data backup – Objective Technologies

The 5 most common data backup solutions

Objective — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 20:00:31 +0000

For any business, data is more than just information; it’s an invaluable asset that drives decision-making and strategy. Losing data can result in massive setbacks and even threaten the very existence of your organization. This is where data backup solutions come into play — they provide a way to securely store and retrieve important data in case of system failures, human error, or cyberattacks. Here are the five most common data backup solutions you should consider to safeguard your business.

Cloud backup

This solution leverages the power of the internet to store your data in a remote, off-site location. A third-party provider manages the infrastructure and offers storage space, often on a subscription basis. This means you don’t have to invest in expensive hardware or worry about maintaining it, as the provider takes care of everything.

Cloud backup solutions offer scalability, cost-effectiveness, and high accessibility. However, they require a stable internet connection to transfer data, and there may be additional costs for exceeding storage limits. The cloud may also not be suitable for storing highly sensitive data due to potential security risks.

Local backup

Local backup involves storing data on physical devices such as external hard drives, USBs, or tapes. This offers complete control over your backups and allows for quick restoration in case of data loss. Additionally, local backup doesn’t require an internet connection and can be a more cost-effective solution in the long run compared to cloud backup.

However, local backups are susceptible to physical damage, theft, or loss due to natural disasters. They also require regular maintenance and updates to ensure data is backed up properly. It’s crucial to have multiple copies of your backups and store them in different locations for added security.

Hybrid backup

As the name suggests, this solution combines both cloud and local backup options. It offers the best of both worlds by providing on-site storage for quick data recovery and off-site storage for added protection against disasters. This hybrid approach allows businesses to customize their backup strategies according to their specific needs and budget.

However, setting up a hybrid backup can be complex, and maintaining it may require additional resources. It’s essential to have a well-defined plan in place to ensure data is backed up correctly and restored efficiently when needed.

Backup appliances

Also known as backup and recovery appliances, these are specialized hardware devices designed to streamline the backup process. They offer a comprehensive solution by integrating both hardware and software components into one device. This simplifies data management and reduces the risk of human error.

Backup appliances come with a higher upfront cost but can be more efficient in the long run by providing faster backups and recoveries. They also offer better security features such as encryption and data deduplication.

Removable media

This is a traditional method of backing up data by using physical storage media such as CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs. While it may seem outdated, removable media can still be a viable option for small businesses with limited data storage needs. It’s a cost-effective solution that doesn’t require an internet connection and allows for easy portability.

However, as with any physical storage, there is a risk of damage or loss. The media may also become obsolete over time, making it difficult to access data in the future.

While these five solutions are the most common data backup options, there are many other methods available depending on your specific needs and preferences. Some businesses may opt for traditional tape backups, while others may choose virtual or server backup solutions. Consult with our data backup experts today to determine the most suitable option for your business and ensure the safety and accessibility of your valuable data.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

How to protect your business from hurricanes

Objective — Wed, 03 Aug 2022 20:00:11 +0000

In 2021, the United States experienced one of the most active storm seasons on record, upsetting businesses already dealing with a pandemic. For companies without a good disaster recovery plan, the consequences were devastating. This is why your business should have a hurricane disaster recovery plan.

What is a hurricane disaster recovery plan?

A hurricane disaster recovery plan is a written set of procedures on how to respond to a hurricane. Just like a standard disaster recovery plan, this policy contains steps that should be taken before, during, and after a hurricane, including:

How to anticipate and mitigate the effects of a hurricane
Emergency procedures to ensure everyone’s safety
Steps for restoring vital business systems and operations
Long-term plans for full business recovery

How to create a hurricane disaster recovery plan

While each organization’s hurricane disaster recovery plan is unique to its industry, the basic framework should contain the following:

1. Risk assessment Conducting a comprehensive risk assessment will help pinpoint vulnerabilities your company must address. This lets you prioritize the most critical parts of your planning and help you shape your hurricane disaster recovery policy.

2. Preventive planning While it’s impossible to stop a hurricane, anticipating and carefully planning for it can help prevent serious damage to your business. Think about how people board up their windows before a hurricane strikes. You need to take preventive steps to protect vital aspects of your business from a hurricane. This includes:

Backing up your data Data backup is an important component of any disaster recovery strategy. Even if a hurricane does not completely destroy your IT infrastructure, the disruption caused by the loss of huge quantities of data can lead to lost productivity and revenue.Having a robust data backup system allows you to quickly restore vital business data and minimize downtime caused by a hurricane. Examples of data backup solutions include:
- Off-site backups – Storing copies of your backups in off-site data backup centers in areas rarely hit by hurricanes is an ideal solution. This ensures that you will have secure copies of your data even if your servers and computers are destroyed during a hurricane.
- Cloud storage – Cloud storage lets you access your data and files remotely, as long as you have a stable internet connection. This allows employees to work from home in case your offices suffer severe damage.
Protecting physical assets During a hurricane, the biggest threat to your servers and other electronic equipment is flooding and water damage. Here are some ways you can keep them safe.
- Avoid storing servers in the basement, as this is usually the first area that will be flooded.
- Choose a storage room with no water pipes in the walls and ceiling to prevent water from leaking in.
- Install flood detectors to warn you if water enters your facility.
- Invest in turtle shells to protect electrical equipment from leaks.

3. Response This covers the emergency procedures that should be taken during a hurricane to minimize the risk of injury to employees, such as:

Guidelines on how to protect oneself from strong winds
Where to take refuge if trapped in the building
Evacuation policies to ensure everyone’s safety

You should also include the names and contact information of emergency personnel to ensure all safety measures are carried out properly.

4. Restoration This contains steps on how to restore critical business operations and systems after a hurricane, and who will be responsible for the restoration process. It should include clear instructions on what needs to be restored first, such as:

Data backups
Power
Network access
Servers and other damaged equipment

Conducting a business impact analysis will identify critical business systems and help you formulate an effective restoration plan that will get your business back up and running as soon as possible.

5. Recovery Even if your company restores vital systems quickly, you still need a complete, long-term recovery plan. It should include details on how the company will fully restore operations to pre-hurricane levels. Here are some examples:

Repairing of damaged structures
Replacement of destroyed equipment
Relocation of business if needed
Returning the workforce to full capacity

Hurricanes are unpredictable, but having a disaster recovery plan in place will help you recover as quickly as possible. Talk to our experts today to learn more about disaster recovery planning.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

How to secure your data using File History in Windows 10

Objective — Wed, 22 Jun 2022 20:00:24 +0000

Whether you use a Windows 10 laptop or desktop for work or personal use, you’ll realize that it can quickly accumulate a large amount of data. Hardware failure, cyberattacks, and natural disasters can put this data at risk of being lost forever. Backing up your data regularly is the best way to prevent data loss, and here’s how you can do it.

Setting up File History in Windows 10

File History is a Windows feature that allows you to create scheduled backups of your data on a removable storage device (e.g., external hard drive, flash drive). To set up File History, click Start > Settings > Update & Security > Backup > Back up using File History > Add a drive.

Windows will search and display a list of ‌drives connected to your computer. Choose the one you want to use, then click on More options. This will take you to the Backup options screen where you can set up the parameters for your backup.

Under Back up my files, you can choose how frequently Windows will backup your files. Keep my backups lets you determine how long you want to keep your saved data.

File History is designed to save common folders such as Downloads, Desktop, and Music by default. If you want to add more folders to save, scroll down the Backup options window and click Add a folder. A list of folders will appear and you can choose which ones you want to add.

To remove a folder, just review the list of folders under Backup options, select the folders you want to exclude and click Remove.

After setting up your backup parameters, click Back up now. Windows will create a backup of the folders you included in the Backup options. Once done, the system will give you an overview of the size of the backup and the time and date it was created.

Restoring your files in Windows 10

If one or more of your files disappear or get corrupted, you can use the File History backup you created to restore them. Click Start > Settings > Backup > More options > Restore files from a current backup.

You’ll see a list of all the saved folders. Choose the ones you want to restore, then click the green button at the bottom of the window to restore the folders. If the original files and folders on your computer disappeared, Windows will restore them to their previous locations.

If the original files and folders still exist but are corrupted or inaccessible, Windows will give you the option to keep the original files, replace them, or compare them. Replacing corrupted files with the ones from your File History backup will allow you to access the most recent version of the file before it was backed up.

In case you want to stop using File History, just go to Start > Settings > Backup > Back up using File History, and turn off the Automatically back up my files option.

Backing up your data is an essential task that needs to be done regularly. Call our experts today to learn more about saving and restoring data in Windows.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Ensuring business continuity with cloud technology

Objective — Fri, 18 Mar 2022 20:00:10 +0000

There are several ways to ensure business continuity, and storing your company’s data in the cloud is undoubtedly one of the best. In this post, we’ll discuss the advantages of cloud storage over other backup media and why your company should invest in it.

Improved uptime

Many business owners think it’s enough to store copies of their files either on an external hard drive or a separate computer housed within their office. Unfortunately, this tactic can go wrong in so many ways. First, it’s possible for bad actors to steal these devices and obtain the data they contain. Second, these devices are susceptible to damage caused by local disasters, cyberattacks, and errors committed by staff. If any of these were to happen, the business would lose access to its backups and might suffer downtime.

In contrast, cloud-hosted backups are always readily accessible with an internet-connected device. Cloud servers are located off-site, so they are not vulnerable to natural disasters in your immediate locale. What’s more, cloud service providers (CSPs) are obligated to keep their servers operational at all times. They make this possible by implementing top-grade cybersecurity measures and various redundancies, such as alternate servers and power supply systems.

Fast resource provisioning

During the backup creation process, spikes in user activity and resource usage can slow down websites and applications running in the background. A CSP can help you address this issue by monitoring user activities, enabling them to see spikes before or as they happen. The provider can then provision resources and virtual machines as needed to manage the influx of users.

Control over backup frequency

Since your employees could work on files and update information throughout the day, you must back up your files as frequently as necessary. Doing so ensures that you have the latest copies of your files even after a sudden outage.

With the cloud, you no longer have to worry about the frequency of your backups. CSPs offer round-the-clock and other fixed backup frequencies, as well as custom backup schedules tailored to your business’s unique requirements. Some services can even create backups as you perform changes on your files, ensuring up-to-date information at any time.

Support for flexible work setups

With flexible working arrangements becoming more and more popular, it’s now even more imperative for your business to invest in the cloud for backup storage. External hard disks, flash drives, and other offline storage media are accessible only to employees working in the office. During events that prevent workers from going to the office, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, depending on offline backups could result in your business ceasing operations altogether.

Cloud storage is accessible anywhere and anytime. This means that no matter where they choose to work, your staff will be able to access the files they need and remain productive as long as they have an internet connection.

Businesses around the world are leveraging the power of the cloud not just to ensure their continued operations but also to support their growth. If you’re looking for a managed cloud backup service to protect your business data, give us a call today to see how we can help.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

7 Steps to making your data hurricane-proof

Objective — Mon, 19 Jul 2021 20:00:52 +0000

Hurricanes are a common occurrence in many parts of the United States. Not only do they destroy property and endanger lives, but they can also disrupt your business’s operations. In this blog, we offer tips on how you can ensure fast access to your data following a disaster and immediately get back to business.

Determine recovery hierarchy

Certain parts of your IT system are more mission-critical than others. Ask yourself which systems and/or data must be recovered in minutes, hours, or days so your business can resume operations quickly

For example, you may find that recovering sensitive customer information and eCommerce systems take priority over recovering your email server. Whatever the case may be, prioritizing your systems ensures that the right ones are recovered quickly after a disaster.

Pay attention to location

First and foremost, your backup site should be in a hurricane-free zone. Ideally, your off-site facility should be located at least 100 miles away from your main location. If this isn’t possible, make sure it is built to withstand wind speeds of 160 miles per hour (as fast as Category 5 storms) and is supported by backup generators and uninterruptible power supplies.

You should also request an upper floor installation or, at the very least, keep critical IT equipment 18 inches off the ground to prevent water damage in case of floods.

Use image-based backups

Unlike fragile tape backups, image-based backups take “snapshots” of your systems, creating a copy of the OS, software, and data stored in them. From there, you can easily boot the virtual image on any device, allowing you to back up and restore critical business systems in seconds.

Take advantage of the cloud

The cloud enables you to host applications and store data in high-availability, geo-redundant servers. This means your backups can be accessed via the internet, allowing authorized users to access critical files from any device. Expert technicians will also watch over and secure your backups, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of enterprise-level backup facilities and IT support.

Back up your data frequently

Back up your data as often as possible, especially during disaster season. If your latest backups were created on September 15th and a storm makes landfall in your area on the 28th, you could lose nearly two weeks of data.

Test your disaster recovery (DR) plan

After setting up your backups, check whether they are restoring your files accurately and on time. Your employees should be drilled on the recovery procedures and their responsibilities during and after a disaster. Your DR team should also be trained on how to failover to the backup site before the storm hits. Finally, providers, contractors, and customers need to be notified about how the hurricane will affect your operations.

As cell towers and internet connections may be affected during a hurricane, make sure your company forums are online and have your employees register with the Red Cross Safe and Well website so you can check their statuses.

It’s nearly impossible to experience disruptions during disasters like Harvey or Irma, but with the right support, you can minimize downtime. If you’re concerned about any natural disasters putting you out of business, call us today. We offer comprehensive business continuity services that every company should have.

Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.