with losing data whether it’s due to a cyber attack, natural disaster, or human error. Investing in managed data backup and recovery can save on related costs while offering peace of mind. It’s vital to protect the business data you have worked so hard to create.

Making plans

Even if you’re already aware of the risks around data breaches and other issues, it’s difficult to create a sound backup and recovery plan. Yet, downtime for a few days can prove disastrous. You don’t want a situation where it’s too late to make any plans.

Just because a disaster hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean you should rest on that false sense of security. Many midsize businesses don’t consider themselves a target for cyber criminals because they think they’re too small compared to enterprises. On the other hand, it’s easy to assume that there won’t be any major natural disasters in the near future. However, do natural disasters come around when you expect them to or when you least expect them? Not having a backup and recovery plan can be an expensive mistake.

Unquestionably, midsize businesses are exposed to greater risks because they have fewer resources than an enterprise company. They may not have the resources to hire a full-time IT staff nor will they have the funds to hire the best lawyers. As a result, cyber criminals view midsize businesses as easier targets even if they only house a small amount of data. Data is still data to a threat actor. Don’t wait and wish you could turn back time to start working on your data backup and recovery plan.

A managed data backup and recovery vendor can save on costs over the long term. You can start with a consultation. Many enterprise companies already have backup and recovery plans in place because the risk is too large if anything were to happen to their data. Unfortunately, a few days of downtime can drive to closure for many ill-prepared midsize businesses.

In the simplest explanation, data backup and recovery helps to optimize uptime and productivity while minimizing data loss regardless of the type of situation that negatively impacts daily business operations. Consider it a powerful insurance plan with real benefits.

Not to mention the surge of digital transformations makes it increasingly complicated to protect data while becoming increasingly critical. There isn’t a large organization today that has not fallen victim to a data breach and incurred tremendous financial losses. Whether you are a midsize business or an enterprise business, data backup and recovery should be a top priority. Even a small breach can cost over $40,000, which isn’t a small number for a midsize business.

Advanced planning is vital for midsize businesses. It’s about protecting your assets and your profits. Similar to an insurance policy, your managed data backup and recovery partner can ensure you never have to face downtime or disruption. As a result, your customers are more confident in your services as are your employees and suppliers. You can never anticipate when a disaster will strike, but you will need your backup plan ready at all times.

All midsize businesses need data backup and recovery processes

If a major issue occurs, it may take weeks or months to get everything back online. In contrast, managed backup and recovery can ensure damages are minimized and your business is up-and-running asap. You also reduce your risk. Recovering data isn’t a thrilling process, but it’s better than facing a business closure.

There is significant value to having a backup solution in place to start by protecting against earthquakes, floods, blizzards, or any other natural disaster. On average, 90% of companies experience about a week of downtime after a natural disaster. Can your midsize business afford to cease operations for a week or more? And, many businesses that do incur downtime of a week or more end up closing permanently within 12 months. However, a managed data backup and recovery partner can help to mitigate the impact of a natural disaster.

Further, it keeps your customers’ data safe. There isn’t a business around that wants to fall victim to a data breach for multiple reasons. For example, it would spell a public relations disaster, and that’s just a start. It can cost current and future business, as well. Cyber criminals are expanding their efforts every day, and they are counting on midsize businesses to be vulnerable to their attacks.

In addition, humans can make mistakes. Your employees may inadvertently pose risks and expose your company to data losses. One bad choice, or perhaps opening a malicious link can lead to a compromise. Since you can never predict these types of occurrences, it’s vital to partner with a managed data backup and recovery provider to ensure you have adequate protocols in place.

Last but not least, your networks are not infallible. Eventually, issues come up. There isn’t such a thing as a 100% fail-safe system. So, mitigate your risks by deploying robust managed data backup and recovery procedures. Always consider scalability, access, integration, and cost-savings.

In summary

Don’t delay your search for the right managed data backup and recovery provider. SSI has been providing expert data backup and recovery services and solutions with customized packages that work for midsize businesses.

Time and experience has helped us develop best practices and workflow procedures around a proactive philosophy designed to keep your focus on your business, not your technology.