Reliable, Automated Data Backups – Automation is the only way you can ensure the accuracy and availability of your most recent data backup. Backups are the backbone of your server disaster recovery strategy, but how often they’re done and where they’re stored will vary with your use. Automated backups can happen as frequently as every 15 minutes. In fact, 15 minutes is a baseline for most modern workplaces.
Acceptable Recovery Time – Recovery time can make or break your disaster recovery plan. Everything has a limit, and your business should clearly define how long an application or system can be down. The restore process is typically measured in hours, minutes, or even seconds. Most disaster recovery plans start at an acceptable recovery time and work backward from there.
Recovery Point Objective – Different applications need different data, and when you have an automated backup system, it should match your recovery needs. Even data that’s a few hours old is unacceptable for many modern systems. If your team has to work outside the office, the recovery point prioritizes your business applications so they can get back to work with little disruption.
Planned Scalability – Too often, a company invests in a disaster recovery plan only to have growth outpace the system’s ability to protect increasing amounts of data. A proper backup and disaster recovery strategy reflects predicted growth. This includes updating bring-your-own-device policies to secure data used by remote employees and actively planning for when a device is lost or if an employee leaves the company.
Layered Cybersecurity – Backups used to be the ace in the hole for businesses when dealing with ransomware and malware. These days, a determined ransomware attack can isolate and lock down data backups if the data isn’t protected with a layered approach. This approach means your staff is fully trained to identify phishing emails and avoid risky activity while your technology protects backups, so you can retrieve data kidnapped by hackers and avoid a costly ransom.
Test and Test Again – How will you know that your backups work when the time comes? Frequent tests give you peace of mind knowing your backups are ready at a moment’s notice and that they’re adequate to continue your business.